Work on a new convention centre at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) is slated for completion by the year-end.

The two existing exhibition halls are also being upgraded, with work set for completion by the end of next year. The 8,000 sq m Hall One will be upgraded, and the 6,000 sq m Hall Two will be converted into a multipurpose event hall, with a capacity of 5,000 delegates for conventions and 3,000 guests for banquets. The hall could also be used for concerts, entertainment, indoor sports, exhibitions and trade shows.

The BIEC already has five conference rooms with a total seating capacity of 1,200.

The new convention centre will connect the two exhibition halls and will have the capacity to accommodate 800 delegates for meetings, and 500 people for banquets.