Sarah Buhiji to Al-Watan: The multi-use Sama Bay will open in Galali soon

Anas Al-Aghbash and Heba Mohsen

Plan 2025 focuses on promoting domestic tourism and Bahraini identity

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The success of the Bahrain holiday season was represented by the large public attendance

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Bahrain is home to 146 hotels with more than 24 thousand rooms

The CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Sarah Buhiji, revealed that the SAMA BAY mixed-use project will be opened in Galali soon, noting that this exceptional project, which is being built on the waterfront, extends over an area of ​​two kilometers. She indicated to Al-Watan, On the sidelines of a meeting organized by the Authority in Al Baraha Market yesterday, in the presence of an elite group of media representatives and local newspapers, it was stated that “Sama Bay” will include a number of restaurants and a center. For shopping, an area designated for the gym, and a number of boats, in addition to many coastal programs. With regard to hotel infrastructure, Buhiji reported that Bahrain is home to about 146 hotels, containing more than 24 thousand hotel rooms until the end of the year 2024, explaining that there are new hotel facilities of category 4. And 5 stars will be headquartered in Bahrain, which reflects the continued growth in the hotel sector. Buhiji explained that the authority is working on preparing a plan Tourism for the year 2025 is in line with the tourism sector strategy 2022-2026, focusing on making Bahraini tourists the mainstay in promoting domestic tourism, through diversifying the tourism product and providing activities and programs that suit all categories of citizens and residents, in addition to providing unique and innovative experiences for citizens and visitors. She added, The tourism plan identified 5 main target markets, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, China, India, Germany, and Britain, due to the presence of direct airlines and relations. Strong diplomacy with these countries, which facilitates attracting tourists to them, stressing that the Authority aims for tourists coming from these countries to become permanent visitors, and not just passing travelers. Regarding the establishment of representative offices of the Authority in the targeted countries, Buhiji said, “The Authority has developed its work to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain is working with local organizers and operators in the countries to expand the scope of promoting Bahraini tourism events.” The CEO of the Authority touched on the events that will be organized during the first quarter. This year, including the Bahrain Food Festival, in addition to a number of activities that precede the holy month of Ramadan, not to mention activities that will be organized by the Ministry of Information and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, in addition to “Formula 1.” Buhiji confirmed that the activities of the Bahrain holiday season witnessed great success from During the large public attendance, she added that the Authority is working to develop the website for the tourism sector in Bahrain, to become a comprehensive guide to tourism information, which contributes to improving the visitors’ experience. It helps them discover all the attractions and services the Kingdom has to offer. Buhiji pointed to the importance of domestic tourism, as the Bahraini citizen has become a mainstay in this sector, pointing out that the authority focuses on the Bahraini identity in all its activities to attract the largest number of visitors. Buhiji stated that the focus is The tourism identity was one of the most important factors for the success of the Bahrain holiday season, as this season was planned to be a major celebration of the National Day, with the provision of a variety of activities that reflect Bahraini culture. She stressed Buhiji stressed the importance of developing cooperation with the private sector, after it proved its major role in the success of the third edition of the Bahrain holiday season, explaining at the same time that the Authority works in an integrated manner with various parties through an effective strategic partnership. Regarding improving parking services, the President revealed The Executive Director of the Authority announced the improvements that have been added, including providing a group of services to facilitate the movement of visitors, such as a parking service near the events and the possibility of renting a “golf car” to move around the event comfortably. With regard to Hawar Island, Buhiji explained The Authority will work with partners to develop the tourist experience by diversifying access to the island and promoting it as an eco-tourism destination.