ASM Global has officially launched the 950,000-square-foot Exhibition World Bahrain—the largest exhibition centre in the Middle East—adding to its portfolio of more than 350 venues around the world.

The new mega venue marks a milestone in the region’s economic development and is expected to play a key role in advancing the economic competitiveness and positioning of Bahrain as a major global destination for regional and international conventions.

“This moment is the culmination of our plan developed during the pandemic leveraging our belief that this part of the world would be the quickest to not only return to normal but move quickly to dramatically increase its convention and exhibition market share,” ASM Global president and chief executive officer Ron Benison said.

“We’re also looking forward to leveraging the widest network in the world within the MICE industry to create unique experiences built on years of expertise.”

Exhibition World Bahrain is unique for its adaptable and flexible design, featuring 10 halls with a combined total of 95,000 square metres. The spectacular Grand Hall has a capacity of 4,000 seated guests and is supported by 94 meeting rooms as well as 25 food & beverage and retail outlets throughout the exhibition concourse. The centre’s spacious design enables it to host a number of events simultaneously, making it an attractive location for local, regional and international exhibitions, conventions, galas, weddings, concerts, sports, and live entertainment events.

Exhibition World Bahrain is owned by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), which plans to utilise ASM Global’s wider network within the MICE industry to create unique experiences built on years of expertise.

The launch ceremony included a fireworks spectacular and was attended by a number of dignitaries including on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

Following the grand opening, Exhibition World Bahrain immediately opened to the public with three concurrent events expected to see well over 100,000 visitors over the span of five days.