Manama: Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, met with Chris Skeith, CEO and Managing Director of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI); Said Al Shanfari, UFI President-elect for 2027 - 2028 and CEO of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre; and Naji Al Haddad, UFI Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, during their visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain to oversee preparations for the 93rd UFI Congress, scheduled for next November.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister emphasized that hosting the 93rd UFI Congress marks a significant achievement in bolstering Bahrain's reputation as a premier destination for business tourism and events. She highlighted the international confidence in the Kingdom's capability to host and organize large-scale global events, citing its advanced infrastructure, world-class facilities, and competitive advantages that solidify its position on the global exhibitions and conferences map.
She further assured that preparations for the Congress are advancing in close collaboration with relevant entities to ensure a successful event that matches its international stature. The minister expressed enthusiasm about welcoming exhibition industry professionals and representatives globally to Bahrain, showcasing the Kingdom's capabilities and promising opportunities in business tourism and exhibitions.
The meeting also focused on ongoing preparations for the Congress and the cooperation between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and UFI. As part of the visit, the delegation inspected the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, reviewed its facilities and preparations, and interacted with teams organizing the event. They also toured multiple sites across the Kingdom designated to host accompanying Congress events.
Chris Skeith conveyed his delight at visiting Bahrain and engaging with representatives of the tourism sector and the organizing teams. He noted the progress and commitment displayed by the hosts, recognizing Bahrain as an exceptional destination for the global exhibition industry community. Skeith looks forward to UFI members and industry representatives convening in Bahrain in November for a dialogue-rich and participatory edition.
Said Al Shanfari remarked on the Middle East's growing prominence in the global exhibition industry, asserting that Bahrain's hosting of the Congress underscores this trend. He acknowledged the visit as an opportunity to review preparations and highlighted the robust cooperation between UFI and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Al Shanfari anticipates returning to Bahrain in November to welcome industry peers from across the globe.
The 93rd UFI Congress is set to take place in Bahrain from November 2 to 5 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, under the auspices of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Registration remains open to professionals and stakeholders in business tourism, meetings, conferences, and exhibitions who are registered members of UFI, the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO).