ICLDC's annual football tournament at ADNEC

Abu Dhabi, 29 August 2010: With outdoor temperatures soaring, the air conditioned halls at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre have proved a safe haven for sports enthusiasts this summer. 

Capitalising on the outstanding infrastructure for events available at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the annual PLAY SPORTS! Live Healthily Ramadan Football Tournament, was held indoors for the very first time last week, with matches played on specially prepared pitches in Halls 8 & 9.

“ADNEC has among the best facilities available for such events in Abu Dhabi. Despite the heat of summer, we are glad to have been able to conduct our annual football tournament at this time. ICLDC has had another opportunity to drive home our message; no matter what the season, it is absolutely imperative to raise public awareness year-round on the role of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Carol Sansour, Marketing & Communications Manager, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, the organisers of the tournament. .

“ICLDC’s annual inter-corporate football tournament has already become an important fixture during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi and ADNEC is pleased to have played our part this time around in setting the stage for this key ICLDC initiative,” said Humaid Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Director of Finance and Human Resources.

In two weeks from now, the ADNEC halls will once again host another sporting- related endeavour – an indoor charity run over 12 hours organised by Aloft Hotel during which runners will raise money for Starwood’s Road to Awareness charity initiative in support of UNICEF.

“Throughout summer, there are clearly many sporting activities that can be undertaken at indoor venues such as ours. ADNEC is seeing an increasing requirement from event organisers for use of our facilities during the summer months and we look forward to working with a range of organisations in providing the setting for a variety of indoor sporting events in years to come,” added Al Dhaheri.

Luxurious Ramadan marquee to be built at ADNEC Capital Plaza

To celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) is hosting a special Ramadan Marquee for Iftar and Suhour celebrations.

The luxurious and fully air-conditioned Marquee will be located in the outside Capital Plaza area of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where award winning chefs from ‘Hospitality by ADNEC’, ADNEC’s exclusive catering supplier, will create a mouth-watering selection of traditional Arabic Ramadan delights for corporate clients and families.

Commenting on the Ramadan Marquee, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, ADNEC Finance & Human Resources Director, said, “We are very pleased to offer the people of Abu Dhabi a high quality setting for their Iftar and Suhour celebrations during the Holy Month of Ramadan.  Our ‘Hospitality by ADNEC’ division is one the region’s leading contemporary catering operations and this will give local residents the opportunity to experience the first class food and service for themselves. ”

‘Hospitality by ADNEC’ has become one of the Middle East’s leading contemporary caterers providing exclusive catering to all events at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, as well as event management and consultancy services to external clients. 

Private Iftar functions will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at a starting price of AED 90 per person inclusive of traditional Ramadan beverages, there are special rates for children. Suhour will be open to the public from 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM with a wide a-la-carte selection, flavoured shisha and much more. A cover charge of AED 10 per person applies. For more information, to reserve a private booking or for take away orders please call on 0555-939-220 or send an e-mail to catering@adnec.ae

Iran’s legendary vocalist performing in Abu Dhabi for the first time

Iranian music legend Googoosh to play in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 24 July, 2010: ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) has today announced that it will host legendary Iranian singer Googoosh live in concert at Abu Dhabi Hall on Saturday 10th September to mark the beginning of Eid-al-Fitr celebrations.

The Abu Dhabi Hall concert will be Googoosh’s first ever visit to the UAE capital. During a sensational three-hour performance, she will sing songs from her latest album, Green X, as well as performing hits from her incredible 40 year career.

Commenting on the upcoming performance, Googoosh said, “It is such an honour for me to perform in the UAE capital for the first time, I am thrilled that after so long I will finally get to sing for my Abu Dhabi fans.”

Since her debut album in 1966, Googosh has become the most successful Iranian singer of all time, achieving superstar status around the world.  She has sold millions of records, played to countless numbers of people and performed with music legends such as Ray Charles and Tina Turner.  Additionally, she is an award-winning actor playing leading roles in more than 25 films.

Abu Dhabi Hall has staged a number of diverse events since it its first concert in April, and Christina Anthony, Sales Director of ADNEC explains that Googosh is exactly the type of artist ADNEC is keen to bring to Abu Dhabi.

“We are thrilled to have a singer of such magnitude appear at Abu Dhabi Hall and we are sure audiences will be delighted by the performance. Googoosh forms part of our strategy to host a cross cultural range of entertainment which appeals to all communities and we look forward to welcoming fans from across the Middle East to enjoy her show.”

Googoosh will be an all-seated performance. Tickets are available at www.boxofficeme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores starting at AED 365.

Abu Dhabi, 21st June: Leading government and industry figures from the UAE will visit the UK capital later this week to participate in the formal inauguration of new facilities at ExCeL London, the leading events venue owned by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company).

ExCeL’s new facilities, earmarked as the Phase Two expansion, have been developed under a successful two-year construction programme backed by ADNEC that has led to the creation of significant additional event capacities at ExCeL.

Kevin Murphy, CEO of ExCeL London, said: “I am absolutely delighted at the upcoming participation of the UAE delegation in the inauguration of ExCeL’s second phase development on Thursday 24th June. It is only fitting that this ceremony will be conducted in the presence of many of our principal stakeholders who have so strongly endorsed ExCeL’s vision for the UK events industry”.

The delegation to ExCeL will be led by H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADNEC’s Chairman.

Other key members of the delegation include H E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.E. Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties;  H.E. Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman  of Rotana Group; Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of ADNEC as well as other ADNEC Board Members; Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA); H.E. Khalifa Nasser Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Accounts Department in ADIA; H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdulla, Under Secretary of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Planning and Economy; and H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH).

ExCeL Board members Matar Hamdan Al Ameri and Ralph Shipley, as well as Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO and Ahmed Hussain, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), are other members of the delegation.

Since opening in 2000, ExCeL London has staged over 2,000 events welcoming over five million visitors from 200 countries. Seven of London’s top 10 trade shows are held at the venue. ExCeL also hosts major conferences, such as last year’s G20 London Summit.

ExCeL was acquired by ADNEC in 2008 as part of (ADNEC’s) strategy to develop a network of venues. Since the acquisition, ExCeL London has cemented its status in the events industry by picking up 12 major awards. The addition of the new facilities to ExCeL is expected to further augment ExCeL’s status as London’s biggest and most attractive events venue. 

Abu Dhabi, 05 June 2010: CAPITAL GATE, owned and developed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company), has been certified as the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower,’ by Guinness World Records.

CAPITAL GATE (www.capitalgate.ae) has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards - more than four times that of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – and, earned the Guinness recognition after rigorous evaluation by the Awards Committee since January 2010, when the exterior of the 160-metre (524.9 ft), 35-storey tower was completed.

Commenting on CAPITAL GATE’s record-breaking achievement, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADNEC’s Chairman said: “CAPITAL GATE is a landmark development for Abu Dhabi and with this recognition the tower takes its place among the world’s great buildings. It is a signature building which speaks to the fore-sight of the emirate”. 

CAPITAL GATE’s floor plates are stacked vertically up to the 12th storey after which, they are staggered over each other by between 300mm to 1400mm giving rise to the tower’s dramatic lean.

The tower features other innovative construction techniques including the world’s first known use of a ‘pre-cambered’ core, which contains more than 15,000 cubic metres of concrete reinforced with 10,000 tons of steel. The core, deliberately built slightly off centre, has straightened as the building has risen, compressing the concrete and giving it strength, and moving into (vertical) position as the weight of the floors has been added.

“CAPITAL GATE has been a true design-and-build project from the very start. There have been numerous challenges, which I am pleased to say we have surmounted thanks to a structured partnering programme and the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. Both ADNEC and our partners have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to create an iconic structure which is not only distinctive in appearance but also extremely functional,” said His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Managing Director. 

When fully complete by the end of this year, CAPITAL GATE will house the 5-star Hyatt Capital Gate hotel as well as approximately 20,000sqm of premium office space. 

Peter Fulton, Managing Director, Hyatt International, South West Asia commented, “This is indeed a proud day for all of us involved with CAPITAL GATE. We are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to showcase our hotel in one of the Middle East’s most significant developments. Along with our partners at ADNEC, we hope to be able to offer a unique and authentic guest experience that will complement this iconic structure, making it the preferred address in Abu Dhabi for the discerning traveller.”

CAPITAL GATE was designed by international architecture firm RMJM and is adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre within ADNEC’s Capital Centre.

“RMJM has a 40 year history of designing and delivering world class buildings in the Middle East. The award of this world record substantiates this and puts both CAPITAL GATE and Abu Dhabi firmly on the world stage, and at the cutting edge of global architecture. RMJM are delighted to have been instrumental in this pioneering achievement,” said Nick Haston, RMJM Middle East CEO

Besides CAPITAL GATE’S gravity-defying lean and its pre-cambered core, the tower has several other elements that enhance its reputation as one of the world’s most distinctive projects:
• Each room is different as is each pane of façade glass and every interior angle.
• CAPITAL GATE’s shell comprises a super-strong exo-skeleton called the diagrid that carries all the weight of the floors while also providing an unobstructed floor plate precluding the need for pillars or internal beams. Other high-profile buildings that use diagrid technology include New York’s Hearst Tower, the Swiss Re building (‘The Gherkin’) in London and Beijing’s CCTV tower.
• CAPITAL GATE’s double-glazed façade achieves greater energy efficiency with waste air being pre-cooled between the inner and outer façades, before being expelled.
• The tower’s façade glass is of low emissivity and is the first time it has been used in the UAE. It keeps the building’s interior cool and eliminates glare, while maintaining transparency.
• The distinctive stainless steel ‘splash’ that descends from the 19th floor, is a design element and a shading device that eliminates over 30 percent of the sun’s heat before it reaches the building. The splash also twists around the building towards the south to shield the tower as much as possible from direct sunlight.
• CAPITAL GATE’s 19th storey outdoor swimming pool has an unrivalled panoramic view. 
• A cantilevered tea lounge overhangs the tower’s exterior, 80m above the ground.
• CAPITAL GATE also has an internal diagrid that has been used to create a tapered, 60m high atrium.
• The tower’s foundation is a dense mesh of reinforced steel above 490 piles, drilled 20 - 30 meters underground.

CAPITAL GATE’s status as one of the world’s most complex engineering projects has been further endorsed by a recent exclusive National Geographic television documentary. The ‘Megastructures’ programme devoted to the project – ‘The Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’ - has been translated into 44 languages and will be broadcast in 166 countries reaching a potential audience of 200 million viewers. ‘The Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’ is due to air in the Middle East next month. 

Show grows in size, reflecting growth in Middle East lifestyle market

May 26, 2010. Abu Dhabi - The highly awaited lifestyle exhibition, ‘Big Boys Toys’ is set to return to ADNEC (the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center) from 2nd to 5th February 2011, growing to accommodate more days and more exhibition space, including new zones and interactive features, announced organizer, Artaaj.

Big Boys Toys will bring together the ‘best of the best’ products and services appealing to the high net worth male consumer, combined with live demos and activities, all under one roof. With the seven original zones: drive, ride, off road, marine, aviation, digital and lifestyle, and three new ones: fitness, fashion and adventure, the exhibition is the only complete male lifestyle event to be held in the UAE. Around 100 exhibitors across 46 exclusive categories will have the opportunity to showcase their products to an affluent target audience of over 60,000 visitors.

“Big Boys Toys is much more than an exhibition, it’s a show! Apart from being able to indulge in their passion for the ‘biggest and the best’, our visitors will have four days of non-stop exhilaration - with a range of thrilling activities and unbelievable displays, this will be one weekend to remember!” promises, Biju Jayaraaj, CEO, Artaaj.

With the addition of three new zones, and the expansion to encompass the outdoor and marina areas at ADNEC, the four-day exhibition reflects the strong regional demand for luxury goods, reinforcing the MENA region’s current position as the most powerful worldwide driver for the luxury and retail industries. The positive projection on Abu Dhabi’s economy, which is expected to increase by 4 per cent, in addition to the forecasted rise in the UAE’s GDP by 2.5 per cent this year, further confirms the country’s strength as a consumer market.

“Given the unique mix of cultural backgrounds of customers in the region, and the dynamism of consumer demand and consumption across all its sectors, tapping into the Middle East market has always been both challenging and rewarding. Keeping this in mind, we have designed the 2011 show in a manner that makes it a definite must-attend for ‘global consumers’ in the region, and we are positive of the success we will witness as a result of this,” concluded Jayaraaj.

Abu Dhabi, 15th May 2010: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has announced that Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East and North Africa region, will add 800 hotel rooms across three new properties at the Capital Centre development which is currently under construction adjacent to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The additional room capacity will enable the many visitors who attend the packed calendar of exhibitions, conferences, events and weddings at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to choose from a range of outstanding Rotana hospitality options available a short walk from the venue.

The strategic location of Capital Centre also means that the three properties will be well positioned to take advantage of major Abu Dhabi tourism attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Raha Beach and the Corniche; they will also be located less than 15 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Mr. Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana said: “In 2011, Capital Centre will see the opening of two properties to be managed by Rotana; the Capital Centre Rotana, a 4 star 300-room hotel, and Centro Capital Centre, a 300-room budget hotel. These will be followed by the opening in 2012 of Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, which is a 4 star 200-room hotel apartment complex. Capital Centre is home to a successful exhibition multiplex, attracting businesses, international event organisers, exhibitors and visitors from all over the world and Rotana is very pleased to be a part of this thriving destination. The three new properties under our management at Capital Centre are a great opportunity for Rotana to deepen its well-established base in Abu Dhabi, and will complement our existing operations”.

Mr. Simon Horgan, Group CEO of ADNEC said: “In less than two decades, Rotana has established an enviable reputation in the region’s hospitality industry and we are delighted to add its quality and experience to ADNEC and Capital Centre’s growing hospitality portfolio. I am delighted that due to the ongoing success of the exhibition centre, we are able to support the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s strategic targets for hotel capacity in the capital.

“The support of industry leaders such as Rotana is important in driving forward our plans to build Capital Centre’s position as the world’s first exhibition lifestyle destination,” he added.

Construction at Capital Centre Rotana and Centro Capital Centre is already underway, while the construction on Capital Centre Arjaan is expected to commence shortly. Currently, Rotana manages a portfolio of over 70 properties across 26 cities in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. The company’s strategic aim is to have a property located in every key city in the MENA region in the coming years.

ADNEC’s AED 8 billion Capital Centre development will feature 23 residential, commercial and mixed-use towers adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The exhibition centre hosted 119 events in 2009, an eight-fold increase over 2005 when 14 events took place during the year, at the previous exhibition facility.

American Idol appearance causes surge in ticket demand

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed that all Gold and Platinum tickets to see Harry Connick Jr. live at Abu Dhabi Hall, ADNEC on Sunday 16th May have now sold out.  The jazz idol’s appearance on hit TV show American Idol, which was screened in the Middle East last Thursday, is believed to have caused the massive increase in demand for tickets.  Despite the surge in demand, limited silver and bronze tickets are still available to see the three time Grammy award-winner’s first event performance in the UAE.

Harry Connick Jr. who has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, is currently promoting his latest album “Your Songs”, a compilation of 14 classic popular songs which integrate a string orchestra with his big band, offering a distinctive approach. The album includes some of the best known work of contemporary song writers such as Lennon-McCartney’s “And I Love Her” as well as immortal classics such as “Mona Lisa”, “All the Way” and “Bésame Mucho,” which is sung in both Spanish and English.

Commenting on the increase in ticket demand, Christina Anthony, ADNEC Sales Director said, “Harry Connick Jr. is one of the world’s leading Jazz performers and his concerts are always very special.  His appearance on American Idol appears to have created many new fans of his music in the Middle East region and I am delighted that we have been able to provide those new fans with the opportunity to see him live in comfort at Abu Dhabi Hall.”

Harry Connick Jr. will be an all-seated concert. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show will begin at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices begin at AED 395 and will are available at www.Boxofficeme.com, www.Timeouttickets.com, www.Ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores.  People are advised to book soon to avoid disappointment.

Harry Connick Jr Live in Abu Dhabi is presented by ADNEC and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and is held in partnership with AEG, The Coast, The National, Synaxis Media, Aloft Abu Dhabi and Fox Movies.

For more information on the event, please visit  www.adnec.ae/harryconnickjr

Critically acclaimed Irish dance show spectacular has played to over 100 million people worldwide. Tickets on sale now!
 
Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 5th, 2010 – Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) announced today it will host four live performances of Irish dance spectacular ‘Lord of the Dance’ at Abu Dhabi Hall, ADNEC on June 23rd, 24th and 25th. 

The brainchild of American-Irish Dance sensation, Michael Flately, Lord of the Dance is the highest grossing dance show in the world; since making its debut in Dublin in 1996 the international Irish dancing extravaganza has smashed box office records and performed sold out shows to over 100 million people at theatres, arenas and stadiums in over 67 countries in every Continent.

Lord of the Dance is the theatrical extravaganza that has catapulted Irish dancing into the global spotlight.  The show features more than 40 dancers who deliver an eloquent and stunning interpretation of one of Ireland’s most famous legends.

Michael Flatley, producer and director of Lord of the Dance commented “It’s absolutely fantastic being No. 1 and we intend to stay that way.  We can’t wait to see our fans in the UAE and look forward to performing in Abu Dhabi.” He added he is committed to his art and to giving his audiences “The World’s Greatest Dance Show.”

The incredible success of Lord of the Dance is due to its timeless and universal appeal.  Based on Irish folklore, this classic tale of Good vs. Evil is expressed through the universal language of dance.

The production is a phenomenal spectacle that speaks to all, crossing boundaries of age, gender and cultural diversity.  From the moment the lights go down, audiences are spellbound by a masterfully orchestrated combination of precision dancing, state of the art lighting and pyrotechnics. This remarkable musical performance leaves no soul untouched.

Lord of the Dance will be an all-seated performance. Ticket prices range from AED 295, AED 395, AED 595 to AED 795 and are available at www.boxofficeme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores.

For more information on the event and where to buy tickets, please visit  www.adnec.ae/lordofthedance.

Lord of the Dance is presented in partnership with ADTA, AEG, The Times and The Sunday Times.

- UAE Nationals are top priority in recruitment drive -

Abu Dhabi: ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) is targeting talented and qualified UAE Nationals from Al Ain during the three-day Career Fair which is being held 3-5 May 2010 in the city under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research.

“We are delighted to be a major participant and platinum sponsor of the ongoing Career Fair in Al Ain. This city has already provided ADNEC with a number of top-performing national employees and I am confident Al Ain will continue to be an important base for ADNEC talent in years to come,” said Humaid Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Director of Finance & Human Resources, drawing attention to the reputation of Al Ain as a centre for educational excellence.

Al Ain’s United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), established in 1976, was the country’s very first university. The city is also home to a number of other established colleges and universities.

The Al Ain Career Fair is taking place at the site where ADNEC has commenced construction of its AED 3.5 billion Al Ain Convention Centre district. When complete, this project will include a state-of-the-art convention centre, an expanded wedding hall, a cultural centre, hotels, a serviced apartment complex, and a cluster of residential and commercial low-rise buildings, providing both a boost to local employment and an uplift to the city’s emerging meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

“ADNEC’s ties to Al Ain run deep. With our participation at this fair and our emphasis on recruiting UAE national talent, ADNEC hopes to reiterate our commitment to this city. We would like Emirati staff to be at the forefront of the ADNEC growth story and participate in the very many exciting projects that ADNEC has been entrusted with by the Abu Dhabi leadership, including the Al Ain Convention Centre district,” added Al Dhaheri. 

ADNEC is a strategic international venue development and management company whose venue portfolio includes one of the most modern exhibition centres in the world - the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and the UK capital’s largest exhibition and conference venue, ExCeL London.  The company currently employs many UAE Nationals in key positions and has implemented several unique initiatives aimed at maximising skills and leadership potential of its national employees including a unique secondment program held in cooperation with ExCeL London. 

ADNEC’s participation at the Al Ain Career Fair follows a number of recent recruitment initiatives aimed at strengthening its workforce. Since February 2010, when the company staged the Tawdheef Recruitment Show at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC has participated in a number of university recruitment events at Zayed University, Al Hosn University and Abu Dhabi Men’s College. The thrust of ADNEC’s recruitment efforts this year is on increasing the percentage of Emirati personnel within the company to 35 per cent by end-2010. The company has already achieved 32 percent nationalization among positions that are suitable for UAE nationals.  

ADNEC’s 128sqm stand at the Al Ain Career Fair is designed to ensure job-seekers are provided a welcoming and convenient ambience to obtain information, apply for and explore career options within the company. Stand visitors will be received at a reception desk, guided through application formalities, and encouraged to submit their CV’s via the kiosks at the stand. The stand will also have facilities for onsite interviews and screening.