Four exhibition organisers in agreement with Adnec

ABU DHABI – 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. Shaikh 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.” Jane Risby-Rose, CMPI managing director, said; “We are delighted to be one of the ‘foundation partners’ at Abu Dhabi’s new world-class exhibition centre, with phase one due to open early next year. This gives CMPI a great opportunity in this exciting and emerging market, further enhancing our worldwide portfolio.” “CMPI has been considering the Gulf region for sometime now, and have committed to Abu Dhabi for a number of reasons. First, because it is the capital of the UAE, and is home to the UAE’s financial centre; second, because of the massive business opportunities this area offers in terms of the emerging market; third, because of the innovative design of the centre and last and by no means least, because of the integrity of the senior management with whom we have dealt with for over ten years in their previous roles. We are already have a contract with Adnec to cover one of our exhibition portfolios, and expect to sign for numerous others in the next few months.” Mark Alcock, DMG World Media deputy chief executive officer, said: “We are pleased to be one of the ‘foundation partners’ supporting the new exhibition centre in Abu Dhabi and our plan is to develop further events in other markets in Abu Dhabi.” Simon Horgan, Adnec chief executive, said, “The unprecedented scale of developments under way and planned for Abu Dhabi is driving massive demand for exhibitions to serve that activity. Four such influential organising companies have become Adnec’s foundation partners and we look forward to working together to deliver successful exhibitions.”