93rd UFI Global Congress 2026 in the Kingdom of Bahrain

The 93rd UFI Global Congress took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 2 to 5 November 2026, hosted by Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) and Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).

Under the theme “Stronger Connections, Smarter Futures”, the congress welcomed industry leaders and voices from within and beyond the sector to explore opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the exhibition industry.

Sara Ahmed Buhejji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), comments:

“Hosting the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain has been a tremendous success and a defining milestone for our business events sector. We are proud to have welcomed the global exhibitions community to the Kingdom and showcased Bahrain’s capabilities as an international destination for exhibitions and conferences.

Our collaboration with UFI has been influential in making this event a success, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the global exhibitions industry, strengthening international partnerships, and creating new opportunities for growth. We immensely value UFI’s partnership and look forward to building on this successful collaboration to further elevate Bahrain’s presence on the global MICE landscape.”

Lord Stephen A. Carter, who has been Group CEO of Informa PLC for 13 years, emphasised the enduring power of face-to-face relationships and the importance of accurate data in delivering more personalised, valuable live experiences. Closing keynote speaker Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, explored the importance of delivering meaningful experiences in an increasingly digital world. Together, the sessions reinforced the industry’s ability to connect people, build communities and create opportunities for business.