The highly anticipated ICCA Middle East Summit 2025 officially commenced today at Exhibition World Bahrain, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators from the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Hosted under the leadership of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the summit marks a significant step in positioning Bahrain as a hub for international business events. The event was inaugurated by Khalid Al Zadjali, ICCA Middle East Chapter Chair, Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Chairman of Exhibition World Bahrain, and Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA & Chair of the Events Industry Council, alongside other distinguished leaders.
The two-day programme is designed around the central theme of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in business events, addressing how the Middle East is shaping the global meetings landscape. Sessions include Bahrain’s Tourism Vision and Global Meetings Perspective, keynotes on sustainable tourism, panel discussions on AI-driven destination marketing, workshops on future-ready tourism strategies, and case studies showcasing global best practices.
Exhibition World Bahrain, with its world-class infrastructure and 95,000 square meters of flexible event space, is the proud host venue for this summit. Delegates will also experience Bahrain’s cultural heritage through an exclusive tour, highlighting landmarks such as Bahrain Fort, Muharraq Souq, and the Al Fateh Mosque, followed by networking opportunities to strengthen regional and global partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, Sara Ahmed Buhiji said: “This summit reflects Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the business events industry. It is not only a platform for dialogue but also a catalyst for strengthening partnerships that will shape the future of tourism and MICE in the Middle East.”
Dr. Senthil Gopinath added: “The Middle East is rapidly becoming a powerhouse for global business events. This summit showcases the region’s shared vision for sustainability, innovation, and cultural authenticity.”
The ICCA Middle East Summit 2025 is expected to reinforce Bahrain’s position as a premier destination for international meetings while creating a lasting legacy for the region’s business events industry.
