Press Release Details

ADNEC's Board of Directors Headed by Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan Tour ADNEC

Publication Date: 2 Sep 2006

AED 500 million preliminary phase to add 28,500 sq meters to ADNEC's exhibitions area

ADNEC's Board of Directors, headed by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) recently visited the construction site of ADNEC's new venue to inspect development progress. Sheikh Sultan and the Board of Directors expressed satisfaction at the rapid pace of work by main contractor, Al Habtoor, and all involved subcontractors and hoped that they would continue demonstrating unwavering commitment.

The first phase of the venue, which is on schedule for completion by December 2006, is a key tenet of ADNEC's strategy to build a modern world class exhibition and conference centre catering to the booming commercial activity in the UAE capital.

Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Managing Director of ADNEC; Simon Horgan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ADNEC; Clive Lowe, Operations and Venue Director, ADNEC; and members of ADNECï?½s Board of Directors.

Commenting on the progress of the new venue, Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie said, "ADNEC is working towards promoting the exhibitions and conferences industry in Abu Dhabi and helping to stimulate economic activity across a broad range of industry and infrastructure sectors. There is a rapidly increasing market demand for exhibitions in the capital of the UAE, and ADNEC is looking to meet demand by constructing a modern purpose built exhibition complex supported by upgraded services and infrastructure."

"The conference and exhibitions industry plays a vital role in supporting the diversification of the UAEï?½s economy. It nurtures continued growth of the local economy year-round, while injecting a significant amount of capital into various local industries," he added.

Simon Horgan said, "The impressive growth of Abu Dhabi's economy and the UAE's commitment to continue diversifying the scope of its economic activities, has significantly boosted the conference and exhibition industry in the capital. In the context of heightened economic activity and expectation, we are certainly pleased that the expansion is proceeding on schedule. The first phase, projected to be completed by December 2006, will add approximately 28,500 gross sq meters to ADNEC's exhibition area at an approximate outlay of AED 500 million."

Upon final completion, ADNEC's new venue will include 57,000 square meters of gross exhibition floor space, a 21,000 square meters visitor concourse and 7,500 square meters of multi-purpose halls. It will also feature dedicated conference facilities for 1,200 people, 30 high-specification meeting rooms and an 8-outlet food court.

As part of the development, the existing Sheikh Zayed Grandstand will be refurbished and linked to the new halls. The area surrounding the new centre is scheduled for immediate development and will feature hotels, serviced apartments for 2,000 people, 17 office towers, a marina development and a retail zone with over 100 outlets.

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For further information please contact:

Mr Paul Vincent
Sales & Marketing Director

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Tel: +971 2 4446900 x222
Fax: +971 2 4446135
Email: paul.vincent@adnec.ae

(Or)

Mr Mohammed Al Jeaidi (Arabic), Email: Aljeaidi@adnec.ae
Miss Nicky Neville-Smith (English), Email: nicky@adnec.ae