Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), made significant strides in attracting business into the emirate in 2016 by leading and supporting bids to host a number of key conferences in the coming years. In total, the Bureau successfully submitted applications along with partners and stakeholders to host 14 conferences which are expected to attract more than 35,000 delegates.
HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “2016 was a record breaking year for Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau with the largest number of conference wins to date. These conferences have a highly beneficial economic impact on Abu Dhabi, bringing millions of dirhams of business into the emirate. Our achievements have also been recognised by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) which has seen Abu Dhabi now rise to 73rd position for cities which attract international associations annually – which makes the UAE capital the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East.”
Major bids supported and won in 2016 include the hosting of the Special Olympics in 2019, which is expected to attract 10,000 participants, the International Conference in Medicine & the Healthcare Professions – Ottawa Conferences in 2018, and the World Obesity Federation – Gulf Regional Conference on Obesity in 2017.
2018 will also be another busy year for the emirate as the Bureau continues its momentum with the hosting of the World Roads Congress and the World Energy Congress.
