The Middle East Summit for the International Association for Meetings and Conferences 2025, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time, highlighted the growing position of the Kingdom in the global events industry. The summit brought together leaders, innovators and makers of a decision and events sector around the world, as the participants discussed ways to enhance the escalating role of the region as a pioneering business center, with a focus on technology, sustainability and infrastructure development as support for economic growth.
In comments to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the participants highlighted how leadership, innovation and installations are efficiently equipped to draw the future of meetings and conferences in the Middle East.
Dr. Centl Gubain, CEO of the International Association of Meetings and Conferences, stressed that the infrastructure is an essential element in strengthening the location of any city on the map of global meetings, explaining that conference and hotels centers are not just places for events, but rather as engines that translate the vision of cities into reality and enhance the growth of their economic sectors. He pointed out that Bahrain, with its advanced facilities and long -term vision in developing infrastructure, establishes its position as a promising destination to host international meetings.
Jobatin added that investing in the facilities is not only related to its size, but also its strategy in serving the destination, pointing out that conference centers are an essential pillar for the success of any city that seeks to install its position as a global center. He explained that the speed of growth in the Middle East reflects an increasing awareness of the leaders of the importance of making meetings and its role in supporting local economies, which distinguishes the region from other destinations.
He also stressed that the involvement of multiple sectors – such as health care, industry and agriculture – in the conference and conference industry reflects the breadth of its economic impact, exceeding the limits of traditional halls, stressing that this trend makes the region a candidate for unprecedented growth in this field. He explained that technology, especially artificial intelligence, has become a pivotal element in the development of the industry, as it allows more speed in completing tasks, making more accurate decisions, and providing more information, in a way that enriches the experience of the participants. He indicated that the optimal use of these technologies should be with the aim of enhancing human experience not replacing them.
For his part, Khaled Al -Zadjali, Head of the International Association for Constitutions and Convention in the Middle East and the director of the Oman Conference Office, praised Bahrain’s commitment to the development of the exhibition and conference sector, noting that hosting activities such as the summit allows the exchange of knowledge and strengthening partnerships and strengthening the Kingdom’s position globally in this field. He added that the returns of this sector are not limited to the organizers of events and halls, but rather extend to the community as a whole, including airlines, airports, transportation and hotels, which makes it a huge and integrated industry. He also explained that elements such as infrastructure and support services have become major determinants in assessing global destinations by the organizers.
In the same context, Anjo Gomez, Supreme Regional Director of the Association in the Middle East, said that the places of the activities are the largest pillar of its success, given the spaces, hospitality services and technical and security equipment it requires. She pointed out that the Middle East is witnessing unprecedented rapid growth, as it has achieved achievements within a year or two, equivalent to what took other decades, stressing that visitors notice in every visit new additions that reflect the vitality and development of the region.
As for Saif Mohamed Al -Midfa, CEO of the Sharjah Expo Center, he noted the enjoyment of Bahrain in the hospitable environment and an advanced infrastructure, praising the Bahrain International Exhibition Center as one of the most prominent and latest facilities in the region. He stressed that the exhibition industry in the region is based on the principle of integration, not competition, due to the convergence of centers to each other and the similarity of its components, which enhances the region’s ability to attract major events collectively.
The cannon pointed out that Bahrain takes advantage of its small size, which gives it the ability to try initiatives and apply changes quickly and effectively, in addition to its strategic geographical location, ports, free zones and qualified human capital. He considered that these factors combined make the Kingdom a unique destination in the exhibition and conference industry.
Regarding the role of technology, the cannon emphasized that artificial intelligence is a key factor in the next stage, as it contributes to improving customer experience and accelerating obtaining accurate information about their needs, with the need to ensure proper use and maintain cybersecurity. At the same time, he stressed that exhibitions and direct communication between humans will remain the essence of this industry, no matter how developing technology.
