A Tourism Boom Ahead of Schedule
More than 15 million visitors arrived in 2025, as Bahrain prepares a packed winter calendar of events, culture and business.
Bahrain has surpassed its 2026 tourism target a year early, welcoming more than 15 million visitors in 2025, according to the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
The figure exceeds the Kingdom’s target of 14.1 million visitors set under its 2022–2026 tourism strategy.
The strategy aimed to expand Bahrain’s tourism offering beyond traditional leisure, with marine, business, sports, recreational, medical and cultural tourism forming key parts of the plan.
Major events helped drive visitor numbers, including the 2025 Asian Youth Games, the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup, international concerts and large-scale events at Exhibition World Bahrain.
As Bahrain marks World Tourism Day, attention now turns to a busy winter season designed to maintain the momentum.
The 22nd IISS Manama Dialogue will take place from October 30 to November 1, bringing ministers, policymakers and decision-makers to Bahrain for discussions on regional foreign policy, defence and security.
Exhibition World Bahrain will then host Jewellery Arabia from November 24 to 28. The 34th edition is expected to feature more than 600 exhibitors from 29 countries and attract over 56,000 visitors. Cityscape Bahrain and Scent Arabia will run alongside the event.
National Day celebrations on December 16 and 17 will add to the year-end calendar, while Muharraq Nights will transform parts of the historic Pearling Path into a month-long cultural destination featuring exhibitions, performances, markets and activities.
Preparations are also under way at the Pearling Path, with restoration and activation work planned at several historic sites.
Meanwhile, Hawa Al Manama continues to revive the atmosphere of Bahrain’s old souq through local businesses, food, retail and entertainment.
The events calendar will continue into the new year with the Autumn Fair, Bahrain Food Festival and Spring of Culture.
With the 15 million-visitor milestone already achieved, Bahrain’s next challenge is to build on that growth and attract more visitors through a year-round mix of events, culture and experiences.
Hasan Barakat
NOB Reporter ✓⃝
Hasan Barakat is a reporter at The Daily Tribune in Bahrain, covering local affairs with a focus on Parliament, municipal councils, government initiatives and community issues. His reporting explores matters that directly affect residents, including housing, infrastructure, public services and the environment. Beyond daily news coverage, he produces local vlogs and creative stories exploring Bahrain’s social issues, history, heritage and traditions, while also discovering and promoting hidden gems across the Kingdom. Barakat also works in visual journalism, including photography, photo editing and video production, combining written and multimedia storytelling to bring Bahrain’s stories closer to audiences.