The visit forms part of ADNEC’s ongoing scholarship programme for local employees, which aims to cross pollinate experience between London and Abu Dhabi, a programme that began in 2009 following ADNEC’s acquisition of London’s premier exhibition venue.

The employees will travel to London this October, where they will receive expert mentoring from employees at the former Olympic venue, in the fields of sales, marketing, leadership, and event management. Earlier this year in March, three ADNEC employees completed the scholarship.

Saeed Al Shamsi, Director of Human Resources at ADNEC said: “Ensuring that our employees are given every opportunity to develop and progress as professionals is a key priority for us. The contribution to our employees make to the success of our business and the growth of Abu Dhabi as a business tourism destination is huge – so we are committed to investing in them.

“This scholarship programme allows Emirati nationals to benefit from the skills and experience built up over many decades at ExCeL London, which continues to lead the UK’s business tourism industry. This investment in human capital is a strategic objective of ADNEC and in line with the vision of the Abu Dhabi leadership.”

ADNEC’s strong Emiratisation policies and commitment to personal development continues to position it as one of the most attractive employers for UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi. The company has attracted 17 new Emiratis since the beginning of the year, increasing the percentage of Emiratis in the workforce from 44 per cent to 47 per cent.

So far, twenty-six male and female Emirati employees have benefited from the scholarship programme since its launch – with visits lasting anywhere between two and six months. The employees have then returned to take up more senior roles within ADNEC across various departments, contributing to the growth and development of the organisation.

“At ADNEC, we spare no effort to strengthen the aptitude and performance of our promising employees,” continued Al Shamsi.

“The business tourism industry is a key contributor to the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi, and we believe these professional will have a significant role to play in the success of that diversification process.