ADNEC made history a year ago when the world's most modern exhibition centre was built in a record eight month period. Additional feats including hosting several prestigious events raised the centre's profile in the exhibition industry only in a year's span. Commemorating its first anniversary, ADNEC celebrates its success and invaluable team contribution.

An incredible beginning

ADNEC was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The President of the UAE on February 18^th 2007. The centre hosted its inaugural event with the world's largest defence exhibitions IDEX 2007. For a newcomer in the industry, ADNEC has staged more than 40 major events last year and has 60 major events lined up for this year. With the centre expecting around 1.5 million visitors in 2008, ADNEC is poised to maintain its position in the top tier of international exhibition destinations. ADNEC's unprecedented success has served as a catalyst to Abu Dhabi's economic development.

Much more than an exhibition centre

ADNEC has raised the bar of exhibitions venue in the region. From its state-of-the-art architecture, world class facilities and complementing services have stimulated the exhibition market not only in the country but over the region.

In order to offer a total visitor exhibitor and organiser experience, ADNEC has launched an integrated new development- Capital Centre which will feature a micro-city of 23 skyscrapers, a stunning 2.7km Marina, luxurious shopping malls and a gravity defying 35-story Feature Tower. The project when completed in 2011 is expected to be the first such facility in the region. 

A vision of the future

ADNEC's new exhibition premises was the result of the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

Under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, ADNEC was established in August 2005. It replaced the General Exhibitions Corporation ('GEC') which was established in 1998.