- Company aims to increase UAE National staff to 38% in 2011- 

Abu Dhabi, 22 January 2011: Underscoring its commitment to Emiratization, ADNEC will once again be a major exhibitor at Tawdheef, the prestigious careers fair co-organised by Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council and Turret Media, and taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 25 - 27 January.

“Tawdheef is an important contributor to the UAE’s Emiratization initiatives, and we are very pleased to, yet again, be the host venue and a key participant,” said Humaid Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Director of Finance & HR

“At Tawdheef we will be looking to reassert our credentials as ‘an employer of choice’ for UAE’s young talent; we currently employ UAE Nationals in 36% of all positions within the company - our aim is for this to increase to 38% by the end of 2011.” said Al Dhaheri.

ADNEC offers one of the most attractive benefit packages in the market as well as unique opportunities for UAE Nationals, such as an innovative secondment program where selected UAE national staff work at Excel London, ADNEC’s UK venue, for six months of on the job management training and work experience in a different culture and environment.

“Tawdheef offers an unparalleled opportunity for Emirati jobseekers to meet some of Abu Dhabi’s leading companies, such as ADNEC, and develop their careers in Abu Dhabi. Building on the success of last year’s event which attracted over 20,000 jobseekers, we have had to considerably increase the size of the show for the fifth edition. We are delighted the success of the event has clearly been met with approval from the Emirate’s leading employers.” said Chris Fountain, Director of Tawdheef and Managing Director of Turret Media.

“Tawdheef is the region’s most important and influential recruitment event. For an event of such caliber, ADNEC serves as a perfect venue with its state-of-the-art design and facilities.” he added.

ADNEC’s 200 sqm stand (A-74), located in the Atrium has been designed to ensure job seekers can obtain information and enquire about career options in a welcoming and friendly environment. Stand visitors will be received at the reception desk, guided through the application process and encouraged to submit their CVs via the kiosks at the stand. The ADNEC stand will also have facilities for onsite interviews. Additionally, exciting contests and competitions will also be hosted with attractive prizes on offer.

Abu Dhabi: With six weeks to go until the 10th Anniversary edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2011), preparations are intensifying at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as the venue gets ready to stage one of the region’s most important events.

ADNEC, which is already the largest exhibition centre in the Gulf, has undergone a number of new developments since the 9th edition of IDEX in which was held in February 2009.   Facilities such as the award winning Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel did not exist in 2009, but will now play a key role in the event’s success by offering more than 400 on-site hotel rooms.

The historic ADNEC Grandstand, a 30 year old city land-mark and an integral element in the IDEX Opening Ceremony, has been significantly enhanced for the 10th anniversary edition of the event. The development of a brand new Royal Box, a striking new canopy which arches over the Grandstand before climbing Capital Gate Tower, and a brand new tiered-seating system designed to create a comfortable spectator experience are all nearing completion.

The ADNEC Grandstand display area which is located directly in front of the Grandstand has undergone significant development to create a permanently expanded parade area which will be used during IDEX 2011 and at subsequent ADNEC events.

Commenting on the developments, His Excellency Ali Bin Harmal, Managing Director of ADNEC said, “IDEX is the most important event in DNEC’s calendar and is one of the most significant events for the UAE.  The show provides the opportunity for the nation to showcase its abilities to the wider world and ADNEC is honoured to be able to play its part in the event’s success. Over the last two years we have continued to invest in our facilities and infrastructure to ensure that IDEX 2011, the tenth anniversary event, is a huge success.”

IDEX 2011 and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2011) will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, from 20 – 24th February. Organised by ADNEC in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, IDEX 2011 and NAVDEX 2011 are expected to showcase the latest equipment, services and technology for land, sea and ground-to-air systems, with more than 900 exhibitors and 50,000+ visitors expected to attend.

Deal signed with Marketing Challenges International see ADNEC facilities promoted in North America

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has signed an agreement with U.S global destination marketing firm, Marketing Challenges International (MCIntl) to bring major global corporate and association events to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; the Gulf’s largest exhibition centre located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.   

The agreement will see MCIntl act as ADNEC’s exclusive sales agent in the U.S and Canada, promoting the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to a huge number of decision making meeting planners, arranging study tours and advising ADNEC management of key North American market trends. In addition to promoting ADNEC’s world class event facilities, MCIntl will also highlight Abu Dhabi emirate’s unique appeal to event organisers, including its massive infrastructure investment and unparalleled government support.

“Abu Dhabi provides the ideal gateway to a region brimming with potential. I am confident ADNEC’s strategic alliance with MCIntl will enable North American businesses to use events staged at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as a platform to reach out to the countries in Middle East North Africa (MENA), as well as key emerging markets such as China, India and CIS countries,” said Humaid Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Director of Finance & HR.

Christina Anthony, ADNEC Sales & Marketing Director, said: “The North American convention and association sector offers tremendous potential for ADNEC and we’re very excited to announce this strategic move.  There is a huge demand for events within the Abu Dhabi market, this combined with the world-class facilities on offer and the tremendous support offered to event organisers by the Abu Dhabi government, creates a powerful sales proposition to take to the North American market.”

MCIntl, located in New York, has operated for 25 years and has worked with a vast number of global venues, convention bureaus and government organisations.  Currently it represents a number of high profile organisations, including three of the world’s most successful convention destinations Vienna, Barcelona and Berlin.  Additionally MCIntl also represents Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau and ExCeL London, ADNEC’s major venue in the UK capital, for which it became the exclusive North American sales agent in July 2008.  ADNEC is the company’s first venture into the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.

Michel Couturier, President of Marketing Challenges International said, “We have long looked to the Middle East with a sense of excitement.  In recent years the region has come to the forefront of the global destinations business, with a number of landmark developments. None of these projects has excited us more than the development of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; we are delighted to have entered into agreement with the Gulf’s largest venue of its kind and we look forwarded to spreading the word about ADNEC and Abu Dhabi to the United States and Canadian market.”

ADNEC will continue its push for new U.S business throughout 2011, launching a marketing drive which will see it participate in two major American meetings industry exhibitions; AIBTM, which takes place in Baltimore in June and IMEX America which take place in Las Vegas in October.  As well as sending senior delegations to meet with influential meeting planners in New York City, Chicago and Washington DC.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre opened in February 2007 and provides 73,000sqm of indoor exhibition space, complemented by 20,000sqm of outdoor waterfront event space.  It is further supplemented by a range of convention, banquet and meeting spaces.    The venue staged 119 major events in 2009 welcoming well over 1 million visitors.  The venue was recently named “Best International Venue of the Year” at the UK Association of Exhibition Organisers Awards in London; this follows awards for “Best International Venue” at the Exhibition News Awards in 2010 and “Middle East’s Leading Exhibition Centre” at the World Travel Awards in 2009.

- Innovative 320m arched feature will link one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest landmarks to iconic new Capital Gate tower -

CGI of the completed roof canopy at ADNEC's historic grandstand

Abu Dhabi: Construction has commenced on a striking new 320m canopy that will arch above the existing roof of the historic Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre grandstand.

The celebrated grandstand which was built in 1979 is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest landmarks.  It was much loved by His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan, the late President of the UAE, and was used by him to view national parades and other major celebrations.  Today, it is an integral element of the exhibition centre and provides the Presidential viewing point for the opening of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX).

The new canopy will sweep across the historic grandstand and connect to Capital Gate, the iconic gravity defying tower that’s under development by ADNEC adjacent to the exhibition centre, thereby symbolising, the strong bond between tradition and modernity that is embedded into the UAE capital’s developmental approach.

Capital Gate’s exterior contains an eye-catching ‘Splash,’ running down the tower from level 18, which will link to the grandstand canopy.

The grandstand canopy consists of curved and tapered steel truss wrapped in lightweight fabric. It is supported by columns and steel cables and is to be built 11m above the existing roof. Weighing approximately 200 tons the canopy will contain 7 flagpoles which are 20m – 24m in length.

Besides the building of the canopy, ADNEC is concurrently building a royal box as well as enhancing the grandstand terraces in preparation for the opening of IDEX 2011.

When fully complete in 2011, the Capital Gate tower will house the 5-star Hyatt Capital Gate hotel, as well as premium Grade-A office space.

Organizer to showcase latest technologies and biggest brands in most exciting edition of Big Boys Toys

November 24, 2010

Artaaj, the organizers of Big Boys Toys 2011, the most highly anticipated luxury lifestyle exhibition in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), have announced that the dates for the exhibition have been moved to March 16th to March 19th, 2011. According to the organizer, the need to move the scheduled dates of the exhibition was made to give way to ADNEC’s request to reschedule the event to a later date. Big Boys Toys 2011, an expanded version of the first edition, will run for four days with more exhibition space; complementing an increasing trend towards luxury lifestyle products and services in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.

The event has been divided into its seven original zones; drive, ride, off road, marine, aviation, digital and lifestyle, plus an additional three new sections for fitness, fashion and adventure. The event aims to bring together the ‘best of the best’ products and services appealing to the high net worth male consumer; combining exciting product displays, live demos and other interactive activities, in one prime venue. Big Boys Toys 2011 will feature more than 100 exhibitors across 46 exclusive categories highlighting the latest in modern high end luxury products to an affluent target audience of 60,000 visitors.

“Abu Dhabi is fast taking centre stage as a prime venue for MICE related events, not only for UAE but for the rest of the Middle East region. Big Boys Toys, the most awaited and most exciting exhibition to hit the UAE, will become an integral part in the Abu Dhabi’s events calendar,” said Biju Jayaraaj, CEO, Artaaj. “The change in dates will allow us to incorporate more features, creating a more exciting and action-packed exhibition. We have witnessed unprecedented success since the Big Boys Toys show first started in 2009 and we are totally committed in making sure that every edition will have more to offer - and we’re looking towards attracting one of the largest crowds ever for this year.”

Abu Dhabi: Exhibitors, visitors, and the media are primed for the 8th edition of ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition), as the popular event returns to ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre) this week.

The four-day ADIHEX, commencing 22 September 2010 will span eight halls, covering nearly 40,000 square metres at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, and will serve to highlight the rich heritage and tradition of hunting and horse riding in the UAE, while aiming to raise public awareness on conservation and protection of the environment.

“We are honoured to once again set the stage for what has become one of the most eagerly awaited and truly international shows in ADNEC’s events calendar,” said Simon Horgan, Group CEO of ADNEC. “ADIHEX has grown remarkably since inception in 2003 and we are pleased that our ongoing investment in venue facilities has provided a platform for the growth and expansion of events such as ADIHEX”.

“ADIHEX offers a number of tremendously exciting visitor attractions; and I am confident the 2010 edition, which is the largest ever, will serve to enhance the stature of the show within the region and beyond,” added Horgan.

ADIHEX 2010 will feature more than 500 global brands from over 30 countries, with the latest equestrian equipment and products for safari trips, hunting, weaponry, and fishing. Besides, outdoor sporting vehicles as well as traditional Emirati products will be displayed. In addition, the inaugural World Arabian Horse Racing Conference will take place. Other highlights include Saluki beauty contests, camel auctions, coffee brewing contests, painting and photography competitions – all of which will find a home under the flat-roofed, air-conditioned halls at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which is the largest venue of its kind in the Gulf and, widely regarded as the most modern in the world.

Last year’s ADIHEX held at ADNEC, featured the first-ever Middle Eastern performance of the British Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s ‘The Musical Ride’, comprising 28 horses performing traditional equine routines accompanied by music.

Since its introduction in 2003, ADIHEX has gained international acclaim for its celebration of the deep rooted traditions of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. ADIHEX is organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club in cooperation with collaboration with Turret Middle East and supported by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

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.