Reed Exhibitions lauds floating hotel initiative

'There is no question that this initiative shows forethought and genuine caring for the welfare and comfort of visitors to IDEX next month,' said Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East. He said that the addition of a potential 675 rooms over the course of the five day exhibition will alleviate the shortage of available hotel rooms that the city experience in periods of peak demand.

Mohamad Nabhani, Show Director of IDEX 2007 said several exhibitors and potential visitors have noted that they have been unable to book hotel rooms in Abu Dhabi for IDEX 2007. He said that they had been forced to book hotels in Dubai and were not looking forward to the daily drive to Abu Dhabi, which would serve to limit their time at IDEX. 'This news has been really well-received by our exhibitors, many of who visit the world's major cities on a regular basis. The decision will assist in bringing those visitors who have been deterred by the shortage of accommodation here in the past and enhances the city's reputation for hospitality,' Nabhani said.

The 401 room New Flamenco and the 274 room Ocean Majesty had previously been utilized at the Asian Games in Doha in a similar capacity. The two ships are moored at the Mina Zayed Free Port facility, only steps away from the IDEX 2007 Naval Berthing exhibition of visiting warships.

Published reports indicate that prospective visitors to Abu Dhabi can book accommodation on the ships by calling +971 2 418 1330/32 or through fax at +971 2 418 1133.

IDEX 2007 is scheduled to open at the new Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre on February 18th and extends to February 22nd 2007. The prestigious day-long Gulf Defence Conference precedes the exhibition on the 17th.