Sakhir, Bahrain – 02 October 2024: Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), the world-class exhibition and convention centre and a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, is making history by hosting the 29th edition of Routes World 2024 for the first time in the Middle East. This global aviation event marks a significant milestone for EWB, a premier venue for international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.
With over 2,500 participants and more than 200 exhibitors expected from across the globe, EWB is gearing up to deliver an exceptional experience from October 6th to 8th, 2024. This event is a showcase not just for the aviation industry but for Bahrain’s growing prominence as a MICE destination, made possible through the unique capabilities and forward-thinking approach of EWB.
Transforming Space for Success
EWB’s ability to host a global event of this magnitude speaks to the venue’s adaptability and state-of-the-art facilities. To prepare for Routes World 2024, EWB has undergone a comprehensive transformation. Four of its expansive exhibition halls (7, 8, 9, and 10) have been converted into dynamic spaces tailored to accommodate a wide array of event activities, ensuring smooth operations and easy accessibility and transition through the halls to provide a seamless experience for both attendees and exhibitors. These halls, equipped with the latest technology to cater to different event formats, are designed to foster ease of movement and facilitate an effortless flow of crowds.
Providing high-capacity loading docks, well-equipped meeting rooms, ample storages spaces; the venue’s strategic layout and progressive infrastructure combined with ultramodern facilities, reinforces the venue’s reputation as a global standard in event hosting. It is this level of planning and execution that positions EWB as a prime choice for international conferences like Routes World.
Culinary Experience: A Tailored Experience
Understanding the importance of a holistic event experience, EWB has placed a strong emphasis on its culinary offerings. Delegations and exhibitors from around the world, including Hong Kong—the hosts of the 2025 edition of Routes World—have requested bespoke menus that reflect their cultural heritage. EWB’s culinary team, operating from a state-of-the-art kitchen facility spanning over 3,600 sqm, is prepared to meet these requests, offering a diverse range of cuisines, from Asian to Mediterranean, and European flavours. This attention to detail reflects EWB’s commitment to delivering an immersive and culturally rich experience for every attendee.
For Routes World 2024, EWB’s culinary team reaches a new milestone, catering to the highest number of international exhibitors to date while ensuring that each request is met with precision, reflecting the unique cuisine and culinary experiences of each exhibitor’s respective destination.
With a production capacity to cater for up to 10,000 guests simultaneously, EWB ensures that the culinary experience will be just as memorable as the event itself. This meticulous planning highlights the venue’s versatility and dedication to creating a comprehensive event experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Launch of EWB’s Exhibitor Services Desk
Hosting an event on the scale of Routes World requires flawless logistical planning, and EWB has left no stone unturned in ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees. The venue boasts over 1,400 main parking spaces and an additional 2,800 overflow spaces, supported by a well-coordinated shuttle bus service to streamline transportation to and from the event space.
The EWB team has also introduced an exhibition services hot desk, dedicated to addressing all the needs of organisers and exhibitors throughout the event. This proactive step reflects EWB’s commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that every detail is managed to deliver a seamless experience for all visitors. By enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring smooth event operations, EWB reinforces Bahrain’s reputation as a capable and hospitable destination for global events.
A Commitment to Industry Leadership and Excellence
EWB’s hosting of Routes World 2024 demonstrates its capacity to lead in the global MICE industry. This landmark event serves as a platform to showcase Bahrain’s potential to the world, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international tourism, trade, and investment. As part of Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, this event supports the positioning of the Kingdom as a leading regional hub for business tourism and international conferences.
Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), Chairman of Exhibition World Bahrain and Board member of Gulf Air captured the significance of this moment, stating, “We are excited to welcome the global route development community for the first time in the Middle East. EWB’s outstanding facilities and build-up will create the perfect environment for networking and interaction, advancing the tourism, travel, and aviation sectors. Hosting Routes World 2024 is not only significant for our MICE offering as a country, but for the Kingdom of Bahrain to further its pivotal role in influencing the future of global travel and trade.” Steven Small, Director of Events of Routes World at Informa Markets, shared his thoughts, adding: “We are delighted to be holding the 29th edition of our flagship event, Routes World, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The Kingdom of Bahrain has emerged as a prominent regional hub for exhibition and conference tourism, a position that has been enhanced by the state-of-the-art facilities at Exhibition World Bahrain. With previous host destinations of Routes World seeing air route network expansion outpace competitors by 5.2%, I am confident that this event will fuel further growth of the MICE industry for the Kingdom. This confidence has already been echoed by Informa’s expanded operations here in Bahrain. Over 680 of the world’s leading airlines, airports, destinations, and industry suppliers will be represented at the event next month, with more than 100 of these organisations exhibiting or sponsoring. This is a global platform for the Kingdom of Bahrain – over 110 countries will witness first-hand the opportunities it has to offer.
