ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) has begun construction on phase one of the AED3.5bn (US$0.95bn) Al Ain Convention Centre district, located near the Al Jimi area of the city.
The district will be a first-of-its-kind development for the city, comprising a state-of-the-art convention centre, cultural centre, hotels and a serviced apartment complex. It also includes a cluster of residential and commercial low-rise buildings within an integrated micro-city that places the convention centre at the very heart of the development.
Adnec Group CEO Simon Horgan said hosting a world-standard convention centre, as well as introducing infrastructure and facilities that support the convention business, would be a key ingredient in “activating” the city’s commercial prospects.
“We have done this successfully with the Capital Centre development that surrounds the thriving Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and, we are confident we can replicate this model in Al Ain with the Convention Centre district,” said Horgan. “This project will ensure the Al Ain Convention Centre acts as a pivot to attracting significant business, drawing event organisers, delegates and tourists to the city from all over the world.”
The Al Ain development will emphasise a natural and sustainable environment with open spaces connected by walkways and several areas designed to be free of cars. Key to the project is a reinvigorated waterway (Wadi), that runs throughout the complex and adjacent to the Wadi Hotel.