Abu Dhabi’s MICE sector set to witness significant growth

Abu Dhabi Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is gearing up to experience more growth in the near future as more events are scheduled to be staged in the Capital. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) and Reed Exhibitions, one of the world’s leading event organisers, are rolling out five major new events.

This follows the UAE capital becoming a popular destination for the MICE sector, as evidenced by the continued growth registered in the number of events. In 2011, ADNEC hosted 231 events, a 65 per cent year-on-year increase over 2010. While the total contribution of MICE business events to the emirate’s economy is Dh2.4 billion at present according to figures provided by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, their direct impact is projected to increase at a seven per cent annual rate over the next eight years to reach Dh5.1 billion by 2020.

“Fuelled by Abu Dhabi drive to diversify its economy whist raising its bar as the regions catalyst for business tourism and MICE sector, the Emirate is taking a more predominant role in the international map. This, coupled with Abu Dhabi’s excellent and world-class MICE infrastructure and offering, will ensure that companies like ADNEC is well positioned to host some of the unique yet wide events and exhibitions that cater to the needs of various sectors and businesses” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at ADNEC.

“With ADNEC’s standalone expertise, in-depth know how of markets and its needs, as well as excellent and well-skilled staffs, we are proud to be a true partner to Abu Dhabi in raising its profile as the key MICE destination in the region that is moving it from strength into strength in years to come whilst building a local expertise with global insights in this vital sector”, he added.

“We are confident that our strategic approach will enable us to build on the current achievements that embody the well-defined and insightful vision of our board, which aims to build and promote a more sustainable, diversified and knowledge-based economy and build a brighter future for generations to come”, he added.

In pursuit of this goal, Reed Exhibitions will be launching five new events in Abu Dhabi in the next two years. These events of global stature will bring a number of international players to Abu Dhabi, providing valuable opportunities for companies and industry professionals to develop international trade relation

“The events being organised by Reed Exhibitions are a reflection of the growing status of Abu Dhabi as a key market and hub for global MICE events. We aim to take the sector forward by drawing participants here from around the world to share best practices in a variety of disciplines and fields. MICE events bring the global business community together, provide for a congregation of the best minds and talents, and offers opportunities for companies to establish trading links with the UAE” said Ara Fernezian, Divisional Managing Director – UAE, Reed Exhibitions Middle East

“Furthermore, the MICE sector in Abu Dhabi is a key driver of economic growth and makes a major contribution to various other sectors of the economy. With the number of international visitors each event brings into the country, this sector plays an important role in generating new business avenues and boosting the tourism industry.” Ara added.

The first major event will be the sixth World Future Energy Summit, which will take place from January 15 to 17, 2013, as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted by Masdar. The event, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, will bring together global leaders in policy, technology and business on one platform to discuss the latest solutions that will shape the future of renewable energy.

The first International Water Summit will also be organised from January 15 to 17, 2013, in co-location with the World Future Energy Summit and hosted by Masdar, gathering the greatest minds and leaders from the global water community to accelerate the development of sustainable water solutions for arid regions, and lead the water-energy nexus debate and solutions. As a natural extension of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainability, the two events will put the spotlight on two of the most vital resources: water and energy.

The International Jewellery & Watch Show will run from March 14 to 18, 2013. Prominent exhibitors will display at the show their latest and most unique jewellery designs and exquisite collections of luxury watches. Last year the event hosted more than 130 exhibitors from 15 countries.

Building up on the luxury theme, the International Jewellery and Watch Show will get a new dimension next year with the launch of another exhibition, the first Luxury Gift Show. The exhibition, which will run alongside the JWS will be specialised in high-end and innovative design products, objects and concepts for personal use, special occasions, weddings and homes.

The first edition of the Waste Exhibition will be held in January 2014 and will form a logical concurrent extension to that year’s editions of the WFES and IWS, providing a holistic focus on energy and water utilisation along with recycling and the proper, eco-friendly disposal of waste.

With a view to tackling the world’s pressing issues in relation to security, resilience, safety and disaster recovery, three major exhibitions will be running from March 31 to April 2, 2014. These include ISNR Homeland Security & National Resilience, Fire & Emergency Middle East and Health & Safety at Work Expo (HSW Expo 2014).

The ISNR Homeland Security & National Resilience exhibition and conference, in association with the Ministry of Interior of UAE, will cover the entire homeland security issues, bringing the governments, decision makers from both public and private sectors and major international, regional and local players in the field under one roof.

The first Fire & Emergency Middle East exhibition will highlight the growing emphasis on providing international level services in the field of safety. The event will include outdoor displays for machineries and drills on rescue operation.

The first Health & Safety at Work Expo (HSW Expo 2014) will be organised from March 31 to April 2, 2014.