Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) revealed that it participated in the worldwide celebrations of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) on June 6, highlighting the strategic importance of the MICE industry to the growth of world economies. The GED initiative, which began in 2016, has seen an ever-growing number of participants and is actively supported by 40 exhibition industry associations and coordinated by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. As with previous GED events, industry professionals and students around the world have been very active in online campaigns this year, while many global organizations hosted and organized events marking the day’s significance. 

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC said: “These are truly exciting times for the global MICE industry as industry analysts are predicting a CAGR of 7.5 per cent in the next five years and reaching USD 1.24 billion in 2023. Rapid globalization along with the expansion of service industries and the continuing emergence of newer technologies have become key drivers in this industry's continuous growth. In line with this, ADNEC is confident that it will be a key player in the growth--remaining steadfast in our commitment to provide world class services and facilities to the region. We join the whole world as it celebrates GED Day on June 6, which aims to highlight the importance of the MICE industry for world economies. With over 260 million visitors and 4.4 million exhibitors generating EUR 98 billion (AED 422 billion) in revenues every year, the MICE industry contributes significantly to the GDP of every country in the world. ADNEC has great pleasure in being a part of this industry, with two venues in the heart of the Middle East, and ExCeL London in the heart of Europe, contributing to 6.12 per cent of the global exhibition industry. We are proud to set a benchmark in the industry, with its diverse range of events across key economic sectors.”

“Our two key venues--the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the Al Ain Convention Centre—together generate AED 3.89 of economic impact to Abu Dhabi. Our key venues, has helped contribute to the growth and development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We are a key contributor to the development of the business tourism sector in Abu Dhabi and we understand the significant role we play in helping the emirate in achieving its long-term goals of economic growth and diversification by hosting a series of world-class exhibitions, conventions and events--assisting business tourism and generating non-oil related economic impact. The ADNEC Group positions itself as a strong ‘globally connected’ business, where it aligns in values and global achievements, despite being separated by cultures and continents,” he added.

The year 2017 was a momentous one for the ADNEC. It held 54 exhibitions, representing an increase of 25.5 per cent from 2016, including 13 new exhibitions. Customer satisfaction was at an all-time high, at 94.6 per cent. During the same year, ADNEC upgraded its Wi-Fi network to become the fastest in the UAE. It spearheaded several ‘Green’ initiatives and recycled 1,049 tons of waste material. It launched its strategic ‘Innovation Lab’ initiative in 2017, generated 22,000 job opportunities within Abu Dhabi and contributed to the occupancy of 690,000 hotel nights in the emirate as a result of the hosted events and exhibitions.

ADNEC’s pursuit of excellence was rewarded the same year, when it bagged several awards for its noteworthy contributions, among them being the first company within the MICE sector in the region to be awarded EFQM certifications. ADNEC was also shortlisted in the top 10 for 7 out of 9 main sub category awards of the Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance, winning three awards: Customer Happiness, Business Continuity & Risk Management and Corporate Communications. At the MESE awards in May 2018 – the company bagged the “Best Venue” award for its Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. ADNEC also won the AEO Sustainability Award for the third time in a row, in 2017.