ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Nearly nine in 10 visitors surveyed after Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Liveability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX) said they intended to return in 2027, while 95.5% were satisfied with the event, according to independent research by Explori.

The event research and benchmarking firm conducted the post-event survey, which found that 88.4% of respondents planned to return, a statement on the results of the survey said.

LIVEX recorded a Net Promoter Score of +67, a measure of how likely visitors are to recommend the event, against Explori’s global conference benchmark of +32 to +35.

Some 52.7% of surveyed visitors rated LIVEX as very important to their business or organisation, compared with a Middle East and North Africa benchmark of 42.6%. Among respondents who attended to meet developers, investors and business partners, 81.8% said they achieved their objectives to a high degree.

Half of surveyed visitors identified meetings with government officials as one of the exhibition’s most valuable features. An equal proportion highlighted networking with industry professionals.

Among respondents considering a move to Abu Dhabi, 71.4% cited quality of life, safety and community among their reasons, while 48.6% cited investment, career and business opportunities. The release did not disclose how many visitors responded to the survey.

“LIVEX’s inaugural edition has demonstrated the value of a dedicated platform that brings liveability and investment into the same conversation,” said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. He said the department intended to develop LIVEX into a global platform for dialogue and collaboration on the future of cities.

The Abu Dhabi Government initiative, led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, ran from September 29 to October 1 and drew more than 33,000 visitors from over 50 countries.

More than 50 agreements and initiatives with a stated combined value exceeding Dh150 billion were announced during the event.

LIVEX is scheduled to return to Abu Dhabi in October 2027.