The conference and exhibition sector is a significant contributor to the economy of the UAE and a major strand in the UAE’s strategy for continued development. In addition to providing a platform for the direct promotion of trade, MICE (meeting, incentive, conferences and exhibitions) fosters economic diversity, boosts development, encourages business relationships and contributes significantly to the image of the country worldwide.

Strategically, the UAE, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this sector and has built large state-of-the art exhibition and conference facilities with accompanying luxury hotels to cater to the needs of visitors and exhibitors.

Recent estimates indicate that 65 per cent of the total exhibition space currently available in the GCC is situated in the UAE. When the country’s sophisticated infrastructure, strong economy, secure hospitable environment and diverse leisure opportunities are taken into consideration, it is no surprise that the UAE attracts world-class exhibitions and events on a regular basis.

Successful exhibitions depend on State-of-the-art facilities and the UAE is blessed by some of the best in the world. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) has 73,000 square metres of event space. It stages over 100 live events every years and welcomes over 1.8 million people annually. Some of the Gulf’s largest and most significant international exhibitions are held at ADNEC, including ADIPEC, Environment 2009, World Energy Summit (WFES), IDEX, ADIHEX, Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS), MECOM, GASTECH, Abu Dhabi Medical Congress, Power Generation and Water Middle East; Cityscape, International Jewellery and Watch Exhibition Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. For a full list of exhibitions, conferences and events visit www.adnec.ae.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), together with associated organizations, Duabi International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Airport Expo Duabi, host many leading shows across range of sectors. Important exhibitions and events include GITEX, GETEX, Arab Healthcare, Arabian Travel Market, CABSAT, Middle East International Motor Show, Dubai International Arabian Horse Championships, Arab Health, and DUPHA. In addition, the biennial Dubai Airshow is the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and one of the three largest aerospace exhibitions in the world. For a full list visit www.dicec.ae.

The new Expo Centre Sharjah is the Centrepiece of larger Expo City. Hosted exhibitions include streefab, the National Careers Exhibition, the biannual Mideast Watch and Jewellery Spring and Autumn Shows; the Sharjah World Book Fair, Chinese Commodities Fair, Sharjah Education Show; and Conmex. Expo Centre Sharjah is bordered by Al Khalid Lagoon, making it an attractive option for marine events such as the highly successful Gulf Maritime Exhibition. For a full list of exhibitions visit www.expo-centre.ae

Ra’s al-Khaimah has an exhibition complex close to the active business centre of the city. Log on to www.rakexpo.ae for a full list of events. The Fujairah Exhibition Centre (FEC) is also centrally located between both the international airport and Fujairah Trade Centre on one side and the seaport and free zone on the other. Visit www.fujairahexhibitoncentre.com to review its list of exhibitions.

UAE EXPO 2010 Shanghai
The UAE’s participation at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, China, is being coordinated and managed by the National Media Council. The dune-shaped pavilion houses an exhibition relating to the general theme of Expo 2010, ‘Better City-Better Life’. Three main media productions are presented in imaginative settings, creating a unique visitor experience.