Manama
Bahrain
GDN DESTINATION REPORT
Overview: Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is an important destination within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN). As a financial hub in the Middle East, Manama plays a significant role in regional diplomacy and international relations. Its strategic location in the Persian Gulf, coupled with its advanced infrastructure, has positioned Manama as a prime location for governmental and institutional events. The identification of Manama as a key destination by the GDN underscores its importance in the sector of Governmental and Institutional Travel, highlighting its role in fostering diplomacy and global cooperation in the region.
Infrastructure and services
Recent Updates: Manama has seen considerable investments in infrastructure to enhance its capacity to host large-scale governmental events. The expansion of Bahrain International Airport and the development of the Bahrain Bay area have significantly improved the city's ability to accommodate international delegations. Key venues such as the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offer state-of-the-art facilities for high-profile conferences and events. Manama provides a comprehensive service ecosystem, including luxury hotels, advanced security services, and efficient logistics, all tailored to meet the demands of international gatherings.
Benchmarking destinations
Comparison with Other Key Destinations: Compared to other capitals in the region, such as Doha in Qatar and Kuwait City in Kuwait, Manama distinguishes itself through its financial and business-friendly environment. While Doha is known for its cultural and sports events and Kuwait City for its oil-driven economy, Manama offers a unique blend of financial expertise and regional influence. According to data from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), Manama has seen a 15% increase in international governmental events from 2018 to 2023. The city's strategic importance is growing, with annual revenues from governmental and corporate events estimated at $100 million.
Growth projections
Growth Projections: The governmental and institutional travel sector in Manama is expected to continue its strong growth in the coming years. Based on projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Manama is anticipated to experience annual growth of 6% to 8% in this sector. This growth will be driven by ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the further development of the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and new hotel projects in the city center. It is estimated that by 2028, revenues generated by the MICE sector in Manama could exceed $150 million annually, solidifying its position as a leading destination for governmental and institutional events in the Middle East.
Successful experiences
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit (2020): Manama successfully hosted the GCC Summit in 2020, bringing together leaders from the Gulf states to discuss regional cooperation and economic policies. This event highlighted Manama's capability to organize large-scale international gatherings. Another success story is the Bahrain International Airshow, which has positioned Manama as a key player in the global aviation industry.
Testimonials
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain: 'Manama stands as a center of diplomacy and progress in the Middle East. Our city is well-equipped to host international events that shape the future of our region and the world.' Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Secretary-General of the GCC: 'The organization of the GCC Summit in Manama was exemplary, showcasing the city's readiness to engage with the global community on critical issues.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chairman of Tamkeen: 'The Bahrain International Airshow has solidified Manama's role as a global hub for aviation and economic collaboration.'
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Green Initiatives: Manama is committed to sustainability in event management, with initiatives such as the adoption of renewable energy in key venues and the promotion of eco-friendly transportation options for international delegates. The city is also advancing circular economy practices, focusing on waste reduction and the use of locally sourced materials in event planning. These efforts contribute to Manama's broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic diversification.
Social impact
Local Development: Governmental events in Manama have significantly contributed to local development, creating jobs and enhancing skills in sectors such as logistics, security, and hospitality. The city has implemented extensive training programs for local workers and actively involves small and medium-sized enterprises in the event supply chain. These initiatives have strengthened social cohesion and promoted economic growth, contributing to Bahrain's Vision 2030 goals.
Conclusion
Key Points Summary: Manama is establishing itself as a central hub within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN), with a rapidly developing infrastructure, a growing ecosystem of sophisticated services, and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. As the city continues to expand its influence on the international stage, its strategic location and proven ability to host high-profile governmental events make it a vital player in the Middle East. Expectations are that Manama will continue to strengthen its role as a preferred destination for diplomacy and major international events in the coming years.
The information presented in this GDN REPORT on government destinations has been prepared to offer a comprehensive overview of the most strategic destinations globally. In this research process, a wide range of sources and studies carried out by prestigious international consulting, tourism and travel firms, as well as by international organizations such as the WTTC and UN Tourism, have been used. In addition, local, national and international reports have been incorporated, ensuring a comprehensive and global perspective. To ensure accuracy and scientific rigor, data mining techniques, algorithms and artificial intelligence have been applied in the collection and analysis of the information. The result has been synthesized and condensed to offer clear, concise and truthful data, designed to provide decision-makers with the necessary tools to understand and make the most of the potential of these destinations. Our goal is to support the planning and organization of high-level events with accurate and relevant information, thus strengthening the role of each destination in diplomacy and international cooperation.