Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group has reported a record economic contribution of AED8.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates economy for the year 2024, surpassing the previous year’s figure of AED7.4 billion. This achievement underscores ADNEC’s pivotal role in advancing the nation’s strategic goal of fostering a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, hailed 2024 as a landmark year marked by exceptional accomplishments across all business sectors. He attributed these successes to the unwavering support of the UAE’s leadership, which has been instrumental in driving Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and enhancing its global prominence.
A significant highlight of the year was ADNEC’s strategic expansion through key acquisitions. The group successfully acquired Royal Catering Services, a prominent UAE-based catering company known for producing over 50,000 meals daily and employing more than 2,500 staff. This acquisition enhances ADNEC’s capabilities in the catering sector, supporting both existing clients and future business growth.
In addition to strengthening its domestic operations, ADNEC expanded its international footprint by acquiring London’s Business Design Centre through its subsidiary, ExCeL London. The BDC, one of London’s most popular conference and exhibition venues, adds 6,000 square meters of dedicated event and conference space to ADNEC’s portfolio. This move aligns with ADNEC’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to investing in the global events industry.
These strategic acquisitions have expanded ADNEC’s portfolio to four venues, including ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Centre Al Ain, ExCeL London, and now the Business Design Centre. This diversification strengthens ADNEC’s market presence and enhances its ability to host a wide array of events globally.
Sustainability remained a core focus for ADNEC in 2024. The group received the Sheikh Hamdan Environmental Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship. Notably, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi became the first MICE venue in the Middle East to be powered by clean energy from the Emirates Water and Electricity Company , setting a new standard for environmental leadership in the region.
Demonstrating its dedication to sustainability, ADNEC launched TerraTile, an innovative flooring product made from exhibition waste. This initiative reflects the group’s commitment to advancing sustainability within the events industry.
ADNEC’s venues collectively hosted over 1,000 events in 2024, attracting more than 5.4 million visitors—the highest number in its history. The expansion of ExCeL London, increasing its space to 270,000 square meters, further solidified its status as a premier global events venue.
Flagship events at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, such as the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show , Global Food Week, and the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition , experienced their largest and most successful editions to date, reflecting ADNEC’s growing influence in the global events sector.
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