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Abu Dhabi debuts first CVB and a new Ritz-Carlton
Citing a history of hosting top-level business meetings since the heyday of the silk route, Abu Dhabi this month rolls out both the world’s newest CVB and its first Ritz-Carlton.
The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau is designed "to champion the emirate as a dynamic global business events leader," and to serve as a one-stop shop offering free advice and local knowledge to meeting planners worldwide.
Separately, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal opened its doors today. The 532-room luxury resort is the first Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi and its ninth property in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi is made up of 200 small islands, with stunning beaches, expansive desert, and lush oases that already draw 2 million visitors a year, and its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was recently named one of the world’s top visitor attractions.
Located at the waterfront, the Ritz Carlton features 447 guestrooms and suites, and 85 private one- and two-bedroom villas.
The 1,550 square meter Roma Ballroom can accommodate up to 900 guests and features an exclusive elevator directly from the private Bridal Suite. There are also 14 additional meeting rooms, 10 restaurants and bars, including three signature restaurants created by award-winning Japanese designer Super Potato, and a 1,600 square meter outdoor pool.
"Warm Arabian hospitality combined with legendary Ritz-Carlton service will create many unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors from around the world," said Ritz-Carlton president and COO Herve Humler.
The CVB, meanwhile, will help planners develop and research bids, provide destination promotional pieces, boost attendance through its international offices, and offer ideas for pre- and post-conference activities.
It was established as part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s 2030 Economic Vision.
The bureau’s formation "demonstrates our recognition of the potential of exhibitions, conferences and business events—the MICE sector—to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism aspirations and generate significant economic impact for the destination through increasing visitor numbers, hotel occupancies, flights and other visitor and exhibitor spend," Jasem Al Darmaki, deputy director general of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said in a statement.
By Cheryl Rosen
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