AMJAD AL HIYARI (ABU DHABI)
ADNEC achieved its highest economic contribution in its history in 2024, reaching Dh8.5 billion, and continues to strengthen its position as a key driver of growth in the UAE, according to the Group’s Managing Director and CEO Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Al Dhaheri explained that ADNEC successfully organised more than 1,000 events both inside the country and abroad, attracting millions of visitors and contributing to the development of tourism, hospitality and related services.
He noted that the group has reinforced its leadership by transforming the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre into the first venue in the Middle East to operate fully on clean energy, while also launching innovative projects and initiatives to support the circular economy and reduce its carbon footprint.
Regarding the organisation of the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025, Al Dhaheri said the event reflects a blend of authenticity and modernity, with expanded space and the addition of new sectors.
On Sunday, the largest edition in the history of ADIHEX concluded. Over the course of nine days, the exhibition attracted nearly 380,000 visitors, marking a 9.2% growth compared to the previous edition in 2024.
Al Dhaheri stressed that the exhibition serves as both an economic and strategic platform for local and international companies, while also contributing to the preservation of Emirati heritage and its role in sustainable development.
Read the full interview below:
Q: Could you tell us about ADNEC Group’s exceptional achievements and its growing role in supporting the UAE’s economy?
A: ADNEC Group, a MODON company, has achieved significant milestones and reinforced its position as a key driver of economic growth in the UAE. In 2024, the Group recorded its highest-ever economic contribution of Dh8.5 billion, surpassing Dh7.4 billion in 2023.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for events and exhibitions, ADNEC organised more than 1,000 events across the UAE and internationally, attracting over 5.4 million visitors.
In terms of sustainability, the Group further consolidated its leadership by transforming the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre into the first venue in the Middle East powered entirely by clean energy. It also launched TerraTile, a sustainable flooring product created from exhibition waste – an innovation that reflects its commitment to the environment and the circular economy. Furthermore, ADNEC supported both local and international businesses by hosting flagship events such as the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), World Food Week, and the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show.
Q: In 2024, ADNEC achieved the highest economic contribution in its history. How did this exceptional performance continue in 2025, and what are the most prominent indicators of this growth?
ADNEC Group recorded exceptional performance during the first half of 2025, organising several major international events, most notably the largest editions in history of IDEX and NAVDEX, as well as the “Make it in the Emirates” exhibition, which reflects its support for national industries.
In the hospitality sector, Capital Hospitality provided strategic support to several vital sectors. In the media and production sector, twofour54 supported numerous local and international creative productions, reflecting ADNEC Group’s contribution to enhancing creative and digital content in the country. In the hospitality sector, the Group achieved record figures, with its hotels welcoming more than 1.53 million guests in 2024, reflecting the attractiveness of its facilities and the quality of its services. Capital Hospitality also served more than 40 million meals across 45 locations and managed 2,200 events, including the largest group iftar for 8,000 guests, an achievement that reflects its high operational efficiency and ability to manage large-scale events efficiently.
In the field of organising events and exhibitions, Capital Events has organised a large number of major international exhibitions and conferences. Capital 360 Event Experiences has achieved significant success with its new projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reflecting the Group’s expansion beyond the UAE. As part of its commitment to sustainability, ADNEC Group has maintained its leadership position in this field, with ADNEC Abu Dhabi becoming the first events centre in the Middle East to be powered by clean energy.
Q: How do you see the Group’s strategic partnerships with government, semi-governmental and private sector entities, and what has been the impact of these partnerships?
A: We view strategic partnerships as a necessity, not an option, and these strategic partnerships drive development in line with the aspirations of the UAE leadership.These partnerships contribute directly to the national economy, while also enabling the transfer of knowledge and expertise. By working closely with state institutions and key sectors, these alliances aim to strengthen national growth outcomes and support the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Startups
Q: Please elaborate on the Group’s role in supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the UAE? Are there specific initiatives in this regard?
A: ADNEC Group plays a pivotal role in supporting SMEs and startups in the UAE, driven by its unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and empowering local entrepreneurs.
This vision is embodied in a range of practical initiatives that provide a conducive environment for expansion and innovation. ADNEC Group provides these companies with opportunities to participate in major international events such as Global Food Week and Make it in the Emirates, giving them platforms to showcase to a global audience and enhance their commercial opportunities.
As part of its efforts to empower national talent, the Group provides thousands of job opportunities for citizens and supports young entrepreneurs through training and mentoring programmes that enable them to enter the industrial and technical sectors.
Furthermore, ADNEC Group works in cooperation with government and private entities to stimulate local innovation and accelerate the shift towards smart manufacturing by providing an incubator for entrepreneurial ideas. These initiatives confirm that supporting SMEs is not merely a strategic direction, but rather an integral part of ADNEC Group’s mission to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy and empower the next generation of Emirati innovators.
Smart Parking System
Q: ADNEC has announced the launch of a smart parking system. How will this system enhance visitor experience? Are there additional plans to develop the centre’s infrastructure using modern technology?
A: ADNEC has launched a new smart parking system at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, a significant step in improving the experience of visitors and participants.
The system uses high-resolution cameras to automatically read vehicle licence plates, speeding up entry and issuing digital tickets within seconds. It also displays live information about available parking spaces on screens within the facilities. Additionally, the system provides flexible payment options, including mobile payment using QR codes or via 17 scan-and-pay devices.
Major Events
Q: During 2025, ADNEC organised major events such as IDEX and NAVDEX. What were the most important additions and initiatives introduced at these exhibitions? And how did they enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for defence innovation?
A: IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, organised by ADNEC Group, witnessed a qualitative leap in the level of organisation and content, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation in the defence and security sector. The Group also organised the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates platform, the UAE’s premier industrial event.
These events reflect ADNEC Group’s commitment to providing world-class platforms that drive strategic dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and open new investment opportunities. By creating an environment that fosters business growth and accelerates innovation, the events contribute directly to national economic growth.
Q: What are the key preparations made by ADNEC to ensure the success of this year’s ADIHEX? What role does the exhibition play in supporting industries related to this sector, such as hunting weapons, horse breeding equipment, and falcons?
A: In preparation for the launch of the 22nd edition of the ADIHEX, the Group has undertaken a series of intensive preparations to ensure the success of this largest heritage event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. The exhibition area has been expanded by 7% to reach 92,000 square metres, with the addition of four new sectors, including camels, Arabian Salukis, knives, and the Heritage Souq area, enhancing the diversity of content and enriching the visitor experience.
In a nutshell, the exhibition combines cultural identity with economic opportunities and serves as a successful model of integrating heritage and sustainable development.
Q: How has ADIHEX 2025 performed? What are your estimates regarding local and international turnout?
A: Today, thank God, the largest edition in the history of ADIHEX has concluded. Over the course of nine days, the exhibition attracted more than 379,572 visitors, marking a 9.2% growth compared to the previous edition in 2024. Participation by local companies has also seen remarkable growth, exceeding 550, while the exhibition hosts approximately 2,068 local and international companies and brands.
ADIHEX has become a strategic platform for expanding the business, activities and trade of these companies and brands. These participants generate significant sales, with the daily visitor numbers exemplifying the exhibition’s success. This, in turn, reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a major destination for heritage and cultural events.
Q: What is your vision for ADNEC Group in the coming years?
A: ADNEC Group’s future vision focuses on consolidating its position as a leading economic and investment engine in the UAE, through carefully considered expansion in the business, tourism and entertainment sectors, and offering integrated services by its subsidiaries.