2019 is set to be another strong year with more events
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) hosted 14 per cent more events last year compared to 2017 and contributed Dh3.41 billion to the capital's economy, its top official said on Monday.
Adnec Group CEO Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri told Khaleej Times that with strong infrastructure, great vision, partnerships and sustainable business model, 2019 is set to be another strong year with more events.
"We and the Department of Tourism are working together to support Abu Dhabi Plan 2030. We are focusing more on developing a sustainable business growth with our partners - the government and the organisers. We believe in partnership. We take the events to our hearts. If an event succeeds mean we are also succeeding," he said.
Al Dhaheri noted that Adnec venues, which include the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the Al Ain Convention Centre, have hosted 502 events last year compared to 442 in 2017 at a growth rate of 14 per cent.
"The total contribution to the economy since inception in 2005 is at Dh32 billion with total of 3,390 events. In 2018, we hosted 57 local and international exhibitions, including nine new ones, at a 7.4-per cent year-on-year growth. We received more than 2 million visitors in 2018 and the various activities led to 473,454 hotel room bookings in the Capital," Al Dhaheri said and added that the activities led to 20,000 job opportunities.
The number of Emiratis in the company also rose from 69 per cent in 2017 to 72 per cent by end of 2018. Adnec achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 94.7 per cent compared with 92.6 per cent in 2017.
Separately, Excel London, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adnec, hosted 412 events with footfall of 2.3 million visitors.
Tech, innovation key drivers
Innovative solutions and use of technology were drivers of growth at Adnec. In January, Adnec launched a new experience in the meeting and conference sector - The Hive - 865sqm versatile space to enhance benefits of face-to-face engagement for clients.
"It is an innovative place to hold meetings. It's fully booked," Al Dhaheri said.
Adnec has also tried heat map to use its own human resources like staff and cleaners more efficiently.
"We exactly know which area needs more staff and we reduce operation costs.
Then there is online service where exhibitors can order their needed services for stands.
"The digital system is launched for the first time in the region. We tested all these innovative solution last year and implemented with positive result and feedback."
He said the Group was very competitive when it came to bidding for new events.
"We always strive to get new events here. We submit lot of bids to host events in Abu Dhabi City and you will see it this year. We are looking to host more events. It's going to a strong year with lots of events," Al Dhaheri added.
He said the group was very competitive when it came to bidding for new events. "We always strive to get new events here. We submit lot of bids to host events in Abu Dhabi City and you will see it this year. We are looking to host more events. It's going to be a strong year with lots of events," Al Dhaheri added.
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