Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company
Encyclopedia
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) owns and operates the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
, the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East. It is part an international venue development and business management company overseeing the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ExCeL London, the Al Ain Convention Centre, Capital Gate
, and Capital Centre
. It can also be referred to as ADNEC Group.
, CMP Information, and dmg world media, have signed up for long-term agreements for shows at ADNEC's Exhibition Centre. This Foundation Partner strategy helps maintain a mutual commitment to developing trade events and expanding Abu Dhabi's exhibition sector.
(WFES), the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Cityscape Abu Dhabi
, and the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, just to name a few.
In October 2009, the 7920 m² (9,472.2 sq yd) multi-purpose Hall 12 was fitted with a retractable tiered seating system, which when activated can seat almost 6,000 spectators and transforms the area into the UAE's largest indoor auditorium.
In May 2008, ADNEC invested AED 960 million (USD 261.36 million) to acquire ExCeL London, the UK capital's largest exhibition centre, as part of its international expansion strategy. Situated at London's Royal Docks, the venue's event halls provide 65,000 m2 of total hall space and 45 meeting rooms that can fit 50 to 200 delegates. It is part of a 100 acre (0.404686 km²) campus that includes five on-site hotels. The centre's event area will be extended by 50 per cent and include a 5,000-seat, purpose-built convention center, ICC London ExCeL, by spring of 2010. Since 2000, ExCeL London has hosted more than 2,000 events and received over 5 million visitors from over 200 countries. It will be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
It is part of the Al Ain Convention Centre district, which covers an area of 275000 m² (328,897.3 sq yd), and is estimated to cost AED
3.5 billion. The project will feature three main public parks, a cultural centre, a four star hotel and conference centre, with a retail link to the existing venue. Work is also underway to link the overall development to the Al Ain road grid, via a boulevard.
In October 2009, the 408-room Aloft Abu Dhabi opened, which is connected to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and part of the Capital Centre development. It is the first Aloft in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Aloft is owned by ADNEC and operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. A total of 560 solar panels, covering a total area of 2300 m² (2,750.8 sq yd), have been installed on the roof of ADNEC Car Park A, to provide 90 per cent of the hot water at Aloft Abu Dhabi. These panels heat water for the hotel's 408 bedrooms, 2 production kitchens, food & beverage outlets, hotel offices and the swimming pool saving an estimated 870 mega watt hours of electricity every year by making use of the infra-red component of sun light to generate energy. Aloft is the first hotel in Abu Dhabi to make use of such solar energy panels.
hotel. The tower will link directly to the exhibition venue as well as a 2.4 km Marina Zone currently under development.
In November 2009, the tower topped out its central core and reached its final height of 160 metres (524.9 ft). When complete, Capital Gate will house Abu Dhabi's first Hyatt hotel – Hyatt at Capital Centre, a presidential style luxury five-star hotel, which will provide 189 rooms.
In June 2010, the Guinness World Records
certified Capital Gate as the “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower.” The new record shows that the Capital Gate tower has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards; more than four times that of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa
. Investigation and evaluation, which was made by a Guinness appointed awards committee, started in January 2010, when the exterior of the 160-metre (524.9 ft), 35 storey tower was completed.
The Capital Gate project was able to achieve its record inclination through a special engineering breakthrough that allows floor plates to be stacked vertically up to the 12th storey and staggered over each other by between 300mm to 1400mm, which allows for the towers dramatic lean.
The tower features other innovative construction techniques including the world’s first known use of a ‘pre-cambered’ core. The technique utilizes 15,000 cubic metres of concrete reinforced with 10,000 tons of steel. The core, deliberately built slightly off centre, has straightened as the building has risen, compressing the concrete and giving it strength, and moving into (vertical) position as the weight of the floors has been added.
Capital Gate was designed by international architectural firm RMJM and is due for completion by the end of 2010. Upon completion, Capital Gate will house the 5-star Hyatt Capital Gate hotel as well as approximately 20,000 m2 of premium office space.
Aside from its gravity-defying lean and pre-cambered core, Capital Gate has several other elements that enhance its reputation as one of the world’s most distinctive projects:
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre in Abu Dhabi. It was opened by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates on February 18, 2007...
, the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East. It is part an international venue development and business management company overseeing the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ExCeL London, the Al Ain Convention Centre, Capital Gate
Capital Gate
Capital Gate is a mixed use skyscraper in Abu Dhabi adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre designed with a striking lean. At and 35 stories, it is one of the tallest buildings in the city and features a dramatic 18-degree incline to the west. The owner and developer of Capital Gate...
, and Capital Centre
Capital Centre
The Capital Centre was an indoor arena located in Landover, Maryland, unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland; a suburb of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1973, the arena sat 18,756 for basketball and 18,130 for hockey....
. It can also be referred to as ADNEC Group.
History
ADNEC was established in August 2005 under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. ADNEC's initial task was to develop a venue that would replace the old Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center and attract more meetings, incentives, conferences and events into the emirate . It had the broader goal of enhancing Abu Dhabi's image as a business, leisure and lifestyle destination.Foundation partners
Four international exhibition organizing companies, namely, IIR Middle East, Reed ExhibitionsReed Exhibitions
is an events organiser, with a portfolio of approximately 460 events in 36 countries including UK, USA, France, Germany, Brazil, Russia, India, China, Australia and the Middle East...
, CMP Information, and dmg world media, have signed up for long-term agreements for shows at ADNEC's Exhibition Centre. This Foundation Partner strategy helps maintain a mutual commitment to developing trade events and expanding Abu Dhabi's exhibition sector.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Located in the UAE's capital city, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre was inaugurated in February 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The venue's flexible and interconnected halls allow for a diverse yearly calendar of over 100 events, such as the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) and the World Future Energy SummitWorld Future Energy Summit
The World Future Energy Summit is the world’s foremost annual event, dedicated to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies...
(WFES), the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Cityscape Abu Dhabi
Cityscape Abu Dhabi
Cityscape Abu Dhabi is a huge real estate event, taking place in Abu Dhabi every year since 2007. Major highlights include real estate exhibition, seminars and conferences, attracting thousands of real estate developers, investors, government representatives, consultants, architects and extensive...
, and the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, just to name a few.
In October 2009, the 7920 m² (9,472.2 sq yd) multi-purpose Hall 12 was fitted with a retractable tiered seating system, which when activated can seat almost 6,000 spectators and transforms the area into the UAE's largest indoor auditorium.
Capacity and usage figures
- 73,000 m2 of live event space
- More than 100 events are staged every year
- 1.8 million annual visitors
- Visitor numbers increase by approximately 20 per cent per year
- 12 interconnected Halls totaling 55000 m² (65,779.5 sq yd) of exhibition space
- A 18000 m² (21,527.8 sq yd) Visitor Concourse
- A 3000 m² (3,588 sq yd) Atrium
- 10 fully furnished Capital Suites which can each accommodate meetings of up to 30 people
- Parking capacity for up to 6,000 vehicles, including 30 on-site digital VMS screens
Awards received: ADNEC's 2009 Roll of Honour
- Best International Venue (ADNEC) International CONFEX awards
- Best Commercial & Retail Development of the Year (Capital Gate) Cityscape Awards
- Best Venue (ADNEC) Middle East Event Awards
- Best Trade Exhibition (IDEX 2009) Middle East Event Awards
- Best Theme (Summer in Abu Dhabi) Middle East Event Awards
- Outstanding Contribution to the Industry (Simon Horgan) Middle East Event Awards
- Middle East's Leading Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) World Travel Awards
ExCeL London
Al Ain Convention Centre
Enabling works to double the capacity of the existing venue to 12000 m² (14,351.9 sq yd) are ongoing and construction will commence in late 2009 or early 2010.It is part of the Al Ain Convention Centre district, which covers an area of 275000 m² (328,897.3 sq yd), and is estimated to cost AED
United Arab Emirates dirham
The dirham is the currency of the United Arab Emirates. The ISO 4217 code for the United Arab Emirates dirham is AED. Unofficial abbreviations include DH or Dhs. The dirham is subdivided into 100 ....
3.5 billion. The project will feature three main public parks, a cultural centre, a four star hotel and conference centre, with a retail link to the existing venue. Work is also underway to link the overall development to the Al Ain road grid, via a boulevard.
Capital Centre
Capital Centre is a mixed-use business and residential micro-city being masterplanned by ADNEC and constructed around the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Upon its completion, Capital Centre will comprise twenty-three towers, including six branded hotels, four commercial buildings, eight residential and serviced apartment complexes, and 5 mixed-use developments. It will be back-dropped by waterfront views and will become a fully integrated exhibition-lifestyle destination.In October 2009, the 408-room Aloft Abu Dhabi opened, which is connected to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and part of the Capital Centre development. It is the first Aloft in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Aloft is owned by ADNEC and operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. A total of 560 solar panels, covering a total area of 2300 m² (2,750.8 sq yd), have been installed on the roof of ADNEC Car Park A, to provide 90 per cent of the hot water at Aloft Abu Dhabi. These panels heat water for the hotel's 408 bedrooms, 2 production kitchens, food & beverage outlets, hotel offices and the swimming pool saving an estimated 870 mega watt hours of electricity every year by making use of the infra-red component of sun light to generate energy. Aloft is the first hotel in Abu Dhabi to make use of such solar energy panels.
Capital Gate
Capital Gate, part of the Capital Centre complex, is a 160 metre, 35-storey tower being built next to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre which incorporates a slanting-core concept to feature an 18-degree westward lean. It will include 20000 m² (23,919.8 sq yd) of office space and house Abu Dhabi's first HyattHyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation , is an international operator of hotels.Hyatt Center is the headquarters for Hyatt corporation...
hotel. The tower will link directly to the exhibition venue as well as a 2.4 km Marina Zone currently under development.
In November 2009, the tower topped out its central core and reached its final height of 160 metres (524.9 ft). When complete, Capital Gate will house Abu Dhabi's first Hyatt hotel – Hyatt at Capital Centre, a presidential style luxury five-star hotel, which will provide 189 rooms.
In June 2010, the Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records , is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world...
certified Capital Gate as the “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower.” The new record shows that the Capital Gate tower has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards; more than four times that of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa...
. Investigation and evaluation, which was made by a Guinness appointed awards committee, started in January 2010, when the exterior of the 160-metre (524.9 ft), 35 storey tower was completed.
The Capital Gate project was able to achieve its record inclination through a special engineering breakthrough that allows floor plates to be stacked vertically up to the 12th storey and staggered over each other by between 300mm to 1400mm, which allows for the towers dramatic lean.
The tower features other innovative construction techniques including the world’s first known use of a ‘pre-cambered’ core. The technique utilizes 15,000 cubic metres of concrete reinforced with 10,000 tons of steel. The core, deliberately built slightly off centre, has straightened as the building has risen, compressing the concrete and giving it strength, and moving into (vertical) position as the weight of the floors has been added.
Capital Gate was designed by international architectural firm RMJM and is due for completion by the end of 2010. Upon completion, Capital Gate will house the 5-star Hyatt Capital Gate hotel as well as approximately 20,000 m2 of premium office space.
Aside from its gravity-defying lean and pre-cambered core, Capital Gate has several other elements that enhance its reputation as one of the world’s most distinctive projects:
- Each room is different as is each pane of façade glass and every interior angle.
- Capital Gate's shell comprises a super-strong exo-skeleton called the diagrid that carries all the weight of the floors while also providing an unobstructed floor plate precluding the need for pillars or internal beams. Other high-profile buildings that use diagrid technology include New York’s Hearst TowerHearst Tower (New York City)The Brilliant Hearst Tower is located at 300 West 57th Street, 959 8th Avenue, near Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York...
, the Swiss Re building 'The Gherkin’ in London and Beijing’s CCTV tower. - Capital Gate's double-glazed façade achieves greater energy efficiency with waste air being pre-cooled between the inner and outer façades, before being expelled.
- The tower's façade glass is of low emissivity and is the first time it has been used in the UAE. It keeps the building’s interior cool and eliminates glare, while maintaining transparency.
- The distinctive stainless steel ‘splash’ that descends from the 19th floor, is a design element and a shading device that eliminates over 30 percent of the sun’s heat before it reaches the building. The splash also twists around the building towards the south to shield the tower as much as possible from direct sunlight.
- Capital Gate's 19th storey outdoor swimming pool has an unrivalled panoramic view.
- A cantilevered tea lounge overhangs the tower’s exterior, 80m above the ground.
- Capital Gate also has an internal diagrid that has been used to create a tapered, 60m high atrium.
- The tower’s foundation is a dense mesh of reinforced steel above 490 piles, drilled 20 – 30 meters underground.
Project timeline
- September 2007- Enabling works commence
- November 2007 - Pile driving starts
- April 2008 - Core wall construction starts
- February 2009 - Façade commences
- May 2009 - Reaches 100m in height
- June 2009 – Incline starts to take shape
- October 2009 - Attains final height of 160m
- December 2009 - Completion of exterior core structure
- January 2010 - First phase of splash completed
- February 2010 - Interior fit-out commences
- March 2010 – Commencement of link bridge to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
- April 2010 – Commencement of atrium roof
- End 2010 – Expected completion of construction
- Opening date – To be decided