Gastech, one of the world's largest gas-industry events, opened today in Abu Dhabi and will attract thousands of visitors from all over the world during the next three days. The 22nd international exhibition and conference for the LNG, LPG and natural gas industries, launched by dmg world media, is being hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and Emirates Palace.

"I am thrilled that dmg world media have decided to stage Gastech at ADNEC, this is the first time that the event will be hosted in the nation's capital city and demonstrates clearly the emirate's emergence as a major exhibition and convention destination for prestigious exhibitions and conferences." said Simon Horgan, ADNEC Chief Executive.

With the world's fourth largest gas reserves, Abu Dhabi is expected to produce significant increases in gas production over the next few years to make it one of the principal gas producers and exporters of the world.

Gas supplies are not the only drawing-card of the emirate; economic reforms have attracted over US$50 billion worth of investments in new hotels and impressive industrial, commercial and residential developments. With highly liquid markets, strategic location and excellent facilities, Abu Dhabi is increasingly being recognised as the ideal location for important international conferences and exhibitions.

ADNEC has recently embarked on a comprehensive programme to develop Abu Dhabi into the first-choice location for the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which includes a large investment in a state-of-the-art exhibition complex which will open in February 2007. Gastech is one of the final exhibitions to take place at ADNEC's existing exhibition venue, with all future events to be hosted at the new complex which contains 57,000 square meters of exhibition floor space and dedicated conference facilities for 1,200 people.

"The amount of attention that the world is paying to this year's Gastech is testament to both the industry's importance and dmg world media's decision to bring the event to Abu Dhabi. We will continue working with dmg world media and our other foundation partners to bring world-class, high-quality events to ADNEC," Horgan concluded.

For further information please contact:

Ben Collins
Marketing Manager
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company
Tel: + 971 2 4446900
Fax: + 971 2 4446135
P.O.Box: 5546
Email: ben.collins@adnec.ae