Challenges, no matter how severe they may be, will not dissuade Bahrain from continuing on the path of comprehensive development to achieve a better future for the nation and the people, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has asserted.

The real estate and urban boom currently being witnessed by Bahrain in various regions affirms anew the ability of the national economy to overcome all obstacles, he said after inaugurating the gulfBID, Gulf Property Show 2016, and gulfInteriors exhibitions, organised by Al Hilal Conference and Exhibitions (HCE).

HRH Premier urged investors to launch their ventures in the kingdom confidently, and avail of the economic openness ensured by Bahrain, which has entitled it to be among the main investment and business destinations in the kingdom, a BNA report said.

He asserted that the investment atmosphere in the kingdom boasts many distinctive features that make it the most attractive to investors, especially in the real estate and construction fields, amid the multiple facilities that are put in places, and are regularly reviewed and updated to cater to the requirements of the development process the country is witnessing.

The exhibitions, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, are participated by 144 local, regional and international exhibiting companies. They will run till April 28.

HRH Premier toured the expo pavilions and sections after the inauguration. He was informed about the exhibited products in various sectors.

He expressed admiration for the quality of exhibited items and the techniques used.

"The government is keen on providing all the requirements that enable the real estate sector to play its role as one of the pillars of the national economy," the Premier said. He emphasised that the steady progress of the exhibitions and conferences industry reflects the prestigious reputation enjoyed by the kingdom regionally and globally, highlighting the government's unwavering support to the industry.

He affirmed that gulfBID has succeeded in attracting more exhibiting companies every year thanks to its high organisational potentials, and given its importance in providing a suitable opportunity for businessmen to reach deals and share expertise.

"What distinguishes the gulfBID is that it is a GCC gathering that we need in order to launch more joint projects that meet the aspirations of our countries and peoples for more development and progress," he said, praising the remarkable urban boom currently witnessed by various GCC countries, which, he stressed, reflects their keen interest in strengthening the pillars of comprehensive development for the best interests of their peoples.

HCE chairman Anwar Abdulrahman extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for patronising gulfBID annually, which, he said, reflected his support for the private sector, and interest in all events that benefit the national economy, and ensured the success of the event.

He pointed out that the government, led by HRH Premier, is interested in the real estate sector out of its belief in its ability to boost the national economy, as well as ability to generate for the national workforce.

HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman affirmed that HRH Premier's patronage of the event had encouraged companies to participate in it.

He pointed out that this year's edition has attracted many domestic and GCC companies, especially from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.