Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre wins 2008 Construction Week 'Project of the Year'

The Gulf's largest exhibition venue illustrates ADNEC's commitment to providing the city with world-class facilities for business and its bold plans for the future development of Abu Dhabi as a commercial destination.

Now in its fourth year, the Construction Week Awards honour innovation and excellence in the Middle East. The awards recognise outstanding performance in 16 key areas of the construction industry selected by a high profile panel of construction industry experts.

The Project of the Year Award was accepted by ADNEC architects, RMJM. Collecting the award was Associate Director and Senior Project Architect, Tony Archibold and Director Brian Mee, at one of the construction industry's most prestigious events on 5th November.

Commenting on ADNEC, one of the judges said, "The form and design combined with high functionality makes the whole building a very special one. It will definitely be a milestone for exhibition centres in the future." The Construction Week Awards judging panel recognise projects that demonstrate uniqueness in approach and achievement through the use of technological advancement.

"Not only has the exhibition centre solidified Abu Dhabi as a provider of world-class exhibition and conference facilities but architecturally, the curved and fluid design reflects the visionary nature of the development," said Gordon Affleck, Design Principal for RMJM Middle East.

Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO commented on the win, "To be recognised for 'Project of the Year' at these prestigious awards is a significant achievement for us as it assists in positioning Abu Dhabi as a world class MICE destination. To be world class involves a team effort, and we thank RMJM for their unique concepts which has enabled us to be one of the most modern exhibition venues in the world. To open our new state-of-the-art facilities during ADIPEC, one of the world's largest gas and oil shows and win 'Project of the Year' award, all in a week, is a significant milestone for ADNEC."

Ovoid forms and futuristic styling define the ADNEC's exhibition halls and concourse. When complete the 48 hectare development will include the Capital Gate tower, Abu Dhabi's iconic feature tower that is currently being considered by the Guinness World Records as "the world's most inclined building." Capital Gate is also designed by RMJM.

ADNEC has been the built as the centrepiece of the Dhs8bn ($2.2bn) Capital Gate project, a fully integrated community development that is considered a strategic element of the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision.