Adnec signs deal to bring more events to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) has signed a deal with Index Conferences and Exhibitions to attract more events to the capital.

The Dubai-based firm, which has opened an office in Adnec, will initially bring four new events to Abu Dhabi.

Adnec will host Children & Parents World Exhibition, Lifestyle Exhibition, Media Communication & Content World Conference and Atech World Conference and Exhibition this year and next.

Index will primarily target Arabian Gulf visitors and global exhibitors to drive footfall and business opportunities at the events.

“We face a big task to create an environment that encourages both visitors and exhibitors,” said Abdul Salam Al Madani, the chairman of Index. “A viable and vibrant conference space needs the cooperation of tourism, transport, hospitality and commerce departments.

“Abu Dhabi now has the infrastructure that is needed to host and house international visitors. It is not just about footfall, it is about attracting the right people to speak to the right exhibitors to foster business.”

Index was established in Dubai in 1991 organising events nationally, regionally and internationally. It targets 25 per cent growth annually but is not expecting those returns from Abu Dhabi immediately.

Abu Dhabi recorded double-digit growth at its main ex­hi­bition centres last year as the emirate hosted more big conventions.

Adnec and Al Ain Convention Centre together hosted 369 events in 2015, an increase of 13 per cent on the 327 events from the previous year. They drew 1.8 million visitors.

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