Host
The 29th Routes World 2024 will take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain and will be hosted by Bahrain International Airport, managed and operated by Bahrain Airport Company. With its advanced technology and convenience-oriented approach, the newly developed Passenger Terminal aims to put Bahrain International Airport on the global aviation map alongside the world's leading smart airports.
Opened in 2021, Bahrain International Airport is a state of the art passenger terminal and logistics hub. It was named the Worlds Best New Airport at the 2022 World Airport Awards. Equipped with the latest technologies, and convenience-oriented approach, the BIA offers enhanced efficiency and security while meeting passengers' growing expectations for a more seamless airport experience. Advancements in automation streamline some of the most time-consuming processes and procedures, giving passengers more control over their journeys.
Official Carrier - Gulf Air
Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, started operations in 1950 as Gulf Aviation Company – the first commercial airline to be established in the Middle East. After more than 70 years of operations, having started as a small-scale commuter service for mainly oil companies in the region, Gulf Air has grown to become a prominent international airline and a key player in the aviation industry.
Headquartered next to BIA, Gulf Air operates to various major cities in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Far East. It currently serves 56 destinations in 29 countries, with a sophisticated fleet of wide and narrow body Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Gulf Air is planning to expand its destinations to New York. Proudly flying the Bahraini flag, Gulf Air is renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, delivered with impeccable service. Offering signature family and business-friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs of its passengers.
Connecting Bahrain to the world, Gulf Air is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom’s on-going economic growth. Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix ever since the sport’s debut in the Middle East in 2004. Additionally, the airline has been the official carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.
Rated Five Star Major Official Airline by APEX, a rating based solely on certified passengers’ feedback, Gulf Air continues to solidify its reputation as a world-class airline. This milestone is a testament to the success of its boutique strategy and the ongoing enhancements of its products and services.
Travel Guidance
Key information for visiting Bahrain:
Visa: 69 countries can get a visa on arrival (list here).
Visa on arrival
Passport holders from 60+ countries are granted visas on arrival. Passport holders from these countries are also eligible to apply for an e-visa ahead of their arrival. For more information, please visit: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/list-of-onarrival-visa-country.html
E-visas
Passport holders from 200+ countries are exclusively granted e-visas ahead of their arrival. To check eligibility for an e-visa and to apply online please visit: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/list-of-online-visa-country.html
Visa support letters
For all other visa applications, please note that Routes can supply a letter to support your visa process. If you require a visa support letter please request your letter via the following link here.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Bahrain. Delegates should be able to present, if requested, confirmation of onward or return travel from Bahrain.
- Bahrain's currency is the dinar which has an exchange rate of BD 1 = $2.65
- Adaptors: Bahrain uses plug type G with 3 rectangular pins
- Internet Connectivity: Bahrain has excellent Internet connectivity throughout the Kingdom and SIM cards are readily available at the airport
Getting around: Should you wish to explore some of the many attractions in Bahrain, local taxis are readily available as are Uber services.
- Health: You can check the latest vaccination requirements for Bahrain here. If visiting from a country listed as having a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a vaccination certificate on arrival.
Vaccines
Since 20 February 2022, there has been no Covid-19 PCR testing nor quarantine requirements for any arrivals regardless of vaccination status, including those arriving via the Causeway. For all other vaccinations, please check with your local health authority and ensure you have adequate travel insurance to travel to Bahrain.
Taxis
We advise that delegates use Uber taxis in Bahrain. Please note that for the Event Venue, drop off location is gate 1.
Official Hotels
There are 10 Official Hotels which are available to book. We advise booking your hotel as soon as possible to benefit from the preferential rates. For more details please visit the official hotels page in Routes World by clicking here.
Airport/Event Transfers
All conference delegates will be met at Bahrain International Airport and transported to their hotels via shuttle bus. Pls follow the Routes 24 signage from arrivals at the airport.
Routes World delegates will be received by Hala Bahrain Hospitality agents as they arrive where they will be escorted to the meeting area, which will be hosted by the Pearl Lounge located on the arrivals - opposite to gate 1.
Transportation & shuttle services will be provided on hourly basis, from the terminal to the official hotels.
To view the detailed transfer plan, click here.
Venue
Exhibition World Bahrain is the official event venue for Routes World 2024. EWB is the Kingdom's new award-winning Exhibition and Convention Centre opened in 2023.
Opened in November 2022, Exhibition World Bahrain is the largest exhibition and convention centre in the region. Located in the Sakhir area, the modern structure is within the heart of Bahrain's event, sport and entertainment hub with easy access to Bahrain International Airport, over 18,000 hotel rooms and a wide range of unique experiences. Boasting a 95,000 sqm exhibition space with over 10 halls, 95 meeting rooms, retail experiences and more, Exhibition World Bahrain is an exemplary location to welcome Routes World 2024 attendees.
For more information about the venue, please click here.