ADNEC’s participation forms part of its on-going strategy to position Abu Dhabi as a premier international meetings destination by attracting the world’s leading meetings, conferences and exhibition events to the UAE capital. The event will also offer exhibitors the chance to strengthen relationships and promote collaboration with other global industry players.

ADNEC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Idenburg, said: “Participation at IMEX allows us to build on a growing reputation for excellence in the business tourism sector, by engaging in dialogue and interfacing with competitors and organisers alike. Whether it be ExCeL London or ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, our market leading venues and services continue to push the boundaries of innovation, technology, accessibility and convenience and platforms such as this allow us to demonstrate those credentials.

“IMEX will also allow us to broaden our understanding of the evolution of the MICE industry and identify how we must adapt to increasing competition. ADNEC has played a significant role in Abu Dhabi’s rise to the top 100 meetings destinations in the world and we remain committed to continuing that growth.”

ADNEC plays an essential role in supporting the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, which was launched under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) to position the emirate as a major player in the MICE and business tourism sectors through attracting high profile event organisers and hosting key events.

Recently, ADNEC participated in the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau’s first promotional tour to the US, which was designed to highlight the advanced infrastructure and integrated offerings in the emirate to the American business community. ADNEC also contributed to an industry-specific international workshop organised by the International Congress and Convention Association(ICCA) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Chief Commercial Officer at ADNEC, said: “Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a global business tourism destination is unquestionable. Our healthy economic landscape, strong geographic positioning and world-class infrastructure is attracting a significant amount of attention from established MICE players such as China and the US.

“ADNEC is committed to the contribution it makes to Abu Dhabi in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau in showcasing the emirate as a hub for international MICE events.”

Earlier this month, ADNEC was named the ‘Middle East's Leading Exhibition and Convention Centre’ for the third time by World Travel Awards (WTA) Middle East, the largest and most prestigious global travel awards platform. Abu Dhabi has also recorded a 134 place rise in the ICCA global meetings rankings – breaking into the world’s top 100 busiest cities for the first time.

For more information about Abu Dhabi as a meetings destination and ADNEC’s award-winning venues, visit the Abu Dhabi stand E520.