Bahrain Prepares to Host the 5th Edition of the IGN Convention

Press release

Published October 5th, 2017 - 05:07 GMT

Director of Tourism Marketing and Promotions at the BTEA, Yousif Al Khan

The Kingdom of Bahrain will host the 5^th edition of the IGN Convention on the 20^th and 21^st of October 2017 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. This event is being organized in partnership with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Tarteeb for Events Production & Services.

The IGN Convention is the biggest event for video games, movies, comics, and pop culture in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Tarteeb will host a number of exciting events and competitions, as well as organize FIFA, Overwatch and Street Fighter tournaments for attendees. This year the event is expected to attract over 12,000 visitors and gamers interested in the convention will soon be able to purchase their tickets from several locations.

“The BTEA aims to attract visitors to the Kingdom by hosting the IGN Convention as well as other regional and international events. This comes in line with its long-term strategy to develop the tourism sector and support the directives of the Kingdom’s wise leadership through various initiatives which contribute towards the development of the Kingdom’s economy,” said the Director of Tourism Marketing and Promotions at the BTEA, Mr. Yousif Al Khan.

“The IGN Convention Bahrain previously attracted a large audience including visitors from the Gulf countries due to the interactive games and activities taking place at the event,” he added.

Further commenting on the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Tarteeb, Mr. Mohammed Al Muharraqi, stated, "We are delighted to work in partnership with the BTEA to organize such events, which are particularly popular among youth and are expected to attract a large number of visitors.”

“We are proud to announce that this year, the convention will host Pilou Asbaek, who played the role of Euron Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, one of the most watched television series in the world,” he added.

Mr. Mohammed Al Muharraqi also mentioned that the gaming convention will include Factory 13, in addition to other games such as FIFA, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Nintendo Switch games and Clash Royal Tournament.

The previous editions of the IGN Convention were attended by world-renowned celebrities including Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad, Hafthor Bjornsson of Game of Thrones, Troy Baker of The Last of Us, and American professional wrestler, Kurt Angel. Last year, the IGN Convention Bahrain attracted 10,000 visitors from the Kingdom and its neighboring GCC countries.

Background Information

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA)

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority was established in 2015 under the Royal Decree number (76) for the year 2015 issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Whereas the first clause of the Decree number (10) stated that an authority should be established under the supervision of the Council of Ministers

In 2015, BTEA started its operations under the Decree number (9) for the year 2015 to append the Tourism Affairs to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce based on the recommendation of HRH Prime Minister and under the law number (62) of the year 2016 to establish and regulate the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) and the Decree number (1) for the year 1985 to establish a Supreme Council for Tourism, and the law number (15) for the year 1986 to regulate the Tourism sector amended by a Law by Decree number (12) for the year 1994.