“It was an honour for ADNEC to be the first Middle Eastern venue to host the World Energy Congress and we were proud to host such an important global event which will leave a lasting impact on the future of the energy sector. The 24th edition of the Congress was one of many firsts, including pitch tanks for global start-ups, a women’s leadership programme and a design competition, the themes of the event perfectly synchronised with many of ADNEC’s values as a forward thinking organisation.”
Humaid Mater Al Dhaheri
ADNEC MD and Group CEO
vector

Execution

The four-day programme encompassed a range of session formats including opening and closing plenaries, keynote addresses, pitching platforms, interviews and panel discussions. There was also a private programme for the Council’s communities, including the Future Energy Leaders’ Congress and the World Energy Leaders’ Summit. 

A total of 325 speakers participated in a packed programme of 70 sessions united under the theme ‘Energy for Prosperity’. The welcome address was given by H.E. Eng. Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Industry,  Younghoon David Kim, Chair, World Energy Council and H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC - Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. There were a number of new elements to this edition of the World Energy Congress. These comprised an art in energy design competition, 31 side events including report launches, start-up pitches, the participation of 85 global energy start-ups and the new Leadership Excellence in Women (LEWAS) programme.

Projection mapping, aerial and acrobatic performers generated an energetic, impressive and unforgettable opening ceremony with an ‘energy sources’ theme for participants inside ADNEC’s ICC. The large-scale exhibition alone took over 35,000sqm and showcased 257 exhibitors, including 8 country pavilions. The rest of the event was spread over ADNEC’s 11 exhibition halls, three large conference spaces, several of the venue’s 21 breakout rooms as well as the atrium and link spaces.

vector

Results

ADNEC was perfectly equipped to accommodate such a sizeable, diverse group due to the facility’s large capacity, 360 event solutions thanks to in-house award winning caterer, Capital Hospitality and production company, ADNEC Services. Excellent transport links to Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports, located 20 and 90 minutes away respectively, as well as six onsite hotels offering c.2,000 hotel rooms made ADNEC the ideal one-stop venue choice.

ADNEC’s promotion efforts produced record-breaking results, as GFIA 2019 was the best attended agricultural event in the entire MENA region.

Likewise, attendees were impressed with ADNEC’s facilities, with 98% of exhibitors ranking the venue as “excellent.” Bookings for next year’s exhibition and conference have already begun. By the end of the exhibition and conference, participants had sent over 1,000 meeting requests via the online networking portal, and over 1,000 business connections had been made.