ADNEC Group contributed record AED 8.5 bn to UAE economy in 2024

ABU DHABI, 14th March, 2025 (WAM) – ADNEC Group has delivered the highest economic impact in its history, contributing AED8.5 billion to the UAE economy and surpassing the AED7.4 billion achieved in 2023. This milestone highlights the group’s growing role in driving economic growth and supporting the UAE’s strategic objective of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “2024 has been a landmark year for ADNEC Group, marked by exceptional achievements across all sectors of our business. These milestones are a direct result of the sustained support of our wise leadership, whose guidance enables us to continue contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and global prominence.

“Our 2024 results also reflect ADNEC’s unwavering dedication to delivering significant value to our key shareholders and partners in both the government and private sectors, as well as the hard work and commitment of our team to innovation, sustainability and excellence. As we look to the future, we remain focused on driving positive impact locally and globally, in alignment with the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and sustainable development.”

The year also saw ADNEC Group successfully acquire Royal Catering and the Business Design Centre in London, UK, expanding its portfolio of venues to four and strengthening its market presence. These achievements underscore ADNEC Group’s commitment to fostering talent and delivering exceptional results across its key business segments.

Sustainability remained a key focus, with ADNEC Group winning the Sheikh Hamdan Environmental Award. The ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi also became the first MICE venue in the Middle East to be powered by clean energy from the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), setting a new standard for environmental leadership in the region. The launch of TerraTile, an innovative sustainable flooring product made from exhibition waste, demonstrated the group’s dedication to advancing sustainability in the events industry.

ADNEC venues including ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Centre Al Ain and ExCeL London hosted more than 1,000 events in 2024, welcoming over 5.4 million visitors, the highest number in its history. Among the year’s highlights were the completion of the ExCeL London expansion, which saw the venue reach 270,000 square metres. ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi hosted the largest and most successful editions of flagship events such as the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS), Global Food Week, and Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). 

Capital Events, the event organising arm of ADNEC Group, facilitated more than AED10 billion in deals at eight of its events, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in event management. ADNEC Hotels welcomed a record-breaking 1,531,000 guests, while Capital Catering, the group’s Food & Beverage cluster, delivered 40 million meals across 45 locations and catered for 2,200 weddings and events, including the largest corporate Iftar at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi for 8,000 guests.

Capital 360 Event Experiences achieved its most successful year, driven by regional expansion and key project wins, including ventures in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tourism 365, the tourism arm of ADNEC Group, managed 350,000 travellers, generating 250,000 room nights, the highest performance since its establishment. 

Twofour54, an ADNEC Group company, expanded its offerings with the launch of two state-of-the-art TV studios at Yas Creative Hub and supported 34 regional and international major Hollywood productions through its Tawasol initiative. The group also exited its investment in ZenHR, delivering a 300% return on investment (ROI).

ADNEC Group’s 2024 achievements highlight exceptional performance across its seven core business sectors, including venues, events, hospitality, food and beverage, services, tourism, and media. These accomplishments were driven by the group’s efforts to innovate, expand and embrace sustainability across all its business units.

As ADNEC Group enters 2025, it remains committed to advancing Abu Dhabi’s vision for economic diversification and sustainable development. By pursuing new business opportunities across its core sectors, the group aims to further enhance its global leadership in business tourism, events, and hospitality while driving long-term value for the UAE and its people.