While glazing work nears completion on Phase 1 of its state-of-the-art exhibition and conference centre, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) has appointed Melville Exhibition and Event Services, as the mains contractor for the new centre.

The appointment will see Melville provide the mains, water, waste and rigging services for the new 55,000 sq m venue.
The first phase of construction of the new exhibition centre, which began in December 2005, is expected to be completed sometime this month (February).
“The completion of glazing work will mark a major milestone in the progress of the iconic project and signify that construction of phase one of the venue is entering its final stages,” says a spokesman for Adnec.
The glazing project will use 3,400 sq m of specially-designed, angled-reflective glass to build an enormous concourse – set to cover 18,000 sq m upon completion – making it one of the largest air-conditioned exhibition concourses in the world. The angled reflective glass will help to maximise the use of natural light and keep heat out of the venue, creating a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere for visitors. The use of such a large amount of glass will also ensure that the exhibition centre is one of the most visually exciting buildings in Abu Dhabi, says the developer.
“It is our intention to provide a visitor experience that has not been witnessed by the UAE exhibitions industry before. The glazing, as with every single aspect of the building, has been designed with visitors, exhibitors and organisers in mind. Innovation and usability have been of great importance to us throughout the process and I look forward to an early completion when visitors can begin to experience this venue for themselves,” says Simon Horgan, chief executive officer, Adnec.
The centre will also offer 55,000 sq m of inter-connecting hall space; 8,000 sq m of high-specification multi-purpose hall space for conferences and events; and dedicated conference and banqueting areas for 1,200 delegates. As part of the development, the historic grandstand that was used by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, to view parades and other national celebrations is being integrated into the exhibition centre.
Located in the heart of the new Capital Centre district, the exhibition centre will serve as a venue for the Middle East’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry, offering comprehensive facilities to visitors, exhibitors and organisers all at a single location.
Adnec is following an expansion strategy with the aim of catalysing the MICE industry in Abu Dhabi, and is developing a brand new 148,000 sq m business and leisure district termed the Capital Centre. Situated close to the Airport, the Dh8 billion ($2.17 billion) centre will house the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, an iconic 33-storey Feature Tower, four hotels, eight residential towers, 17 commercial and office towers, a retail zone with 100 shopping outlets, a marina and waterfront leisure zone and an existing grandstand.
The project is being executed in three phases, and is expected to complete by 2009, the spokesman concludes.