Adnec expansion crucial to capital's strategy

The largest exhibition ever to be staged in the UAE – the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec 2008) – was made possible by the opening of Phase two of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre's facilities, said the chairman of the organisers.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec), told Emirates Business that the additional 28,000 square metres of space opened up in Phase 2 saw the venue double in size to become the Gulf's largest inter-connected exhibition centre with an exhibition floor space of 55,000 sq m and total event space of 73,000 sq m.

He said this was a major milestone for Adnec in its relatively short history, which enabled the Capital to host one of the world's largest petroleum exhibitions.

"Three years ago work began on the creation of the world's most modern and the Gulf's largest exhibition centre in the heart of Abu Dhabi; the opening of Phase two is the realisation of this vision. This industry is crucial to the long term strategy of the Abu Dhabi Government as it generates economic wealth by attracting new business and tourism to the region," Sheikh Sultan said.

"By providing facilities which are second to none, we have demonstrated our commitment to the exhibition industry for the foreseeable future and in doing so have ensured that Abu Dhabi retains its position as a major international destination for exhibitions, conferences and live events. I express my appreciation to all who have supported this project and made it possible."

Adnec began its journey three years ago when the government of Abu Dhabi unveiled its vision to revitalise the exhibition industry in the Middle East.

The plan was to build the world's most modern exhibition centre in the UAE capital, sign deals with some of the most successful event organisers, attract experienced exhibition industry executives from around the world to work in Abu Dhabi and prepare the exhibition industry in the emirate for the demands of the future.

Three years on and Adnec seems to have achieved all of those objectives and more. The Gulf's largest exhibition centre is regarded as one of the most modern buildings of its type in the world. And it has some significant milestones, such as the International Defence Exhibition (Idex 2007), the show that launched the venue and gave it global publicity.

Idex 2007 was followed by the busiest exhibition season ever in Abu Dhabi, with a collection of launch events being held at Adnec. GIBTM, Bride Show Abu Dhabi, The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and Mother, Baby and Child were all held within a few weeks. The season concluded with the inaugural Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

In 2008, Adnec held a huge event – the World Future Energy Summit.

Held over a three-day period, it was attended by royalty, heads of state, ministers and chiefs of staff from all over the world who discussed the various aspects of renewable energy.

The other event, ISNR 2008 provided a platform for the region's homeland security industry to discuss issues vital to national security. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2008 followed, where thousands of schoolchildren from around the emirate were invited to learn about Arabic literature.

Even in summer, which is traditionally a quiet time for the exhibition industry, Adnec successfully hosted the inaugural 'Summer in Abu Dhabi' festival. Over an eight week period, more than 135,000 people visited the education and entertainment event.

Since then, Adnec has staged a number of major events, which have attracted attention from around the world – Adihex and the Jewellery and Watch Show are two examples.

No event has been bigger, however, than Adipec 2008, which has grown into one of the largest petroleum events in the world.

A recent survey of MICE professionals tipped Abu Dhabi as the second most important destination in the Middle East – a rise of nine places in just one year.

And, building on that platform, Adnec has many significant achievements to its credit. It has launched Capital Centre, the world's first fully integrated exhibition lifestyle destination, and constructed the Capital Gate tower. A convention centre has been started in Al Ain – the Al Ain Convention Centre – which gives the emirate's second city a presence in the MICE industry. And in terms of acquisitions overseas, the largest exhibition centre in the United Kingdom's capital - ExCeL London – now belongs to Adnec. The company aims to become the world's leading developer of destinations to serve the international exhibitions, conferences and live events industries.

The firm announced recently that Adnec will host the 2012 World Ophthalmology Congress

Sheikh Sultan said: "Adnec has achieved what it set out to do, and it has done it ahead of schedule."