Bahrain could soon be stepping into the WWE ring, with plans being explored to bring a permanent WWE Experience attraction to Zallaq and potentially turn the kingdom into the wrestling giant’s next regional powerhouse.
The Southern Municipal Council is examining the possibility of introducing the immersive entertainment concept near Exhibition World Bahrain, inspired by the success of its Riyadh venue.
Councillors say that the vision stretches beyond fan entertainment, with ambitions of attracting an NXT training centre and even the first WWE Vault museum outside the United States.
Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said Bahrain was ideally positioned to build on the growing entertainment links between the kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
“Bahrain has everything needed to become an exciting second hub for WWE in the region,” he said.
“We are only a few hours from Riyadh by road, and the success of the WWE Experience there shows the strong appetite for this type of entertainment. We want to explore how Bahrain can complement what is already happening in Saudi Arabia, rather than simply copy it.”
Mr Abdullatif said Bahrain’s proximity to Riyadh made it a natural partner in any future expansion.
“Riyadh is around a five-hour drive via the King Fahad Causeway, giving us a unique opportunity to create a Bahrain-Saudi entertainment corridor where fans can enjoy different attractions on both sides,” he said.
“This is about thinking big. Bahrain has always been capable of turning its size into an advantage, and a WWE presence could be another example of that.”
The council is expected to explore the concept with the relevant authorities before determining whether formal proposals can be developed.
Members are planning to open discussions with the Sustainable Development Ministry, Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), Edamah and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority to examine the feasibility of bringing WWE-related attractions and facilities to Bahrain.
The council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Ali Al Shaikh said the concept could create a major new attraction for residents, tourists and wrestling fans across the Gulf.
“Imagine walking into a WWE Experience in Zallaq and becoming a Superstar for the day,” he said.
“You could create your own wrestler profile, choose between Raw and SmackDown, dress as your favourite superstar and make your grand entrance through the tunnel!. Then you step into the WWE Super Dome and suddenly find yourself at the heart of the action,” he added.
The Riyadh WWE Experience, located in Boulevard City, is billed as the world’s first fully immersive permanent WWE fan attraction. Its expanded 2026 version features interactive museum displays, themed escape rooms, a huge merchandise centre and exhibits celebrating decades of WWE history. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Crown Jewel and Hall of Immortals, view championship belts and WrestleMania memorabilia, or take on the Undertaker’s Graveyard Escape challenge.
Mr Al Shaikh believes that Bahrain could potentially go even further. “Why stop at the Experience?” he said.
“If we can attract WWE to Bahrain, we should also discuss the possibility of NXT training facilities and a WWE Vault. Hosting the first WWE Vault outside the US would put Bahrain firmly on the international entertainment map.”
WWE, one of the world’s best-known professional wrestling promotions, has been entertaining audiences for decades, combining live sport, theatre, music and larger-than-life characters.
Saudi Arabia is set to become the first country outside the United States to host WrestleMania when it stages the event next April.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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