Bahrain as “ Pearl of the Gulf” …

Investing in Culture Attracts Tourism

Knowledge Based Economy

• Bahrain’s economic freedom score is 75.2, making its economy

the 12th freest in the World. (Heritage Foundation, 2012)

• Bahrain ranks 4th in the MENA region and ranks 38th worldwide

amongst 183 economies in terms of business regulations and their

enforcement . ( World Bank Group, 2011)

• Unemployment Rate of 4 % (MOL, 2012)

• Region financial hub; home to more than 400 banks and financial

institutions. (EDB, 2011)

� Regional Tourism by both GCC residents and nationals represents almost 50% of

total arrivals to Bahrain.

� Cruise Tourism is a very important link between regional and international in

2010 cruise tourism reached 132 thousand passenger registering an increase of

almost 50% when compared to 2009.

Regional and International Tourism

Formula 1 Grand Prix

• Contributes US$596 million,

indirectly to the economy.

• More then Seventy percent of

visitors to travelled by air, bringing a

boost to all the major carriers.

• Hotels occupancy over the Grand Prix

period at 75-100%, with 5 star hotels at

capacity and a dramatic 30% increase in

trade for three star hotels and resort

accommodation.

• Premium prices, on average 15% more

than equivalent stays in the Kingdom

throughout the rest of the year.

Investing in Culture Attracts Tourism

“ Investing in culture allows to channel a portion of

our financial resources to a process of forgoing cultural

links and global communication , promoting our cultural

heritage.”

- H.E Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa

Minister of Culture

Investing in Culture

• Strong lever of economic development

- Generates Profit

- Employment Multiplication Factor

• Generates a better quality of Life

- Safety

- Quality of the environment

- Maintains cost of living

• Contributes to international visibility and

brand image

- Tourism

- Attract foreign investment

Spring of Culture

• Bahrain’s sixth consecutive Spring of Culture

event.

• List of art exhibitions, musical

performances, lectures and family events

more staggering than ever before playing

host to talent from around the region and

the world.

• Venues from Arad Fort to Bahrain National

Museum to cultural centers .

Manama Capital of Arab

Culture 2012

• Manama Capital of Arab Culture 2012 is an innovative

program of cultural dialogue and exchange running

throughout the year.

• A different theme introduced at the outset of each

month i.e. January was the month of “ Art” and

February celebrates “architecture” etc.

• The program continues reflecting a diverse array of

cultural fields, from design to heritage, environment

and theatre targeting both local and regional audiences.

Manama Capital of Arab

Tourism 2013

• The investments of Manama Capital of Arab Culture will

be the platform to build on Manama the Capital of Arab

Tourism.

• Large amounts of investments were injected on cultural

sites projects that will be the center of attraction for

tourists and launching main events.