Abu Dhabi has rapidly transformed itself into one of the leading venues for cultural and business exhibitions, attracting vast amounts of visitors who are fascinated by the enlightening demonstrations and conferences.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) was officially opened in 2007 and has been renowned as the most modern exhibition centre in the world. With its extravagant architectural build and its futuristic facilities it also has been extended further making it the largest exhibition centre in the Middle East. The new Marina zone which will be part of ADNEC will help accommodate more yachts in time for the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show. When completed the new marina development will accompany the famous Capital Gate Tower and the 23 tower mix-use micro city. In turn this will provide more residential accommodation along with further entertainment facilities, which will generate around 1.5 million visitors each year.

ADNEC will ultimately hold the premier position in the global exhibitions and events market, especially now that it has plans to launch itself in Europe, uniting itself with the Excel Exhibition Centre in London, UK.

ADNEC hosts a variety of cultural and business events every year which have proven to be very popular, even more so now that ADNEC has won Construction Week’s 2008 “Project of the Year” Award.

Three key events held at ADNEC

The International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX)

The IDEX event holds a firm grip on being the chief demonstrator of defence business in the world. An extensive amount of local and international exhibitors demonstrate a broad range of systems, equipment and services, complimented by the Gulf Defence Conference which delivers great insight into defence solutions. The IDEX was first launched around the year 2000 and since then has become the largest showcase for land, air and sea military defences.

Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC)

ADIPEC is usually held twice a year with a duration of about four days and has been the largest event which has taken place in the newly extended ADNEC. The event features the most up to date services, products and developments taking place in the oil and gas industry across the globe. The aim of this exhibition is to minimise the communication barriers between international oil and gas communities, representing ideas in a common way that everyone can understand. Conference groups are also set up in order for people to share information about the latest technological advancements in the industry. Representatives from major energy companies such as BP, Gasco and Shell will usually feature at this event.

The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings exhibition (GIBTM)

This fairly new event held annually over a three day period, was only put together in 2007 but has been highly beneficial to those parties involved. Communities from the Gulf region and the Middle Eastern area gather to discuss, improve relationships and identify business opportunities amongst each other in an informative environment. This is the only event of its sort in the Gulf region and the meetings are led by a specialist team of industry professionals who are of a very high standard.

Other Exhibitions held in Abu Dhabi

Petroleum Exhibition:

The permanent exhibition of photographs and interactive displays represents the discovery of the 'black gold' following the development of the region. One can find out how the sudden influx of oil wealth led to the drastic transformation of Abu Dhabi city.

Address: The Corniche, near the fire station.

Cultural Foundation:

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is situated in the middle of downtown Abu Dhabi, off Khalifa Street and next to the White Fort, also known as the Qasr al-Hosn Palace. It was founded in 1981 and became the centre of art and learning in Abu Dhabi. It is operated by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. This cultural foundation offers a wide range of events that include lectures, concerts, movies, art exhibits and workshops. Furthermore the National Library can also be located here.

Women’s Handicraft Centre:

The Women’s Handicraft Centre is situated in a rounded building. This building features several huts where local women artists perform silver thread work and weaving. Local Emirati clothes, handmade crafts, Arabic oils and incense are also exhibited and visitors can watch the famous traditional art of henna body painting for a minimal fee. Photography is restricted and visitors are advised to conform to local traditions by removing their shoes before entering each hut.