BAHRAIN PEARL OF THE GULF

Bahrain as “ Pearl of the Gulf” …

Investing in Culture Attracts Tourism

Knowledge Based Economy

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Bahrain’s economic freedom score is 75.2, making its economy the 12th freest in the World. (Heritage Foundation, 2012)

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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 and International Tourism 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.

Formula 1 Grand Prix • •

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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

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Contributes to international visibility and brand image - Tourism - Attract foreign investment

Spring of Culture •

Bahrain’s sixth consecutive Spring of Culture event.

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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.

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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.

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A different theme introduced at the outset of each month i.e. January was the month of “ Art” and February celebrates “architecture” etc.

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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.

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Large amounts of investments were injected on cultural sites projects that will be the center of attraction for tourists and launching main events.