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splendid array of the finest choice of venues is but the
norm in any sophisticated exhibition market and this is
what primarily attracts organizers of such events. The
dynamics within this market in the UAE has changed and
matured in the recent past. For instance, the dramatic
expansion of the construction sector has brought on a
dire need to hold specialist exhibitions or conferences
to promote the myriad subsidiaries of this particular
sector alone. Therefore, a venue that can support
several events in a year for the same sector itself is
required so that international organizers can look
towards expanding their overall market.
A recently held in-depth review of the
existing and potential exhibition market led to the
conclusion that a new exhibition centre was required for
the UAE. It was found that demand from visitors and
exhibitors has expanded dramatically and significant
opportunities exist for new international exhibitions
and conferences. In particular, Abu Dhabi was also seen
emerging as a unique market especially as the massive
developments that are planned will support a range of
significant exhibitions.
However, the
holding of successful exhibitions is nothing new to Abu
Dhabi. Over the last decade, the capital city has played
host to several large-scale events with immense visitor
turnout at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition
Center. Over the years, ADIEC has developed rapidly to
become the means of swiftly introducing new ideas,
products, and technology from around the world into the
local market, and the region in general.
Amongst the largest and most important international
exhibitions in the Gulf staged at ADIEC includes IDEX,
the world’s largest defense exhibition and conference
that attracts more than 850 exhibitors and over 25000
visitors and ADIPEC, the Abu Dhabi International
Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, with over 1000
exhibitors from more than 30 countries.
Its success also lies in the fact that it enjoys the
unwavering support of the Abu Dhabi Government whose
commitment to driving industry and business
opportunities for Abu Dhabi and the UAE through
exhibitions was clear from the inception of the
International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in
1993. And it is this support that led to the creation of
the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, which was
then given the mission of developing further specialised
exhibitions to spur growth in the UAE economy.
The UAE Federal Government’s involvement is key to the
success of these exhibitions, each of which enjoys Royal
Patronage. This mark of favour enables the corporation
to develop its business, indicating that that key state
and business leaders from around the world see trade and
communication with Abu Dhabi as a big advantage.
Abu Dhabi is an ideal location for international trade
shows and conventions as it is strategically positioned
at the heart of one of the most rapidly developing and
prosperous regions of the world and at the crossroads of
Asia, Europe and Africa. Already a venue for major
events, the emirate is now poised for
a new era of growth and development as a regional and
international trade fair hub.
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company
thus attains even greater significance as it is expected
to act as the catalyst for a major boost to the
exhibitions industry in terms of both facilities and
support services, as well as in the number, diversity
and prestige of events staged in the emirate.
Formerly known as the General Exhibitions Corporation
(GEC), ADNEC was established with the aim of promoting,
organising, hosting and participating in exhibitions
locally, regionally and internationally. The newly
created company, under the chairmanship of His
Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, seeks to
create a vibrant and world-class exhibition facility to
enhance commercial business tourism in Abu Dhabi.
A key priority will be to undertake a major development
programme to ensure that Abu Dhabi’s world-class
exhibition and convention facilities provide
state-of-the-art efficiency and convenience for event
organisers, exhibitors and delegates alike.
In the light of this shifting dynamics in the exhibition
market and well aware of the role of quality exhibitions
in not only creating international awareness of Abu
Dhabi but also in attracting investment, new industry
and business tourism, the Government of Abu Dhabi
decided to set up a new world-class venue to host these
events.
With a capital outlay of Dhs 400,000,000, the initial
footprint of the exhibition complex is 57,000 square
metres including double volumes to the exhibition halls
and a three-level grandstand, reveals Yehia Abdullah,
Project Director of Al Habtoor Enginnering Enterprises
that is the main contractor for this prestigious
project.
The complex will also include
a massive 12,000 square metres U-shaped visitor
concourse and 29.000 square metres of multi-purpose
halls. The new centre will also feature dedicated
conference facilities for 1,200 people, extensive retail
facilities and a Commercial & Business Centre.
“The project consists of two phases: Phase 1 entails the
refurbishment of the existing grandstand on Khaleej Al
Arabi Road, which has a historic and heritage
significance to the Governmnet of Abu Dhabi and the
construction of a series of exhibition halls in addition
to reception areas, front of house and back of house
facilities,” says Abdullah.
The first phase of the project is already well under way
and on schedule for completion by December 2006 to host
the internationally recognised IDEX 2007 defence
exhibition and conference, he adds. “Progress is on
target in consideration of a 24-hour shift being worked.
While our current manpower size totals 1,200 persons
including sub-contractors’ personnel, we estimate a peak
of 2,000 persons during October this year.”
Built in the ‘U-shape’ that has proven so successful in
the best venues in the world, the Centre will contain a
central landscaped plaza for outdoor events. The focal
feature of the complex will be an iconic soaring tower
that will curve above the centre and look out to the
sea. Innovative in its design, the tower is a bold
architectural statement that reflects ADNEC’s plans to
become an internationally recognisable venue while the
tower itself will become the brand that promotes the
venue and Abu Dhabi to the world.
The location for this centre has been carefully
selected: close to the major hotel developments and a
short distance from Abu Dhabi Airport. The surrounding
road network has been planned to allow for easy access
and exit to the centre and multi-storey car parks will
provide ample capacity for visitors and exhibitors.
The area surrounding the new centre is scheduled for
immediate development and will feature hotels, serviced
apartments for 2000 people, 17 office towers, a marina
development and a retail zone with over 100 outlets.
As part of the development, the existing Sheikh Zayed Grandstand will be
refurbished and linked to the new halls. Within it will
be offices, food courts and a range of companies
servicing the exhibition industry.
“One of the main challenges of the construction and
completion of this mega project is that it has to be
ready by December this year, right on time for use at
IDEX 2007,” says Abdullah. “As such, several design and
build solutions have to be implemented to ensure that
the task is achieved right on target without any delay.
Throughout the design and construction purposes,
therefore, extensive value engineering exercises are
held to achieve capital cost savings, to review
operability and improve performance against programme.”
The final design must provide an attractive, adaptable
development allowing for easy maintenance and energy
efficiencies, without compromising innovation and
functionality, he adds.
Due to severe time constraints and the ‘fast-track’
nature of the project, the risks of onsite injuries
remain exceptionally high, admits Abdullah. “To this
end, the safety standards have been raised above normal
and the results have delivered remarkable returns. Close
collaborations are also established with local
authorities in developing relocation plans of existing
services without disrupting the present usage.”
In keeping with the ergonomic design of the complex,
emphasis has been placed on providing as much natural
light as possible, he says. “Roof lights and glazed
partitions have embodied this function while maintaining
a harmony of modernism mixed with innovation. In
addition, the new facilities are to link with the
existing heritage Grandstand in such a way as to make
the structure both an integral part of the new
development but also functional in its own right.”
Sustainability, energy efficiency and innovation are the
key elements incorporated into the design of this
landmark building, says Abdullah. “The front and public
facing elevations of the exhibition halls are
aesthetically attractive with a mix of glazed and
aluminium units with an over-sailing roof canopy
creating a sense of space, volume, light and airiness.”
With the tight time frame of the project, “our primary
concern is procuring materials on time, especially in an
already stretched market characterised by a shortage of
suppliers, sub-contractors and materials,” he says.
“However, the expertise and experience of Al Habtoor
Engineering Enterprises in engineering solutions,
construction works and construction projects’ management
have been crucial in managing and maintaining progress
while the design is on-going. Our engineering and design
prowess have also complemented in the early
identification of potentially challenging technical
issues, thereby assisting the client or engineer in
value engineering studies.”
Even as the new ADNEC complex is readying for completion
by December 2006, it can be said in no uncertain terms
that the event and exhibition industry in the UAE will
clearly enjoy the
highest levels of customer care and support, an
incredible experience that will reflect the standard of
the new venue. | 
