Adnec contributes Dh1.32 billion to Abu Dhabi economy in H1

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company drew more than 812,000 visitors to its conferences and exhibitions at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Al Ain Convention Centre in the first half of 2016.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) contributed Dh1.32 billion in direct and indirect impact to the Abu Dhabi economy and drew more than 812,000 visitors to its conferences and exhibitions at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Al Ain Convention Centre in the first half of 2016.

With this, Adnec's total direct and indirect economic impact has reached more than Dh23 billion, while its exhibition venues have welcomed over 12.5 million visitors since establishment in 2005.

In H1 2016, Adnec hosted 34 exhibitions as well as 124 conferences and events, creating more than 7,000 job opportunities in supporting sectors of business tourism. Adnec has also won eight major international conference bids in H1 2016.

Noura Mohammed Al Kaabi, chairwoman of Adnec and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said: "Adnec continues to help drive the ongoing diversification and growth of the Abu Dhabi economy, as a key catalyst for realising the Abu Dhabi Plan and Economic Vision 2030.

"Abu Dhabi is steadily gaining a prominent position as a leading city for business tourism in the region. This is a result of the continuous support from our government, that focuses on innovation, leadership in social and economic sectors and the empowerment of Emirati talent."

She added: "Emiratisation at Adnec has increased to 56 per cent of total staff compared to 52 per cent in the same period in 2015 - with Emiratis occupying 86 per cent of senior management positions. Emirati women represent 40 per cent of the total national workforce.

"It is vital for the future competiveness of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE that we continue to provide an attractive environment for exhibitions, conferences and sectors to come to Abu Dhabi and experience what we have to offer in terms of business tourism."

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO of Adnec, said: "The success in H1 2016 can be attributed to the performance of Adnec's network of conference and exhibition centres in the UAE and the UK. We are now in a position to leverage the strengths of both destinations and their position as two prominent business and technology-focused hubs to drive the further growth of the Group as a whole."

- business@khaleejtimes.com