ADNEC preserves 'a moment in time'

The time capsulate, which has been named 'a moment in time', contains a series of artefacts that give an insight into daily life in Abu Dhabi in 2007. Included in the time capsule is a book on H.H Sheikh Zayed, the late president of the UAE; two newspapers published on the day of the concrete pour; a pack of information about Abu Dhabi; an ADNEC brochure; an Abu Dhabi baseball cap; a bag of Arabic incense; a child's drawing of Abu Dhabi in 2007; and a letter from ADNEC to be read by whoever opens the time capsule in the future.

Commenting on the Time Capsule, Simon Horgan, the CEO of ADNEC, said:

'By burying this Time Capsule we will be preserving a piece of the history of the UAE, from the exact moment in time that we began to pour concrete on the Phase 2 development of ADNEC. When this simple box is exhumed, it will give a unique insight into everyday life in Abu Dhabi in 2007 - a time when ADNEC and the entire emirate of Abu Dhabi are at the beginning of something very special.'

Attending the ceremony to bury the Time Capsule were senior representatives from ADNEC; as well as architects and representatives from construction company Arabtec, RMJM, and project managers MACE.

Phase 2 of ADNEC will see the venue double in size to become the Middle East's largest purpose-built exhibition centre with inter-connected exhibition floor space totalling more than 55,000 square metres. The exhibition centre's distinctive U-shape design will be achieved by constructing 5 additional exhibition halls, a multi-purpose hall with seating for more than 5,000 people, 15 meeting rooms and two multi-storey car parks with space for more than 8,000 vehicles. The project is scheduled for completion in autumn 2008.