Leading Exhibition Organizers named as Abu Dhabi 'Foundation Partners'

Four of the world's leading exhibition organising companies have been confirmed as 'Foundation Partners' with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), signing long-term agreements for shows at the new venue.

Reed Exhibitions, CMP Information, IIR (Middle East) and dmg world media have already committed a combined 30 shows for the city's new 57,000 square metre exhibition centre. The innovative 'Foundation Partner' strategy sees the venue and organisers making a mutual commitment to developing shows and Abu Dhabi's exhibition sector, to serve the destination's rapidly emerging markets.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of ADNEC, said, "The events industry is a powerful medium through which Abu Dhabi can attract the attention of the region and the world. Exhibitions stimulate business investment, international awareness and tourism. We recognise the foresight of these exhibition organisers and will support their investment by providing them with a world-class venue and management team."

Exhibitions already confirmed for the venue's new halls include IIR's CityScape Abu Dhabi; dmg world media's acquisition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) and Reed Travel Events' new Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings exhibition (GIBTM).

Commenting on GIBTM, Paul Kennedy, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Group Exhibitions Director, said, "The Middle East is seeing a surge in interest from planners, so the show will be based on a high-level hosted buyer programme."

The new exhibition complex is already well advanced in its construction with the first phase of the 57,000 square metres of halls on schedule to be open early in 2007. The completed venue will also feature a 21,000 square metre visitor concourse and dedicated conference facilities for 1,200 people.

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