Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) announced that its impact on the Abu Dhabi economy in 2015 surged by 26 per cent to Dh3.47 billion ($944.4 million) from Dh2.76 billion ($751.2 million)  in 2014.

This follows a 13 per cent growth in the number of events hosted by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Al Ain Convention Centre (AACC), which collectively hosted a total of 369 events in 2015.

Addressing a press conference to announce the company’s 2015 results, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO of Adnec, said: "Adnec is pleased with yet another strong annual performance. We were able to achieve these results due to our flexibility and efficiency in delivering world-class events. We maintained high growth rates thanks to the sustained efforts in improving the quality of services offered to the events community. This positively reflected on Abu Dhabi economy by delivering an economic impact of Dh3.47 billion in 2015, up from Dh2.76 billion in 2014.”

He added: “In addition, we attracted a host of new events increasing the total number of events hosted by our premier venues in the emirate of Abu Dhabi - including Adnec and AACC - from 327 events in 2014 to 369 events in 2015, an increase of 13 per cent. These events attracted 1.8 million visitors from across the world, up from 1.6 million visitors in 2014 - representing year-on-year growth of 13 per cent.”

Al Dhaheri also revealed that in 2015 Adnec attracted 12 new exhibitions and witnessed a steep growth in the specialised conferences and congresses segment that posted a spectacular 110 per cent growth. Going forward, Adnec will leverage its world-class facilities and close synergies with its strategic partners to deliver more successful exhibitions and congresses in 2016. Towards this priority, Adnec will redouble its efforts to develop and upgrade its facilities and pave the way for hosting more international and regional events.

Al Dhaheri added: “Adnec today has a diverse team of highly skilled and talented Emiratis who are the backbone of our industry and the potential leaders of tomorrow. Towards the end of 2015, we had achieved a 55 per cent Emiratisation target, up from 51 per cent in 2014. In addition, 83 per cent of our senior management positions are today held by qualified young UAE nationals.

Al Dhaheri said: “Furthermore, Adnec supported the creation of more than 18,600 job opportunities within the UAE in 2015 across sectors associated with business tourism, registering a 28 per cent increase over 2014 where we supported the creation of 14,500 jobs.”

“Adnec also contributed to the high occupancy levels of hotels in the UAE delivering a total of 522,000 guest nights, a surge of 21 per cent compared to 430,000 guest nights in 2014. Of this 420,000 guest nights were recorded in Abu Dhabi alone.”

He further pointed out: “Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre marked the busiest month on its calendar of regional and international events in October 2015 when the region’s premier events venue hosted 41 scheduled events in a single month for the first time since inception.”

“This is 20 per cent more than the monthly average of 34 events over the last five-year period between 2011 and 2015. Adnec’s previous highest number of events in a month was in October 2012 when the venue hosted 40 events.”

The Acting Group CEO confirmed: “ExCeL London, the Adnec-owned venue in the UK capital, also marked its most successful year since its inception by hosting 159 events in 2015. The venue welcomed a total of 3.2 million visitors across 313 events in 2015, compared to 2.3 million visitors from 309 events in 2014. The premier venue anticipates continued success with customer-focused events and will welcome 30 millionth visitor within the next three years. ExCeL London also announced five prestigious award wins in 2015.

“In 2015, Adnec scooped several prestigious industry recognitions and awards including the Most Sustainable Exhibition and Conference Venue for Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre at the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Awards in London, the Best Meetings & Conference Centre at Business Destinations Travel Awards, the Best Commercial High-rise Development in the Arab Region for Capital Gate tower at the Grand Final of the International Property Awards 2015 and yet again the Best Commercial High-rise Development for Capital Gate tower at the Africa & Arabia Property Awards 2015. The Adnec Group cumulatively won 81 international awards across diverse industry sectors.

“In 2015, Adnec, in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders, successfully split the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) from the flagship International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) brand. UMEX is now a biennial event under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week (ADAAW). ADAAW will take place from March 6 to 12 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.”

“In the coming year, Adnec will continue its collaboration with its strategic partners to promote Abu Dhabi’s credentials to the international event community, highlighting the emirate’s unique advantages as a preferred venue to host international congresses and exhibitions.”

Al Dhaheri concluded: “Looking ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving further milestones for Adnec in 2016, building on the successes achieved in the past years and leveraging the continued support and contributions of our employees and stakeholders.” – TradeArabia News Service