ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, part of the ADNEC Group, is preparing to host major international exhibitions and conferences in 2023, welcoming visitors, exhibitors, and speakers from all over the world.

Almost one-third (33 per cent) of these events will take place for the first time in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East, aligning with the ADNEC Group’s efforts to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as a capital for business tourism in the region, and to make a socio-economic impact, supporting the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi.

The centre’s schedule in 2023 includes several events to be held simultaneously. This will be possible thanks to the opening of the Marina Hall, the most prominent specialised waterfront exhibition hall in the MENA region on an area of 10,000 square metres. Marina Hall has helped increase total indoor and outdoor exhibition space to more than 153,000 square metres, enhancing the centre’s ability to host multiple events simultaneously, and confirming its position as the most extensive exhibition and conference centre in the MENA region.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said, “At ADNEC Group, we look forward to another year full of diverse events, exhibitions and conferences that enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a destination for business and leisure tourism in the region and support the growth of this important sector in a way that achieves a positive return for the economy and society in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. A busy schedule also contributes to the consolidation of the Group’s standing and its vital and fundamental role in shaping the future of the business tourism sector. It is in line with the aspirations of our wise leadership for the next 50 years, supporting the development of local industries and the nation’s talent and knowledge base.

“We continue strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as an exceptional global destination by deploying modern facilities, advanced infrastructure, and high-quality services to host and organise all kinds of events that provide ideal platforms for event organisers. They bring together exhibitors, experts, decision-makers, and visitors from all over the world, allowing them to showcase the latest products and innovations in all sectors and build a wide network of relationships between the most prominent institutions in the UAE and stakeholders around the world.”

This centre began this year’s events with the 46th Arab Police and Security Leaders Conference held on 9th January and attended by security chiefs from Arab countries and representatives of Arab and global agencies. This was followed by the inauguration of the research ship Jiwun, developed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi - the first of its kind in the UAE and the most advanced in the Middle East - with the inauguration taking place at the Marina Hall. A series of events followed this as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from 16th to 18th January, bringing together ministers, top decision-makers, business leaders, and technology pioneers from around the world.

These events included the World Future Energy Summit, Zayed Sustainability Awards ceremony, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, Sustainable Innovation Forum, EcoWASTE 2023, Water Exhibition and Forum, Smart Cities Forum, and the Environment and Comate Forum. The centre also hosted the 2nd Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference on 20th and 21st January and several accompanying activities.

In February, the centre will host the XPRIZE Feed, the Next Billion competition from 2nd to 7th February, an international competition held every four years to revolutionise global food supply chains and their impact on communities worldwide.

Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, will also be organising the 16th edition of the National Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2023) and the 7th edition of the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023) from 20th to 24th February.

From 3rd to 5th March, the centre will host the Middle East Film and Comic Con 2023 for fans of comic books, movies, and innovative artists, creators, and characters. On 4th and 5th March, the centre will also be hosting the 14th Annual Abu Dhabi Wound Care Conference, and from 6th to 8th March, the National Service Career Fair 2023, organised by the Ministry of Defence’s National Service and Reserve Authority, to facilitate networking between servicemen, reservists, and those seeking a military job.

In April, the centre will host the Abu Dhabi School and Nursery Show on 29th and 30th April, which brings together a selection of schools and nurseries in one venue to address their educational concerns.

In May, the centre will be hosting over seven exhibitions and conferences, including the World Utilities Conference on 9th and 10th May, bringing leaders from the energy sector to discuss trends and technologies affecting the demand for energy in the future. 9th and 10th May will also see the Annual Investment Forum 2023, for the first time in Abu Dhabi, with various activities, including an exhibition and roundtable meetings. The centre will also host the IATA Ground Handling Conference from 16th to 18th May, also taking place for the first time in the UAE. It plays a vital role as a platform for all leaders of the aviation and ground-handling sectors for discussing topics in this field.

The Middle East Rail 2023 exhibition and conference will be held on 15th and 16th May, in conjunction with the Roads and Traffic Expo 2023 and Mobility Live for the first time in the Middle East. It is a prominent event focussed on using innovation and technology to create a significant and tangible impact in the transport and mobility sector.

From 22nd to 28th May, the centre will be hosting the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, an annual literary event bringing together the MENA region's key players in the publishing industry. That month’s activities will conclude with the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit from 29th to 31st May.

From 20th to 23rd July, the centre will host the 34th International Nursing Research Congress for the first time in the Middle East. A large number of specialists and experts from the nursing sector and other related sectors will attend it.

From 23rd to 29th August, ADNEC will host the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, the largest annual event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, dedicated to hunting and equestrian activities and promoting and preserving the country's cultural heritage.

In October, the centre will host world-class events: Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) from 2nd to 5th October; the World Investment Forum (UNCTAD 2023) from 16th to 20th October, held for the first time in the UAE; the International Council on Archives (ICA) Conference from 10th to 13th October, and the Auto Moto Show 2023 from 19th to 22nd October, and other events.

The centre will also be hosting the Global Information Technology Challenge for People of Determination 2023, an international competition organised for the first time in the Middle East from 25th to 27th October. This event aims to develop the abilities and skills of people of determination in the field of information technology. From 31st October to 2nd November, the centre will host the World Ports Conference 2023, taking place for the first time in the UAE. It brings together some of the most prominent port operators in the world and many other events in October.

In November, the centre will host more than 12 prominent international exhibitions and conferences, including the Abu Dhabi Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2023 from 1st to 5th November; the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show from 16th to 19th November; the Global Media Congress from 14th to 16th November; the School and Nursery Show on 18th and 19th November; the Federation of Afro-Asian Insurers and Reinsurers Conference, organised for the first time in the UAE from 19th to 21st November; the Vive Middle East exhibition from 20th to 22nd November; the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition from 27th to 29th November, and many other events.