ADNEC showcases venue enhancements at international trade shows in Asia and Europe

ADNEC was at the recently concluded ITB Asia expo in Singapore (21 - 23 October), joining the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and other key organisations from Abu Dhabi as they showcased the UAE capital's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) offering before a visitor audience comprising travel professionals and MICE planners.

ADNEC is also taking part in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London (9 - 12 November) and the European Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM) in Barcelona (1 - 3 December).

"We are pleased to continue to work in partnership with the ADTA at these events, to engage travel industry stakeholders in Asia and Europe. These markets represent a significant area of focus for us and we are keen to showcase the progress we have made in improving the facilities and the support infrastructure at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre,"

said Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO.

The ADNEC-owned 408-room aloft hotel opened for guests last week in support of the inaugural Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In addition, construction of ADNEC's iconic development, Capital Gate, which houses the landmark Hyatt at Capital Centre hotel, is progressing smoothly. Hyatt at Capital Centre is a 189-room hotel developed specifically for the Capital Centre development. Together, the two hotels which are directly linked to the exhibition centre, will add nearly 600 rooms to the growing stock of hotel rooms in the UAE capital. These hotels will be 20 minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi and 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Last month, ADNEC announced enhancements to its largest exhibition hall, the 7,920sqm Multi-Purpose Hall 12, which has been transformed into the UAE's largest single-hall indoor auditorium, capable of seating up to 5,700 spectators. The enhancements include the installation of the fully automated-retractable tiered seating system making Hall 12 one of the most flexible event spaces in the world. Besides being used as an exhibition and wedding hall, Hall 12 can now also host a range of live events including international association conferences, sports events, concerts other entertainment events, in a fully air conditioned environment.

In total, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre has 73,000sqm of live event space and stages over 100 live events every year, welcoming over 1.8 million people annually.

"With the recent enhancements as well as our longer-term plans, Abu Dhabi's importance to the event industry is set to grow rapidly in the coming years," added Horgan.

Besides the trade events in Singapore, Barcelona and London, ADNEC will continue to showcase its venue facilities at other important shows well into 2010 and beyond.