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By Sangeetha Swaroop


  A 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. 

   

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