Abu Dhabi to become world-class destination for the MICE industry

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, has concluded its participation in the seventh edition of The Meetings Show, which was held at London’s Olympia from 26th to 27th June.

The Convention Bureau was joined by 11 stakeholders, who used the show to raise awareness of the emirate as a world-class destination for the MICE industry and to promote the incentives available on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, such as the Advantage Abu Dhabi stimulus. Over the course of the two days, 225 people visited the ADCB stand to hold meetings, learn about the destination, try their hand at Arabic calligraphy and enter a competition to win exciting experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of ADCB, said: “We are delighted to have participated in The Meetings Show this year, alongside 11 of our stakeholders, to provide event organisers with invaluable knowledge about the destination which we hope will convert to business in the future.”

“It was great to meet old and new friends alike, whilst promoting our latest news and venue offerings as well as our ‘Experience The Extraordinary’ promotional campaign. As always there is great excitement surrounding Abu Dhabi, so we look forward to seeing the leads generated at the show flourish.”

During the event, the Bureau also sponsored the MICE Mix event on the evening of the first day, alongside key Abu Dhabi-linked partners, including Etihad Airways, Hotel Republic and Mags Worldwide.

The Mix event was attended by Azayez Alshaiba Al Muharrami, Meeting & Incentives Travel Senior Executive for ADCB, who presented prize-winners with a trip for two to Abu Dhabi, including flights with Etihad Airways, visits to key destination attractions — including Qasr Al Watan and Louvre Abu Dhabi — and two nights’ accommodation courtesy of Dusit Thani. The 92 attendees of the event also enjoyed food and beverages whilst a calligrapher wrote their names in Arabic as a takeaway gift.

In addition, as a member of the Association of National Tourist Office Representatives (ANTOR), the Bureau joined 28 UK buyers post-show for an intimate networking session at a pre-theatre supper before a visit to see the West End show Wicked.

The 11 stakeholders who joined the UK delegation included Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Etihad Airways, Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi, Gulf Dunes, Hala Abu Dhabi, Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Rotana Hotels & Resorts and Yas Bay Arena.