MANAMA: A new working group comprising major businesses located in the southwest of Bahrain aims to synergise efforts in positioning the country as a leading events hub internationally.
In attendance at the inaugural meeting were Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa; Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi; Exhibition World Bahrain general manager Dr Debbie Kristiansen; Al Dana
Amphitheater chief executive Shane Chalmers; and Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa general manager Marco Den Ouden.
They were welcomed by Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) chief executive Amin Al Arrayed at its offices in the Arcapita Building.
Edamah, the real estate development arm of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, hosted the gathering.
Mr Al Arrayed opened proceedings by outlining the interconnection between the companies and how co-operative interaction would benefit all.
The southern region, home to major automotive, entertainment, and tourism destinations, is currently undergoing a transformation.
The business leaders undertook to meet every quarter, and to appoint representatives to meet monthly.
The entities will share their respective annual calendars to co-ordinate efforts and will explore joint activities for the region, such as events, shuttle services between the venues, and special packages for visitors.
The gathering represents a determination by the collective heads to support each other’s assets, to succeed with transparency, to establish regular communication between companies ensuring all are appraised of plans and deliverables, and to co-ordinate their activities so as to complement competencies and enhance the customer experience.
The GDN reported last year that Edamah is leading multi-million dinar investments aimed at creating a lasting impact on the economy.
These include three massive projects – the five-star Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa opening later this year, as well as two four-star boutique hotels and a beach club operated by the Minor Group, which are due to open in 2024.
Mr Al Arrayed had said that these hotels would support Exhibition World Bahrain, the largest exhibitions and events venue of its kind in the Middle East built at an investment $221.1 million, the Bahrain International Circuit – the first to host an F1 race in the region in 2004, and Al Dana Amphitheatre – a state-of-the-art, 10,000-seat live entertainment destination.
The exhibition centre is due to officially open shortly and will host Jewellery Arabia, Scent Arabia and Cityscape in November.
Dr Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen told the GDN this February that as many as 300 new jobs will be created once Exhibition World at Sakhir is running at full steam.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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