Manama: The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has signed a joint framework with the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) aimed at supporting and developing sports tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain through the organisation of tourism and entertainment events during the 2025-2026 racing season. The initiative seeks to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading destination on the global sporting events map.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Majeed Mohammed Al Majid, Director of Business Development and Licensing at the BTEA, emphasised the Authority's commitment to enhancing the presence of horseracing within the tourism events programme. He underscored the important contribution this sport makes to the Kingdom's tourism sector, particularly amid ongoing improvements to the equestrian and horseracing industry's infrastructure and organisational capabilities. Al Majid noted that these advancements contribute to promoting sports tourism, which is one of the key pillars of the Tourism Sector Strategy 2022-2026.
On her part, Fatema Abdulwahab Al Balooshi, Director of Investment and Financial Sustainability at REHC, said that the collaboration with the Authority aligns with the Club's efforts to continue developing sports tourism and to leverage the cultural heritage of horseracing in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She highlighted the significant progress witnessed by the sector in hosting international championships and accompanying events, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the tourism sector.
This collaboration also supports the inclusion of horseracing within the tourism programmes approved by the BTEA, in recognition of the strong public turnout and engagement witnessed during local and international races and championships. It further aims to provide an integrated tourism experience for visitors from within the Kingdom of Bahrain and abroad by organising accompanying activities that enhance the entertainment and tourism aspects of the races and attract diverse audience segments.