The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, has soared to prominence as a venue for conferences and events in recent years through massive investment in its tourism product and burgeoning aviation links through Etihad, the UAE flag carrier which bases its operations there.
Business Events News was hosted at a conference in Abu Dhabi late last year, and saw first hand the destination’s strong appeal. The event took place at the Yas Viceroy Hotel – a stunningly futuristic structure adjacent to Abu Dhabi’s Formula One race track and marina, which has its own dedicated “Yas Events Centre” just a short stroll from the five star hotel. During the conference a number of other properties also hosted dinners and cocktail parties, allowing guests to see the huge variety of options available.
And while the meeting and event facilities were impressive, delegates also very much enjoyed exploring the many activity and sightseeing options available in Abu Dhabi. Golf at world class courses, shopping, touring and much more was on offer – not to mention the opportunity for the rev-heads present to take a luxury motor vehicle on a “hot lap” of the F1 track. A visit to the massive Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must, with visitors able to marvel at the amazing marble, gold, crystals and precious stones used in its construction. Another engineering feat is Ferrari World – a massive indoor theme park complete with roller coasters and other rides, all in air conditioned comfort. And in the near future there will be even more to attract visitors, with the imminent opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, part of a thirty year agreement with the French government.
Abu Dhabi is certainly worth considering for your next conference. With easy global connectivity, upmarket luxury properties, extensive conference facilities, strong support from local authorities and a wide array of activities for delegates, what more could you ask for?
