Reed Exhibitions sets up organisation in Abu Dhabi

Reed Exhibitions will become the owner and organiser of IDEX, of the Environment Exhibition and of the Security Show. It has already announced the launch of Gulf Incentive Business Travel Market (GIBTM), a new meetings industry show to take place in ADNEC's halls in Abu Dhabi in March 2007. The agreement with ADNEC creates a significantly greater presence for Reed Exhibitions in the Emirates, adding to its successful Arabian Travel Market in Dubai which this year celebrated its 13th session. With offices now in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Reed Exhibitions is creating the capacity to serve the whole region. More events are in planning and will be announced in the near future.

The acquired exhibitions serve industries in which Reed Exhibitions has already achieved global pre-eminence. By pooling its expertise with that of the ADNEC event teams, this will enable the further development of these already successful shows and build a base on which to create a substantially larger exhibitions business serving the expanding markets of the Middle East.

Senior executive Frédéric Theux, who is appointed President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, will head the new business in the UAE. Commenting on the agreement, Mr Theux stated:

"We recognize that the unprecedented speed of change in the UAE and in the Gulf Region is creating great new potential for the exhibitions business. Our customers around the world have expressed interest in the opportunities afforded in the region. The creation of ultra-modern, expanded facilities at ADNEC meets this rapidly increasing demand from the events industry and will be a catalyst for the growth of Abu Dhabi as a major business meetings destination in the Middle East. We are delighted to join forces with ADNEC, to be one of their 'Foundation Partners' and to play a special role in the ambitious development programmes to set new standards for the exhibition industry in the UAE and the Gulf region."

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the Chairman of ADNEC commented: "The unprecedented scale of development under way and planned for Abu Dhabi is driving massive demand for exhibitions to serve that activity. ADNEC's new centre is meeting the pressing need to provide room for growth beyond the current offering in the UAE. We are greatly encouraged by Reed Exhibitions' entry into Abu Dhabi and their decision to become one of ADNEC's 'Foundation Partners' along with three other leading exhibition companies, who together have signed long-term agreements to organise 30 shows at the new 57,000 m2 exhibition centre."