‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism’ events unveiled

Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, yesterday unveiled the calendar of events for the much-anticipated ‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism 2016’. 

This was announced during a press conference attended by Ahmed Al Nemah, Acting Undersecretary of Civil Aviation Affairs, Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications; Nawaf Al Koheji, Shop Bahrain Director; Sherif Al Mahdy,  Commercial Director at the Bahrain International Circuit and Jerad Bachar, Executive Director,  Tourism and Leisure, at the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

The press conference followed the official launch of ‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism’ held last week under the patronage of Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The ‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism’ initiative aims at strengthening the development of two-way tourism between the GCC countries and its people as well as familiarising the historic cities and  civilisations of the region. 

Manama was selected the ‘Capital of Gulf Tourism’ following a decision made by the GCC Ministers of Tourism last year. 

The initiative also acts as the starting point for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to revitalise the tourism sector in the Kingdom; paving the way for year-round events and activities in order to attract tourists and re-energise the tourism and hospitality sector. “Today, we launch our calendar of events which highlights the Kingdom’s offering in terms of its rich culture and heritage. As an accessible destination and the prime destination for the GCC families, we aim at strengthening the Kingdom’s position by offering a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year,” commented Shaikh Khaled.

January Majlis

The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority will host a monthly Majlis with the organisers of the Kingdom’s events in order to further promote the events to the local and regional audience. 

During the January Majlis, Shaikh Khaled announced that the ‘Bahrain Gaming Experience’ would take place between January 14 and 16 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in partnership with Sony. Furthermore, the Bahrain International Air Show will also be held between January 21 and 23. 

Commenting on the launch of Bahrain’s calendar of events,  Ahmed Al Nemah said: “The Bahrain International Air Show, since its inauguration in 2010, has enjoyed considerable success and has continued to evolve and grow to become a well-established event in the aviation industry calendar. Now, in its fourth edition, the show is expected to be the biggest to date which will see increased participation from companies and civil and military delegations from more countries than previous shows including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the Czech Republic, Georgia, India, Russia, France, Morocco, the UK, and Brazil. 

The 2016 show will also see the addition of new features such as the hosted buyer programme and other conferences which will further boost business and networking opportunities.” 

Nawaf Al Koheji said: “‘Shop Bahrain’, the largest event  in the Kingdom, is an initiative that aims at supporting the retail sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and attracting visitors from across the region to enjoy a 30-day celebration of the heritage, hospitality and tourism offering by providing a distinctive shopping experience filled with special offers and entertainment.”

On the calendar of events, Sherif Al Mahdy commented: “Bahrain International Circuit, the Home of Motorsports in the Middle East, boasts an eventful calendar in 2016 headlined by the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix held between April 1 and 3, along with a series of national and regional events such as the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship and the E.K. Kanoo Drag & Drift Nights. We anticipate an influx of GCC residents and tourists to attend the events being held at the Circuit.”

“The tourism sector continues to grow as a key economic contributor to Bahrain’s economy.  The recognition of Manama as the GCC Capital of Tourism is significant and timely as the stakeholders come together to move the industry forward,” Jerad Bachar said.

Shaikh Khaled also revealed the calendar of events for the first quarter of the year, including the ‘Food Festival’, a culinary exhibition that showcases the Kingdom’s emergence as a gastronomy destination. The ‘Food Festival’, being held between February 25 and March 3, aims at promoting the diversity, creativity and multicultural nature of the Kingdom. In addition, the ‘GCC Food and Travel Award’, being planned on February 27, is an awards ceremony targeting restaurants and hotels in the Kingdom of Bahrain and across the GCC.

During March and for the first time, Disney Live!, the world’s most successful and best-loved family show, will come to the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

The five-day programme, being held between March 15 and 19 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, will tantalise the audience with family-fun entertainment. 

‘Souqs of Bahrain’ will be held from March 9-15. The festival aims at endorsing the traditional and local Bahraini handicrafts while focusing on the traditional souq shopping experience. The event will be held in both the Manama and Muharraq souq.