T H E L E A D I N G P U B L I C A T I O N F O R M I D D L E E A S T M E E T I N G , I N C E N T I V E & E V E N T P L A N N E R S
M A R / A P R 2 0 1 1 — W W W . M E E T M I D D L E E A S T . C O M
Your Essential Destination and Meetings Guide
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sential Destination and Meetings Guide
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T H E L E A D I N G P U B L I C A T I O N F O R M I D D L E E A S T M E E T I N G , I N C E N T I V E & E V E N T P L A N N E R S
L I C E N S E D B Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L M E D I A P R O D U C T I O N Z O N E
AND MEETINGS GUIDE
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PROFILE / CHRISTINA ANTHONY
What major developments, be they new buildings and facilities or successful event bids, have taken place in the past 12 months?
The last year has been a period of robust growth despite what has been a challenging year for the events industry globally. Our two major exhibition centres — ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre) and ExCeL London — staged a combined 354 events in 2010, marking a six percent rise from 2009. ADNEC’s venues also received nearly three million visitors in 2010 and won numer- ous awards and industry accolades for best practices in areas ranging from event support and event organisation to venue facilities, sustainability, architecture and contribution to tourism.
Major milestones for ADNEC during 2010 included 14 industry awards such as the world’s leading meetings and conference centre (won by ExCeL London at the World Travel Awards) and best international venue (won by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre at the Association of Event Organisers awards).
We inaugurated the AED1 billion (US$272.2 million) phase two expansion at ExCeL London, leading to the creation of a world-class International Convention Centre for the UK capital and the increase of ExCeL’s exhibition space by 50 percent (to 97,500 square metres), making the venue one of Europe’s largest exhibition centres.
Hall,
We also introduced Abu Dhabi the UAE’s largest auditorium to house permanent seating, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Abu Dhabi Hall successfully hosted several global entertain- ment acts during 2010, including Lord of the Dance, Tom Jones and Harry Connick Jr.
Meetme speaks to Christina Anthony, sales and marketing director for the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, about bringing more conferences and
Other achievements in 2010 included: • A renewed company-wide focus on sustainability with ExCeL London ranking 47th in the Sunday Times list of the ‘Best Green Companies 2010’ and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre winning the ‘Green Award’ at the Middle East Events Awards ceremony
• A continued emphasis on Emiratisation initiatives at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which resulted in a 36 percent rate of locals working for the company;
• The Guinness World Record for ‘world’s furthest leaning man-made tower’ for our iconic, gravity-defying Capital Gate tower. The tower was also the subject of an hour- long ‘Megastructures’ documentary broadcast in 166 countries and 40 languages through the global National Geographic network.
• Commencement of construction on the 252-room, AED280 million (US$76.2 million) Aloft London hotel at ExCeL;
• Ongoing progress at ADNEC’s Al Ain Convention Centre, with the already-existing hall at the venue hosting 233 events, the majority of which were weddings These achievements have been made
possible thanks to the tremendous support provided by the Abu Dhabi leadership, which has enabled ADNEC to grow in the midst of an extremely challenging year for the events industry. The year has seen ADNEC further reinforcing its industry position.
How many events did ADNEC host in 2010 and what are the projections for this year? ADNEC staged 148 events in 2010 and I am quite confident we will surpass this in 2011, despite what is still a tough market for the events industry. This year, we look forward to increasing the number and range of events staged at our venue here in Abu Dhabi, as well as the continuing progress of the many development projects that we are involved in, both here in the UAE capital and in London.
What do you consider to be the biggest events on the calendar for 2011 and why? We have a busy events calendar in 2011 at ADNEC, starting with the ongoing World Future Energy Summit that has brought world leaders, including the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, to Abu Dhabi. The event has once again underlined the status
of Abu Dhabi as an important player in the energy marketplace. In February, ADNEC staged the 10th anniversary of IDEX (Inter- national Defence Exhibition & Conference), the largest defence show in the Middle East and North Africa. Enhancements to our venue allowed us to launch Navdex, a dedicated naval defence exhibition that was co-located alongside IDEX. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
takes place in March and always attracts thousands of visitors. This event is followed by World Ports & Trade Summit, a first-time event that stems from the Advantage Abu Dhabi initiative aimed at developing events that are aligned with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision. GIBTM also takes place in March and looks set to be better than ever before. Cityscape Abu Dhabi returns in April
followed by several other trade and consumer shows. In 2012, besides our regular calendar of events, ADNEC will host major congresses such as Routes — the World Route Development Forum, World Ophthalmology Congress, and annual congress for UFI — the global association for the exhibition industry.
You recently announced plans to attract more North American associations and corporations to Abu Dhabi. What is your strategy for achieving this? We are targeting the market in many ways. We’ve signed an agreement with US global destination marketing firm, Marketing Challenges International (MCIntl), to bring major global corporate and association events to ADNEC. The agreement will see MCIntl act as
ADNEC’s exclusive sales agent in the US and Canada, promoting the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to a huge number of decision-making meeting planners. The company will also arrange study tours and advise 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 unpar- alleled government support. ADNEC will participate in two major
American meetings industry exhibitions; AIBTM, which takes place in Baltimore in
Abu Dhabi Hall successfully hosted several global entertainment acts during 2010, including Lord of the Dance, Tom Jones and Harry Connick Jr _Christina Anthony, sales and marketing director for ADNEC
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ANALYSIS / CONVENTION CENTRES
ANALYSIS / CONVENTION CENTRES ThThe Middle East is home to some top-class exhibition and conference venues, but what e Middle East i home to s me top-class exhibition a d conference v nues, but what CENTRES OF E XCELLENCE The Middle East is home to some top-class exh bition and confer nce venues, but what facilit es and services can visit ng delegates expect? Meetme finds out
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVE TION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Home to Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East tourism industry’s biggest annu l gathering, Dubai Internatio
biggest annual gathering, Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) is a sizeable meeting a d exhibitions space that pans 33,000 square metres. The venue offers several exhibition halls, meeting rooms and on-site hotels for delegates. It regularly plays host to leading exhibition shows, including GITEX, Cityscape, Big 5, Dubai l Bo t Show and The Motor Show.
International Boat Show and The Motor Show.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Home to Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East tourism industry’s l Convention & Exhibition
Centre (DICEC) is a sizeable meeting and exhibitions space that span s 33,000 square metres. The venue offers s veral exhibition halls, meeting rooms and o -site hotels for delegates. I regularly pla s host to leading exhibition shows, including GITEX, Cityscape, Big 5, Dubai Interna io
The exhibition centre is based within a large venue space that incor- porates the convention tower office building, Novotel and Ibis hotels and serviced accommodation at the Dubai Internationatli Hotel Apartments. In 2009, the Sheikh Saeed Halls opened, extending the exhibition space by 25,000 square metres. Comprising four halls, the relativ ly new extension was added to satisfy increased growth for exhibition space in Dubai. Hosting more than 100 shows annually, the venue receives thou- sands of exhibitors from all corners of the gl be for sector specific trade airs, consumer eve ts and international conferences in Dubai. Events cover a range of indu tries including technology, foo
The exhibition centre is based within a large venue space that incor- porat s the convention tower office building, Novotel and Ibis hotels and s rviced accomm dation at the Dubai Inter
and health,
uxury goods, fashion and retail, construction, interior desig , consumer electronics, travel and tourism, and transport and education. The purpose built 7,703 square metr
Sheikh Rashid Hall is a onal Hotel Apartments.
In 2009, the Sheikh Saeed Halls opened, extending the exhibition space by 25,000 square metres. Comprising four halls, the relatively new extension was added to satisfy increased growth for exhibition space in Dubai. Hosting more than 100 shows annually, the venue receives thou- sands of exhibitors from all corners of the globe for sector specific trade fairs, f consumer events and international conferences in Dubai. Events cover a range of industries including technology, food and health, luxur ly goods, fashion and retail, construction, interior design, consumer electronics, travel and tourism, and transport and education. The purpose built 7,703 square metre Sheikh Rashid Hall is a column-free space offering versatility and flexibility for varying exhibit on sizes. It is divisible by centrally-op rable soundproof walls measuring 12.6 metres high, providing a customised space for various needs ranging from plenary sessi ns to concerts, sports eve ts and theatrical productions. Configured as an auditorium, this venue has 2,500 retractable
column-free space offering versatility and flexibility for varying exhibition sizes. It is divisible by centrally-operable soundproof walls measuring 12.6 metres high, providing a customised space for various needs ranging from plenary sessions to concerts, sports events and theatrical productions. Configured as an auditorium, this venue has 2,500 retractable
ABU DHU DHABI NATIONAL EXHIBITIO CENTRE SinceS opening in 2007, ADNEC has welcomed more than one million visitors and hosted in excess of 100
ABABI NATIONAL EXHIBITIO CN ENTRE
ince opening in 2007, ADNEC has welcomed more than one million visitors and hosted in excess of 100 events each year, including defence exhibition IDEX, he Abu Dhabi In ernational Petroleum Exhibition a d Conference and Abu Dhabi Book Fair.
The venue boasts 12 halls covering 55,000 square metres in total, making it one of the Middle East’s larg-
The venue boasts 12 halls covering 55,000 squar fe metres in total, making it one of the Middle East’s larg- est exhibition venues. Its biggest exhibition space,
by the simple touch of a button. Additional acoustic panels, moveable partitions, matching tiered mobile u its and flat floor VVIP, VIP and multi-use seats complete the 6,000-seater venue.
events each year, including d f nce exhibition IDEX, The conference and banqueting facilities situated off the link foyer connect the the A tbu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference and Abu Dhabi Book Fair.
d banqueting facil
by the simple touch of a button. Additional acoustic panels, moveable partitions, matching tiered mobile units and flat floor VVIP, VIP and multi-use seats complete the 6,000-seater venue. The conference
ies situated off the link foyer conn ct the
grandstand to the exhibition atrium. On the first floor is where the meeting rooms can be found, all of which overlook the concourse and capital plaza. All 20 suites are fully furnished and suitable for meetings of up to 30 people. Each has retractab e walls, mean ng suites can be join d together to allow for la ger prese tations and gatherings.
est exhibition venues. Its biggest exhibition space, Other facilities include a business centre, 29 furnished offices for lease, several Abu Dhabi Hall, is the UAE’s largest single auditorium, wi h seating for 6,000 spectators. The 7,920 square metre
Abu Dh bi Hall, is the UAE’s largest single auditorium, food outlets and coffee shops, conference and banqueting services for gala with seating for 6,000 spectators. The 7,920 square metre multi-purpose Abu Dhabi Hall can be transformed
dinners and events, and offsite event catering. ditioned environment.
grandstand to the exhibi ion atrium. On the first floor is w re the meeting rooms can be found, all of which overlook the concourse and capital plaza. All 20 suites are ully furnished and suitable for meetings of up to 30 people. Each has retractable walls, meaning suites can be joined together to allow for larger presentations and gatherings. Other facilities include a business centre, 29 furnished o fices for leas , several food outlets and coffee shops, co fere ce and banqueting s rvices for gala dinners and events, and offsite event catering.
m lti-purpose Abu Dhabi Hall can be transformed ADNEC is one of few venues around the world that can stage major indoor, into a in auditorium to host a range of live specta- cles, including sports events and concerts, in a fully air-c
to an auditorium to host a range of live specta- outdoor and marine events simultaneously. The 19,500 square metre Waterfront cles, including sports events and concerts, in a fully air-conditioned environment.
According to ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi Hall is one of the world’s most flexible event spaces, with a fully au omated-retractable tiered seating system. U folding the 23 rows of seating is controlled
26 / 26 /
According to ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi Hall pedestrian footbridge that spans the Khaleej Al Arabi Coast Road. is one of the world’ most flexible event spaces, A channel depth of six metres enables a variety of marine vessels to berth with a fully automated-retractable tiered seating system. Unfolding the 23 rows of seating is controlled
ADNEC is one of few venues around the world that can stage major indoor, outdoor and marine events simultaneously. The 19,500 square metre Waterfront Quayside, complete with a 1,750 square metre pontoon and 250-metre quay wall, linked to a 162-metre
A channel depth of six m tres nables a variety of marine vessels to berth at ADNEC, including military ships and super-yachts. Motor vehicles can so access the area via an exclusive VIP road.
at ADNEC, including military ships and super-yachts. Motor vehicles can also a aclcess th area via an exclusive VIP road.
Quayside, complete with a 1,750 square metre pontoon and 250-metre quay wall, provides a unique setting for al fresco gatherings. It i
Left: ADNEC in Abu Dhabi Below: Dubai’s DICEC
Left: ADNEC in Abu Dhabi Below: Dubai’s DICEC
faci flities and services can visiting delegates expect? Meetme finds o acilities and services can visiting delegat s expect? Meetme fin
33,000 m2 total capacity of the DICEC
provides a unique setting for al fresco gatherings. It is linked to a 162-metre pedestrian footbridge that spans the Khaleej Al Arabi Coast Road.
CENTRES OF E XCELLENCE
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a huge space
metres, Za’ab divided into t that atccommoda It is often used f tionst, corporate s conferences. Else Zaheyah Ballroom recreraetional and le space that can ac 600 people, while H flexible structures an ings over 31,000 squ for exhibitions.
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space that ca 600 people, wh fl xible structur ings over 31,000 for exhibitions. The Al Multaqua is vailable for p cocktail rece rption banquets. Some 60 be accommodated square metre venue and 1,000 delegates a ocktail receptions a style conferences resp
The A M lt ecep
Your Essential Destination and Meetings Guide
YOUR ESSENTIAL DESTINATION AND MEETINGS GUIDE
qatar 2011
YOUR ESSENTIAL DESTINATION AND MEETINGS GUIDE
Licensed by International Media Production Zone
egypt 2011
YOUR ESSENTIAL DESTINATION AND MEETINGS GUIDE
Licensed by International Media Production Zone
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