MCI opens an office in Abu Dhabi, UAE

By the invitation of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), MCI Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open on the November 1st. The office has been set up to address the development of Abu Dhabi as a premium MICE destination of the future.

In line with MCI's expanding Middle East strategy, the opening of the Abu Dhabi office will focus on developing the market by providing cutting edge communications, events, and association management solutions.

Based in Adnec (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company), this office will be managed by Ajay Bhojwani who joins MCI after over 10 years in the meetings industry including 5 years in senior positions with leading international Congress Organizers. With considerable experience in the Abu Dhabi market, Ajay brings a wealth of experience with both internal processes and external Management.

The office Abu Dhabi will report into the regional headquarters in Dubai. Says Sumaira Isaacs, Managing Director Middle East,

"Abu Dhabi is a growing destination and under the expert guidance of ADTA it has been putting in all the right efforts to increase its share from the MICE markets. With ADTA's efforts and partnership, MCI are here to add value and promote the destination to the MICE segment. We see a number of opportunities and are excited by all the development planned for the capital of UAE. We are also very delighted to announce that we have been appointed as the official Event Management Company to run the Events of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi for 2008. We are looking forward to adding a professional touch, offering creative Destination Management Services (DMC) for this destination."

Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General Tourism Operations, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said, "We are delighted to welcome MCI, one of the leading and most respected events, association and congress management groups in the world to Abu Dhabi. Business Tourism is one of the key areas of growth and opportunity that Abu Dhabi intends to capitalise, and we are delighted that MCI shares the same vision, optimism and commitment. We look forward to working closely with MCI in establishing Abu Dhabi as a major business tourism destination."

Commenting on this new office, Roger Tondeur (President of MCI), "Last year I outlined the opening of the Dubai office will act as a catalyst for the regional strategy. I am personally thrilled that MCI Abu Dhabi are open for business and I look forward to working with our partners in the city there to contribute to the Destination's success."