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The newly-opened futuristic Yas Hotel, which overlooks the Yas Marina Circuit - the scene of last year’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - is also attracting the attention of conference organisers. The luxury hotel offers 1,700 square metres of conference and events space, including an impressive 500 square metre ballroom and spectacular rooftop pool deck. And with VIP services available such as ‘Car Spa’ detailing service and valet, limousine rental, personal concierge and a dedicated floral designer - the Yas Hotel allows organisations to really put on a show-stopping event. As well as investing heavily in venue development, Abu Dhabi’s expanding airline network is opening up huge opportunity. Abu Dhabi International Airport is now directly linked with 69 destinations, served by 32 airlines, with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, consistently expanding capacity. Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport has grown significantly over the past five years and the airport now handles over nine million passengers a year. “Over the past five years we have ridden a wave of economic prosperity complemented by sound strategy which has substantially raised our international profile,” said Lawrence Franklin, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s strategy & policy director. There is no question that Abu Dhabi has firmly placed itself as a landmark on the corporate world map. It’s all eyes on the middle eastern capital as a seemingly endless amount of money is pumped back into its economy at a time when the majority of the world is going through a very deep slump. However, Abu Dhabi is not the only destination to be fighting strong. Other emerging destinations are also pouring money into the sector in direct competition with Abu Dhabi for a share of the convention market. “There is strong growth in the hosting of major global conventions in destinations such as Cape Town, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul,” Mr. Talwar said. For tips on how to host a successful corporate event from Anne Thornley-Brown, president and founder of Executive Oasis International - a leading luxury corporate event planners - go to: www.simplyabudhabi.com/eventtips 21 S IMPLY ABU DHABI ABU DHABI REVS UP A GEAR f e r rar i wo r l d ADNEC www.adnec.ae +971 (0) 2 444 6900 Emirates Palace www.emiratespalace.com +971 2 6909000 Ferrari World www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com +971 2 5013 100 Yas Hotel www.theyashotel.com +971 2 656 0000