What's on in Manama
Bahrain · 9 events coming up
Business events in Manama
Manama, Bahrain's capital, punches above its size in business events thanks to the kingdom's long-established role as a regional banking and Islamic finance centre and its oil and gas industry. The calendar mixes finance and investment forums, fintech and angel investor summits, energy and petroleum engineering conferences, healthcare congresses and security dialogues, with the IISS Manama Dialogue on regional security the best-known gathering. Large exhibitions take place at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, the kingdom's purpose-built exhibition centre, while most conferences use hotel venues in Manama such as the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, The Diplomat Radisson Blu and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The season runs from October to May. Bahrain is compact, so getting around is quick, though Sakhir is a drive from the capital. Bahrain International Airport is close to the city, and the King Fahd Causeway makes it easy to reach from Al Khobar and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, which is why many events draw a strong Saudi audience.
Last updated
11–12 May · ManamaEnergy & Environment
Frequently asked questions about events in Manama
- Where are exhibitions and conferences held in Bahrain?
- Large trade shows take place at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, the kingdom's main exhibition centre. Conferences, summits and awards are usually held in Manama's hotels, including the Gulf Hotel Bahrain and its convention centre, The Diplomat Radisson Blu and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Check each listing for the exact venue.
- Which industries are strongest at Manama's business events?
- Finance leads, reflecting Bahrain's role in banking, Islamic finance and fintech, with investment, angel investing and fintech summits. Energy is next, through oil and gas and petroleum engineering conferences. Healthcare congresses, safety and security events and regional policy dialogues round out the calendar.
- Do I need a visa to attend an event in Bahrain?
- GCC citizens need no visa. Citizens of many other countries can get an eVisa online before travel or a visa on arrival, and residents of other GCC states may also qualify depending on nationality and profession. Rules change, so check the official Bahrain eVisa portal before booking, especially if you are driving in over the King Fahd Causeway.
- When is the best time to attend events in Manama?
- October to May is the main season, with the busiest weeks from November to March. Summer is hot and humid and the calendar thins out. Weekends in Bahrain fall on Friday and Saturday, when Causeway traffic from Saudi Arabia peaks, so midweek arrivals are usually smoother.