As part of the 116th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Board meeting in Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA), met with Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al Khateeb, With the attendance of Dr. Nasser Ali Qaedi, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority.

During the meeting, they reviewed the fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where the minister confirmed the government's support for all ideas, initiatives and projects that will enhance and develop these relations in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly nations. The minister pointed to the many varied investment projects hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as joint ventures between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which emphasizes the depth of relations between the two countries. Then discussed the most prominent government plans and programs carried out by both countries to support and activate the tourism sector.​

The Joint Economic Committee between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its 37th meeting. Where HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism chaired the side  MOICT , and HE Mr. Sameer Bin Abdullah Nass, President of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chaired the side of BCCI, with the presence of members of the Joint Economic Committee on both sides.

The Minister congratulated the members of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of the new composition of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in its 30 round, wishing them continued success, and to work on the development of the economic sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

HE also noted the great role played by the BCCI  in supporting industrial and commercial development in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which serves the overall development process outlined by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH the Prime Minister.

The items on the agenda of the meeting were then discussed, as well as the review and follow-up of the topics that had been implemented, which were discussed at the Committee's previous meeting.

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism launched the (eCommerce Champions Overseas Program) on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in liaison with Export Bahrain and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), with the participation of the following leading companies: Annada Brand, Traditional Trends, Tru Active, Arihant Jewellers and Eatco as mentors and leading companies in the field of exports through eCommerce.

In this regard, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Ashraaf Assistant Undersecretary for Control and Resources stated that given the importance of the role of eCommerce in the digital economy growth and that the ministry is striving through the initiatives of the eCommerce National Strategy to facilitate the procedures and encourage the companies and establishments for digital transformation and motivate them to enter the global markets. In addition, the Ministry is working through the initiatives of the eCommerce National Strategy as a link between all the related parties in various related fields and sectors, as we aim through the collaborative work and efforts in achieving the vision of the eCommerce National Strategy. The current program is one of the initiatives which that will allow sharing the expertise of leading companies in the field of exports through ecommerce to companies and establishments that are interested in this field.

Mrs. Maram Al Mahmeed, Director of Information Systems Directorate stated that: "The Information Systems Directorate is determined to implement the initiatives of the eCommerce National Strategy to create an eCommerce ecosystem in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The eCommerce Champions Overseas Program was launched to boost the contribution of eCommerce in exports and support exports through eCommerce for companies and establishments by providing mentoring sessions that includes the leading companies' experiences in the field of exports to ensure that participants get a comprehensive mentoring experience. The qualified companies from this program will be selected and awarded the title of eCommerce Champion Overseas."

Export Bahrain Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Safa Abdulkhaliq stated: “Digital transformation and eCommerce plays a significant role in the growth and international visibility of businesses to take advantage of globe trade opportunities. The eCommerce Champions Overseas Mentorship Program is aligned with Export Bahrain's core values as our focus is to support and guide businesses to achieve their digital transformation through the various initiatives within our diverse and growing suite of solutions portfolio."

Moreover, the BIBF's Director, Dr. Ahmed Abdul Hameed Al-Shaikh, said, “The BIBF strives to enhance the chances of success by developing human capital and enhancing national competencies in the field of exporting and in digital technologies to adapt and employ them as needed in scaling up. He added: "We look forward to supporting MOICT in the launch of eCommerce Champions Overseas Program. Through this partnership, we look forward to the success of this program which will further support the expansion of business performance beyond geographical locations and into regional and international markets."

Registration is still ongoing to all companies and establishments that are interested in exports through eCommerce to join the program and gaining insights on successful stories in this field and getting the required knowledge and experiences. For registration, please visit the link https://service.moic.gov.bh/champions, for further information or inquiries please contact us on 17574888 or by email ecom@www.moic.gov.bh.

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) has announced the innovative identity of the New Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC) in Sakhir.

Bahrain IECC is planned to be launched by the end of this year, with the goal of strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain's status as a leading destination for exhibitions, events, and enterprises, as well as attracting future tourism investments and events to the area.

His Excellency Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, affirmed that this unique architectural edifice, is a result of the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to further develop this vital sector.

 HE the Minister said that the reveal of the identity of New Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sakhir is a key element in showcasing the centre's importance at the regional and global levels.

The minister added that this innovative embodiment of the identity reflects  the significance of this centre, which is the region's largest and newest of its kind. The centre is expected to launch before the end of the year and will serve as a key pillar in bolstering the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a leading global destination for exhibitions and events, as well as attracting more investments and tourism activities to the region, he added.

For his part, Dr. Nasser Qaedi, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) said that the innovative identity of the new Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sakhir is a key element in the Authority's work to promote it regionally and internationally. He affirmed that this is an exceptional achievement that will attract business tourism in the region and is an important component in implementing the objectives of Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, as part of Economic Recovery Plan.

Dr. Qaedi added:  "We are excited about launching this centre before the end of the year, and we are working to mobilize all the necessary capabilities to ensure that it is operated as effectively as possible and that it serves the kingdom's economic development."

Dr. Qaedi stated that the centre's identity contributes to the development of international business in the field of conferences and exhibitions, and that participants in the events scheduled to be held in the centre will have a unique opportunity to enjoy all the prerequisites of success and well-being.

He explained that the centre's identity references the Kingdom's national identity and national flag, as well as Bahrain's civilization that dates back five millennia, while affirming the kingdom's stability, prosperity and progress.

He further pointed that the identity also reflects the essence of the authentic Bahraini spirit, Arab hospitality, and a collaborative approach in the development of the tourism sector.

Dr. Qaedi highlighted that the centre's visitors can observe the geometric design with the angled walls, which symbolize progress and give the impression of spaciousness, while embodying the centre's slogan "It's all under one roof."

He further explained that the new Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (IECC) in Sakhir features 100,000 square meters of exhibition space across sixty meeting halls, while the centre's main hall spans 4,500 square meters and is equipped with advanced presentation technology, a 4,000-seat tiered auditorium, twenty meeting rooms, Royal and VIP chambers and a 250-seat restaurant.

Dr. Al Qaedi added that, in addition to the new centre's contributions to the economic and tourism sectors, it is also represents a unique architectural monument with Arab popular and historical inspirations, along with those of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Information Systems Directorate in liaison with Export Bahrain and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) launched the eCommerce Champions Overseas Program that provides a good opportunity to companies eager to enter the field of exports through eCommerce and to gain insight on the expertise of the leading companies and establishments in the field of exports, in order to strengthen the cooperation a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Export Bahrain aimed to strengthen the aspects of support.

The program will highlight the leading companies in the field of exports through eCommerce which are Al Zain Jewelry, Annada Brand, Traditional Trends, Tru Active, Arihant Jewellers and Eatco. These companies will share their expertise with the companies and establishments that are interested in exports via eCommerce through a mentorship program.

This cooperation aims to boost the contribution of eCommerce in exports and motivate companies and establishments to export via eCommerce as well as to assist them with their digital transformation.

The eCommerce Champions Overseas Program is a specialized mentorship program that will include mentoring sessions in the field of exports with the partnership of the private sector through leading companies in the field of exports.

The qualified companies and establishments from this program will be selected and awarded the title of eCommerce Champion Overseas.

Registration is still ongoing to join the program, please visit the link https://service.moic.gov.bh/champions, for further information or inquiries please contact us on 17574888 or by email ecom@www.moic.gov.bh.

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Information Systems Directorate in liaison with Export Bahrain launched the eCommerce Champions Overseas Program, with the participation of the following companies as mentors: Al Zain Jewelry, Annada Brand, Traditional Trends, Tru Active, Arihant Jewellers and Eatco.

It is worth mentioning, that these leading companies in the field of export through eCommerce will support this program by sharing their expertise with the companies that are interested in exporting through eCommerce as well as, providing mentoring sessions in this field through for registered companies in this program.

This initiative is one of the initiatives included in the eCommerce National Strategy that was launched by the Ministry, as the eCommerce sector is highly prioritized by the Ministry through developing, thorough planning and proper implementation of the initiatives included in the strategy that will foster this sector and will contribute to the Kingdom of Bahrain digital economy.

The program aims to encourage companies' exports through eCommerce as well as, to boost the contribution of eCommerce in exports and assist companies with their digital transformation.

The eCommerce Champions Overseas Program is a mentorship program which will provide mentoring sessions by experienced companies in the field of eCommerce and exports.

The Program will provide a good opportunity to those willing to enter the field of exports by harnessing the power and strengths of eCommerce as well as gaining insights on successful stories in this field and getting the required knowledge and experiences in addition to facilitating their entry to this field.

The qualified companies from this program will be selected and awarded the title of eCommerce Champion Overseas.

Hence, The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism invites the companies and establishments wishing to participate in the program to register by visiting https://service.moic.gov.bh/champions, for further information or inquiries please contact us on 17574888 or by email ecom@www.moic.gov.bh

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Seef Properties has officially inaugurated Yabeela Family Entertainment Centre in Al Liwan, Hamala, in the presence of the Company's Chairman, Mr. Essa Mohamed Najibi, members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management, and a group of officials, businessmen and representatives of the private sector.

Yabeela is considered the largest entertainment centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain, located on an area of 6,000 square meters. It includes more than 150 new interactive games, which are entering the Bahraini market for the first time, targeting three age groups: children, adults, and families. Yabeela goers will have an ideal opportunity for unparalleled fun, thanks to the diversity of game areas and accompanying facilities.

Both young and adult visitors will experience excitement in a world of adventure satisfying all tastes. There is also a large hall for hosting children's birthday parties, equipped with the latest interactive packages and equipment.

With its modern facilities and innovative games, Yabeela aims to redefine the concept of family entertainment Kingdom-wide, becoming the latest entertainment outlet in Al Liwan. Its open and closed facilities guarantee an atmosphere of joy through all seasons, harnessing the latest technologies in the world of entertainment for an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Yabeela will be open to the public starting Friday, April 29, 2022.

On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, stated, "We are pleased to inaugurate Yabeela in Al Liwan, which constitutes a promising development in the tourism and family entertainment sector in Bahrain. We thank Seef Properties for its tireless efforts to revive the tourism sector by introducing innovative projects that leave a tangible impact on the national economy. Al Liwan, with its modern facilities and hospitality centres such as Yabeela and others, will become a promising attraction for visitors in the Northern Governorate."

For his part, Mr. Essa Mohamed Najibi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Seef Properties, said, "We are pleased to inaugurate Yabeela, the Company's latest and largest entertainment project. We especially thank His Excellency the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism for honouring us with his presence. This project will make Seef Properties the largest operator of entertainment projects in the Kingdom, consolidating the Company's leadership in the family entertainment sector and placing it at the forefront of the local market. The entertainment centre complies with Bahrain's tourism strategy in developing leisure tourism and placing the tourism sector among the promising sectors to supplement and diversify the national economy, in line with the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030."

In turn, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, CEO of Seef Properties, said, "We are pleased with the inauguration of Yabeela in Al Liwan in conjunction with Eid Al-Fitr, constituting a qualitative addition to the Company's operations in the family entertainment sector. The centre complements Al Liwan's unique composition as the latest modern mixed-use projects in the Kingdom, which will make Al Liwan a favoured destination among visitors for meeting the needs of the modern family of various age groups. At Seef Properties, we are committed to providing everything new and innovative in the world of entertainment, based on a long history of pioneering the sector since the Company's establishment 23 years ago. We will continue our relentless efforts to redefine the entertainment sector and push tourism activity towards broader horizons of growth and development."

It is noteworthy that Seef Properties has pioneered the family entertainment sector since 1999, with the inauguration of Magic Island in Seef Mall as the first indoor entertainment centre at that time. The Magic Island brand expanded to Seef Mall - Muharraq in 2015, then the launch of Jumpoline in Seef Mall - Isa Town, as the largest entertainment centre for trampoline jumping in the Kingdom, in the year 2019. The Company also recently launched the Seef Entertainment Company, which will be the entertainment arm of Seef Properties, managing the Company's projects in the entertainment sector.​

The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority His Excellency Zayed AlZayani received Mr. Hagop Khajirian, the FIBA Regional Director for Asia, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Issa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and Dr. Nasser Qaedi, Ceo of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority.

H.E. Minister Al Zayani discussed with Mr. Khajirian the development of joint cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and FIBA in line with the pillar of sports tourism in Bahrain's tourism strategy 2022-2026, highlighting the BTEA's keen interest in the revitalization of sports tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in light of Bahraini sports' progress and the recognition it receives from local, regional, and even worldwide audiences.

His Excellency Minister Al Zayani expressed the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority's willingness to discuss all ideas and initiatives related to supporting sports tourism with various regional and international sports federations and organizations, noting that the tourism and sports sectors intersect in many areas and complement each other in the context of accelerating the progress of the Kingdom of Bahrain's prosperity and development.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism explained that The Kingdom of Bahrain has established itself as a significant destination for attracting and hosting numerous continental and worldwide events and championships, bolstering efforts to strengthen the sports system, and contributing to the Kingdom's economic growth. He highlighted the Kingdom's success in hosting major sporting events, such as Formula 1, which resulted in over 50% increase in foreign visitors comparing to 2019.

For his part, Mr. Khajirian Applauded Bahrain's progress in various sports, including basketball, expressing his admiration for the progress and development of sports teams and sports infrastructure in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and pointing to Bahrain's success in turning the sport into a profitable industry.

Mr. Khajirian praised the Bahrain Tourism Authority's efforts in successfully integrating the sports and tourism industries, promoting the Bahraini tourism sector in regional and international markets, and involving private tourism sector facilities in major sporting events, all of which contribute to the achievement of economic gains in the sports sectors and tourism and promote sustainable development goals in societies.