26 minute read
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
NAALIO PHOTOS LEFT: Recycling is a priority RIGHT: The natural lagoon environment is protected
Standard practice
Eco-conscious e orts take centre stage at The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives
Sustainable tourism is a hot topic of conversation in the Maldives, with properties doing all they can to protect the environment. It’s a matter of urgency, with scientists claiming this archipelagic country, most of which is located just six feet above sea level, could be submerged in water in less than 60 years. One property championing sustainable practices is e Standard Huruvalhi Maldives, an ecoconscious resort set on 6.5 hectares of land.
Here, the natural rocks and reefs in the lagoon surrounding the resort remain untouched and indigenous vegetation from other islands has been brought in and replanted. e resort also generates its own compost, grows its own produce, has set up an on-site wastewater treatment facility and recycles as much as possible, with the leadership team always looking for new ways to become more e cient, sustainable and smart in how it operates.
“We’ve worked a lot to be more sustainable,” says General Manager Jesper Soerensen. “ e rst action in being sustainable is that you start refusing to take things on. We do a lot of purchasing where I’ll say, no that’s too much, or that’s individual wrapping – I don’t want that.”
Many recycling and waste measures are enforced by the government, explains Resort Manager Mohamed Hassan.
“ ere has to be bottle crushers, compactors, and an incinerator of a certain standard and sewage treatment plants, because you can’t just ush gray matter directly into the sea,” he says. “ e wet garbage that comes out of the kitchens gets eaten by the biodigester machine, and the waste that comes out gets turned into fertilisers.” e Standard grows much of its own produce in a dedicated resort garden and to supplement this, buys locally wherever possible. Despite the space constraints of the island, there are plans to expand what it produces by working with partners.
“With planning the island will have more than 2,000 chickens for the number of eggs required by June and July 2022. We have banana, watermelon, tomatoes, and various types of lettuces, and we then buy from local islands. We have invested in a local bakery and we’re in the process of putting a full team together.”
Preserving the natural environment is a priority. “ e beach rock protects the island from changes in weather, so we don’t touch it,” says Hassan.
Soerensen adds: “Other resorts move the rock out because it’s not so attractive, but that causes beach erosion and water breaks. And now they’re learning their lesson and are having to bring in big boulders from India. It’s important for us not to disturb the nature.”
THE STANDARD HURUVALHI MALDIVES
The Standard is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male Velana International Airport and features
115 over-water and beach villas, each with a private lounge deck and plunge pool. It’s a property for the young and hip, couples, families, and if you travel solo, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, from snorkeling, paddle boating, scuba diving and fishing to the luxury spa, yoga sessions, the gym, guest DJ and cinema nights, and the four onsite restaurants and three bars. Highlights include the snorkeling safari, with the opportunity to see exotic fish, coral, turtles, clams, and even lobsters; lunch at Joos Café, overlooking the infinity pool and Indian Ocean; and for authentic Maldivian cuisine, Guduguda, where dishes are cooked the local way.
Seven new sustainable luxury hotels
The latest properties to join the Considerate Collection by Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has added seven more actively sustainable luxury hotels to its recently launched Considerate Collection (slh.com/considerate). This specialist portfolio now features 33 hotels in 25 countries. All Considerate Collection hotels have either been certified by a GSTC Accredited Certification Body, certified to a GSTC Recognised Standard, or have passed an assessment by the SLH Sustainability Advisory Panel with review by the GSTC.
SLH is known for its Quality Assurance programme involving annual mystery inspections of its hotel members to maintain standards. This month it introduces a new 50-point sustainability module for the entire portfolio, aligned to SLH’s Considerate Collection pillars: Environmentally Conscious, Cultural Custodians and Community Minded.
The module looks for noticeable signs for the following: promotion of energy e iciency and standard operating procedures and encouraging renewable energy; water conservation; waste and organic waste management; elimination of plastic and single-use products; community support; local procurement, food and other products; healthy, seasonal and sustainable produce.
Arctic Bath, Harads, Sweden
Reminiscent of a Viking boat house, this one-of-a-kind hotel is run on 100 per cent renewable energy, instilling every guest experience with the spirit of the small Swedish Lapland community. Activities include moose safaris, ice-fishing and a floating spa boasting a cold bath supplied directly by natural river water.
Bergwelt Grindelwald – Alpine Design Resort, Grindelwald, Switzerland
A sympathetically designed chalet style FROM TOP: Arctic resort made by local wood Bath; Grand and marble. The hotel is in Forest Metsovo tune with every element of its high-alpine surroundings and draws mineral water directly from the glacier, which is used to serve guests throughout the resort.
Breidenbacher Hof, Düsseldorf, Germany
An historic hotel with EarthCheck Silver Status and o ering guests an authentic taste of its surroundings, from home-brewed gin and eggs from a shared hen house to fresh milk from the hotel’s own dairy cows.
Ca’ di Dio, Venice, Italy
Drawing water directly from the lagoon to power its heat exchanger and cooling system, Ca’ di Dio is as innovative it is e icient. The meticulously restored historic Venetian palace invests in work reintegration paths and supports the inclusion of inmates from a Venice prison in a series of social impact projects such as selling Malefatte bags.
Grand Forest Metsovo, Metsovo, Greece
This secluded hideaway is perched on the slopes of the Pindus Mountain range in the foothills of the Pindus National Park, an important protected area for the maintenance of alpine. The hotel is owned by a Metsovian family who handpick sta from the local community. They keep the Epirus region at the heart of all they do, from the local handcrafted furniture to its network of local activity experts for exploring the region.
Op Oost, Oosterend, Netherlands
Op Oost is a converted 18th-century farmhouse with roaming free-range chickens. Almost everything is foraged, farmed, and fermented within 150 metres of the hotel. The hotel’s heartfelt connection to nature is tangible with touches such as homemade in-room vegan cosmetics and dried reusable flower arrangements.
The George, Christchurch, New Zealand
An urban oasis boasting some of the greenest views in the city, with most rooms overlooking Hagley Park – Christchurch’s largest gardens. The George passionately supports the TIAKI promise, a Tourism New Zealand initiative that involves educating guests about how to treat Aotearoa New Zealand with respect on their travels.
IT’S SHOW TIME!
2022 PROMISES AN ECLECTIC LINEUP OF BUSINESS EVENTS AT MAJOR REGIONAL VENUES
WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD
The value of business events to the global economy should not be underestimated. Pre-COVID-19, they generated US$621.4 billion of direct GDP and contributed a total economic impact of $1.5 trillion (global gross domestic product), according to a recent study by e Events Industry Council (EIC).
If the sector was a country, it would rank as the 13th largest in the world, ahead of the GDPs of Australia, Spain, Mexico, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, according to e Global Economic Signi cance of Business Events study, commissioned by the EIC and conducted by Oxford Economics.
Every year, business events involve more than 1.5 billion participants across more than 180 countries, generating direct spending (business sales) of more than $1.07 trillion. e Middle East accounts for $12.8 billion of direct spending, with GCC nations such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia playing an increasingly important role in attracting major business events given their world-class infrastructure and geographical location, within an eight-hour ight of two-thirds of the world’s population. Since announcing it Vision 2030 socio-economic transformation plan, Saudi Arabia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector has boomed, growing 16 per cent in 2017, with around 4.5 million attendees at more than 10,000 events, around 15 per cent of which were hosted in the capital, Riyadh. e number of event venues in KSA increased from 154 in 2017 to 277 in 2020, with more to come. e kingdom’s reputation as a business events hub was elevated globally in 2020 when Riyadh hosted the G20 summit, demonstrating the country’s ability to manage an event of this size and scale.
LEFT: Arabian Travel Market ABOVE: Riyadh is Saudi’s business events hub
In the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are established locations for major global events, with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) proving an economic powerhouse.
Events at DWTC generated a total economic value of AED 23 billion (US$6.26 billion) in 2018, with a record AED 13.1 billion ($3.57 billion), the equivalent to 3.3 per cent of the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), added in incremental retained economic value.
Dubai was one of the rst destinations globally to revive its business events industry in the wake of the pandemic, setting new benchmarks in 2020 and from September to December 2021, hosted more than 40 events, up 40 per cent year on year.
Headline events included e Big Five, the MENA region’s largest building and construction show; Gastech, the world’s largest exhibition and conference supporting the gas, LNG, hydrogen, and energy industry; GITEX Global, featuring the region’s premier technology and start-up events, plus GITEX Technology Week, showcasing mega tech names from more than 100 countries; the Future Blockchain Summit, bringing together game-changing start-ups and investors; Gulfood Manufacturing, the region’s leading F&B processing and packaging event; and for the rst time, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), staged under the theme ‘Inspire, Innovate & Discover for the Bene t of Humankind’.
At the same time, Expo 2020 Dubai and its resident venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) has been playing host to conferences, seminars and thought-leadership discussions and will continue to do so until the event closes in March.
With Expo generating momentum for the events sector and destinations such as the UAE proving among the world’s safest as far as the pandemic is concerned, 2022 prospects are rosy, with major conferences linedup at key venues covering a wide range of industries and sectors, from mainstream to niche.
Here’s a round-up of some of the major business events to look out for this year, with Q1 getting the year o to a booming start.
Venues featured include Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo 2020 Dubai, Bahrain International Exhibition & Conference Centre (BIECC), Riyadh International Conference & Exhibition Centre (RICEC) and Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah.
ABOVE: Dubai’s business events industry is the region’s largest RIGHT: Abu Dhabi stages major global energy conferences and events BELOW: GITEX 2021
JANUARY
World Future Energy Summit (WFES)
January 17-19, ADNEC e World Future Energy Summit is the leading international event accelerating sustainability and the global transition to clean energy. Exhibition, technology showcase, investment incubator and business forum all rolled into one event, the summit convenes leaders, innovators and global thinkers to share ideas that are creating the blueprints for a sustainable future. is year’s event will involve 34,000 international visitors and buyers from 125 countries, attending industry forums (more than 200 sessions) and six exhibitions featuring 840-plus suppliers in solar, renewable energy, water e ciency, sustainable waste management, smart cities and climate change.
worldfutureenergysummit.com
Intersec
January 16-18, DWTC Intersec is the leading global emergency services, security and safety event with the 2022 edition promising the show’s largest ever and most comprehensive conference programme.
Delegates will hear from 500-plus international and regional speakers and three globally recognised headliners, with a power-packed programme lled with conversation, debate, shared learning and knowledge exchange. Intersec will also host tech disruption zones featuring the latest innovations and product pitches; a three-day cybersecurity agenda with experts, practitioners and techies getting serious about building resilience, live challenges, and an array of solutions.
intersec.ae.messe ankfurt.com
ABOVE: Solar energy is a focus at WFES BOTTOM: Arab Health supports innovation in healthcare
Arab Health
January 24-27, DWTC Arab Health is the place to make meaningful connections and support innovation in healthcare. e 2022 edition will showcase the latest healthcare products and services, showcased by more than 3,590 exhibitors from across the world. Along with a wide range of CME accredited conferences, Arab Health will bring together more than 56,028 healthcare professionals to learn, network and trade. Moreover, attendees looking to discover and source new products and connect with suppliers can login online to pre-plan their meetings in-person.
arabhealthonline.com
EXPO IN JANUARY
TRAVEL AND CONNECTIVITY BUSINESS FORUM
January 11, DEC This forum will highlight and showcase business opportunities, cutting-edge technologies, and progress achieved by the UAE, International Participants and Expo partners relevant to the travel and connectivity sector.
GLOBAL GOALS BUSINESS FORUM
January 18, DEC This forum will highlight and showcase business opportunities, cutting-edge technologies, and progress achieved by the UAE, International Participants and Expo partners relevant to the global goals.
expo2020dubai.com
FEBRUARY
UAE International Dental Conference
February 1-3, DWTC e UAE International Dental Conference & Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC Dubai), now in its 26th year, is o cially ‘ e Largest Annual Scienti c Dental Conference & Exhibition in the World’ and its 2022 theme is ‘Education & Innovation Transfer’. AEEDC Dubai is the go-to event for all dentists, dental specialists, nurses, assistants, hygienists, therapists, technicians, radiologists, auxiliary sta , students, faculty sta , and members of dental associations, ministry representatives, a liated dental event representatives, manufacturers and traders. is year, held alongside the AEEDC conference, the AEEDC Orthodontic Conference and the AEEDC World Oral & Maxillofacial Conference will o er unique insights on the latest developments in the industry, with 18 pavilions, 3,000 exhibitors and 4,000 brands from 155 countries.
aeedc.com
Breakbulk Middle East
February 1-2, DWTC Breakbulk Middle East is the place to meet key decision makers responsible for new-project business, including government ministries, private sector oil and gas companies and the world’s top EPCs. Because of strong gatekeeping systems within Middle Eastern companies, this event is one of the few ways to make direct contact with them. e event is on track to attract more than 1,700 companies representing the full industrial supply chain from 70-plu countries. is event is a chance to forge the relationships your company needs to grow its business in a booming region that puts innovation rst.
middleeast.breakbulk.com Gulfood
February 13-17, DWTC Gulfood is the world’s largest and most in uential annual trade show for the food and beverage industry, o ering an unrivalled trading platform, a world-class showcase for industry excellence and talent, and a forum for highlighting the latest trends, innovations and business opportunities. Gulfood 2022 will set the pace for high-volume business sourcing, new food and beverage launches, powerful distributor partnerships, start-up innovations and action-driving conversations on ensuring a strong, seamless global supply of food in the new context.
gulfood.com
International Exhibition for National Security & Resilience (ISNR)
February 20-22, ADNEC e International Exhibition of National Security and Resilience (ISNR Abu Dhabi) represents a unique networking platform,
connecting regional government bodies with security solution providers from across the globe. It brings the national and cyber security community together to accelerate public-private collaboration for a safer connected world.
Four dedicated communities on national security, cyber security, policing and law enforcement and critical infrastructure protection offer a deep dive into challenges and explore new technologies and best practices to avert the evergrowing threats they are facing. Complemented by numerous business networking events, a comprehensive conference programme and various innovation initiatives, ISNR Abu Dhabi is not only the must-attend event for the national and cyber security communities to do business, drive innovation and promote thought leadership, but to raise public awareness too.
isnrabudhabi.com
Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) & Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
February 22-23, DWTC The global aircraft cabin interiors market was projected to surpass US$29 billion last year (2021), with a CAGR of 11.57 per cent. In the Middle East, it is a market predicted to increase by a further six per cent in 2022, with growth driven by expansionist regional carriers including Emirates and Etihad airlines, both of which continue to purchase new aircraft and modernise their fleets. AIME 2022 will bring together leading airlines and industry to explore the latest advancements in touchless technology, sanitisation technology and coatings and future cabin concepts.
Visitors, exhibitors and delegates can expect a 360-degree look at the industry. The Airline Advisor Board will feature regional airline experts sharing 2022 developments; the Onboard Hub is a free-to-attend event offering insights into the latest technology available; and the exclusive VIP Airline Programme will offer complimentary hospitality and a tailored meetings’ programme.
With the region recognised as having the world’s second largest fleet and second fastest rate of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) growth, with demand predicted to double over the next decade, exceeding $13 billion by 2027, MRO is a platform to meet new contacts, expand business networks, discuss new trends and technological developments, and source products and services in this sector. aime.aero
iFX EXPO
February 22-24, DWTC, iFX EXPO is the leading exhibition connecting top-level executives in online trading, financial services and fintech from around the world. With a long history of uniting businesses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the iFX EXPO show is trusted by thousands of retail and institutional brokers, technology and liquidity providers, payment service providers, banks, affiliates and IBs, regulators and compliance, as well as crypto and blockchain brands.
ultimatefintech.com
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Expansionist airlines such as Emirates are driving growth in the cabin interiors market; Air Arabia supports the Arab Aviation Summit; Cyber security discussions are part of ISNR; AEEDC Dubai takes place at DWTC
Arab Aviation Summit
February 28 to March 2, Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre The 9th Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) will bring together global experts to discuss the theme ‘roadmap of recovery’. Endorsed by Arab governments and previously held in many Arab counties, AAS 2022 will be hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) for the second year in a row and supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Air Arabia and Alpha Aviation Academy amongst others.
arabaviationsumit.net
EXPO IN FEBRUARY
HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS FORUM
February 1, DEC This forum will highlight and showcase business opportunities, cutting-edge technologies, and progress achieved by the UAE, International Participants and Expo partners relevant to the health and wellness sector.
expo2020dubai.com
MARCH
Middle East Energy
March 6-9, DWTC With a 45-year legacy, Middle East Energy (MEE) is one of the most reputable and comprehensive energy events in MENA. e 2022 event, hosted under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, will bring together leading manufacturers and industry experts from around the world and shed light on ve speci c product sectors: Smart Solutions, Renewable & Clean Energy, Critical & Back-Up Power, Transmission & Distribution and Energy Consumption & Management. e Global Energy & Utilities Forum, a high-level keynote online conference, will be held in parallel to the exhibition, involving government authorities, regulators, industry practitioners and solution providers to enable thought-leading discussions on the future of the energy and utilities industry as it moves towards a diverse, digitised and sustainable future.
middleeast-energy.com
Intersolar Middle East
March 7-9, DWTC Intersolar is a renewables and energy storage event at Middle East Energy. Renewables and energy storage at MEE is the largest gathering of solar and renewable energy industry professionals in the Middle East and Africa, o ering a trade focused platform to international manufacturers and distributors looking to meet regional buyers. intersolar.ae
Dubai International Boat Show
March 8-12, Dubai Harbour e biggest and “most exciting” marine and lifestyle show in the region will take place at the attractive maritime neighbourhood, Dubai Harbour, this year. Highlights will range from the show’s largest boat ever to the Adastra Trimaran, an elegant long-distance triple hull superyacht. is is the place to browse seacra by mega superyacht brands like Azimut, Cranchi, Feretti, Gulf Cra , Princess Yachts and many more.
boatshowdubai.com
Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC)
March 21-23, DWTC A networking and business event for the IT security industry, GISEC 2022 will build on its decades of relationships in the global InfoSec community, corporate leaders, endusers from government and major buyers of cybersecurity solutions. It will bring together more than 8,000 of the foremost Infosec and tech professionals, business leaders, changemakers and senior practitioners for three days of unparalleled discovery, learning and networking with key government contacts and top businesses from across the world. GISEC’s conference programme will include more than 100 sessions that are free to attend. gisec.ae
LEFT: Dubai Marina BOTTOM: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi DEAL caters to amusement park operators
Gulf Construction Expo
March 22-24, BIECC is specialist event for the Northern Gulf’s construction industry showcases the latest products, cuttingedge technologies and services from reputable local, regional and international companies, enabling suppliers to meet face-to-face with clients and buyers. btea.bh
International Property Show
March 24 to 26, DWTC A lively three-day exhibition and a platform to buy and sell local and international properties onsite. e headline feature is the ‘Mega Property Show’, which showcases marketleading o ers from UAE, regional and international property developers. is feature also o ers services and rates o ered by banks and other nancial institutions, legal service providers, real estate agents, and property auction houses. Conference sessions and a Property ink Tank Programme where the real estate industry discusses sector challenges and opportunities, is also part of the show. internationalpropertyshow.ae
Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure EXPO (DEAL)
March 28-30, DWTC e Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo (DEAL) is a trade show dedicated to the Middle East’s entertainment, amusement and leisure industries. DEAL 2022 will cater to amusement park operators, brand owners, franchisors, licensors, real estate developers, investors and government representatives, More than 300 exhibitors from 40-plus countries will showcase a wide range of innovative products and services across amusement rides, coin-operated machines, computer systems, food and beverage kiosks, gi s and souvenirs, show productions, safety and security devices and other relevant hardware, attracting thousands of visitors from 100plus countries. e show will also present cutting-edge innovations such as 9D park rides and family entertainment centre equipment as well as a large range of creative concepts and much more. As part of the event, the Amusement Operator and Franchise Showcase (AOFS) will bring together brand owners, franchisees, licensees and regulatory agencies with a view to creating global awareness among investors and discuss international concepts and ideas. dealmiddleastshow.com
APRIL
EXPO IN MARCH
AFRICAN CEO ROUNDTABLE
March 14-15, DEC The African Union CEOs roundtable will be a two-day event showcasing potential areas of investments in Africa. It will provide space to network and forge sustainable partnerships between African private sector companies and the world.
WORLD ENTREPRENEURS INVESTMENT FORUM
March 28-30, DEC A business event aimed at sharing best practices for developing beneficial ecosystems for entrepreneurs and innovators in various sectors. It will entail E2E bilateral meetings and 13 sessions on financial inclusion and digital transformation.
expo2020dubai.com
AdditiveMEA
April 13-14, Dubai (venue TBC) Additive 2022 is a two-day conference and exhibition dedicated to promoting the positive impact of additive manufacturing and 3D printing on industry and showcases new innovations and opportunities in the Middle East, Africa and APAC regions. additivemea.com
JUNE
MAY
Arabian Travel Market
May 8-11, DWTC Arabian Travel Market is the leading international travel and tourism event unlocking business potential for inbound and outbound tourism professionals in the Middle East. In 2022, tourism destinations from around the world will once again unite in Dubai to showcase their brand and exhibit at the show along with the biggest names in accommodation and hospitality, renowned tourism destinations and attractions, innovative travel technology providers and airlines. e show’s theme is ‘ e future of international travel and tourism’, with a comprehensive conference programme attracting high-pro le speakers to debate the future of the industry and explore new trends, opportunities for growth, innovation and e ective recovery. wtm.com/atm
World Utilities Congress 2022
May 9-11, ADNEC e World Utilities Congress, hosted by TAQA, provides an unrivalled platform to explore the latest products, innovations and technological advancements across the global power and utilities landscape, bringing together water and power leaders to provide insights on building resilient low-carbon business models with agile automated digital operations.
worldutilitiescongress.com
e Hotel Show
May 24-26, DWTC For more than 20 years, e Hotel Show Dubai has brought together global suppliers with regional buyers actively seeking new products and services in the hotel and hospitality sector. e event provides an unrivalled opportunity for hospitality professionals to network and conduct business. It also includes e Leisure Show, giving suppliers the chance to meet decision makers involved in creating, developing and operating leisure facilities, destinations and attractions in the hospitality industry. In 2022, e Hotel Show Dubai has also joined forces with the international Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals association (HFTP) to stage HITEC Dubai, dedicated to technology professionals driving innovation within the sector. thehotelshow.com
Automechanika Riyadh
June 13-15, RICEC Automechanika Riyadh is Saudi’s only trade fair for the automotive a ermarket and services industry. With Saudi the largest and fastest growing market for the automotive services sector, the show presents the ideal platform for international and local exhibitors to re-connect and gain direct access to key players in this industry. e second edition in 2020 attracted close to 3,000 traders, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, workshop or garage owners, and service providers.
automechanika-riyadh.ae
Middle East Design and Build Show
September 12-14, ADNEC Middle East Design & Build Week is a vibrant networking and sourcing platform for the construction, interior design, hospitality, and commercial industries. Held annually, the event o ers businesses a compelling platform to promote their brands and
ABOVE: Arabian Travel Market is the region’s largest travel and tourism industry event
SEPTEMBER
HILTON
products to thousands of quali ed decision makers. is year’s event is expected to attract more than 200 exhibiting companies and 3,000 visitors from the UAE and globally.
middleeastdesignandbuildweek.com
Big 5
September 18-21, DWTC e Big 5 is the largest and most in uential event for the construction industry. Its mission is to unite the global construction community and provide leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry stakeholders to connect, grow, and succeed. Visitors can meet leading manufacturers and distributors of construction products from around the world with 1,200 exhibitors from 152 countries attending. Delegates can also attend free CPD-certi ed talks from industry experts covering a wide variety of themes. e 2021 edition attracted 36,386 business professionals.
thebig5.ae
Global Health Exhibition
September 25-27, RICEC e Global Health Exhibition will feature educational content delivered through CME-accredited conferences tailored to clinical healthcare professionals. Saudi-based and international exhibitors will showcase the latest technologies in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. e live event is the place to “ nalise partnerships, strengthen relationships and see products and demos in real life”. globalhealthsaudi.com
OCTOBER
GITEX Global
October 9-13, DWTC GITEX Global is the world’s largest enterprise and government technology event encompassing immersive tech experiences, thought-provoking conferences and much more, with everything from 5G and big data to cybersecurity and quantum computing brought together in one place. GITEX uni es six shows that encapsulate the interconnected power of technology: GITEX Global; Fintech Surge, showcasing the nancial industry’s biggest tech revolutions and staging path-breaking talks; the Future Blockchain Summit, bringing start-ups and investors together for four days of networking, business and education focused on disruptive tech; North Star Dubai, the world’s biggest show for tech start-ups; Marketing Mania, featuring the most avant-garde and edgy martech personalities; and AI Everything, which spearheads the region’s arti cial intelligence transformation. gitex.com
BOTTOM FROM LEFT:
The Hotel Show presents the latest hotel products and services; Big 5 has been running for more than 40 years; ADIPEC is hosted by ADNOC; Etisalat at GITEX 2021
GITEX represents our national aspirations for the economy of the future. It also represents the UAE in bringing together the East and West of the world to formulate their future aspirations in technology.”
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
NOVEMBER
ADIPEC
November 7-10, ADNEC Hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) is the world’s most in uential meeting place where oil, gas and energy companies and professionals will convene in-person, safely and securely, to engage and identify the opportunities that will unlock new value in an evolving energy landscape. e exhibition provides opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet, learn, network, do business and discover new products, solutions and technologies from more than 2,000 exhibiting companies. is includes 51-plus NOCs, IOCs and IECs as well as 26 international country pavilions, providing a worldclass environment for trade across the industry’s full value chain. adipec.com
DECEMBER
Seatrade Maritime Middle East
Dubai, date and venue TBC Established in 2008, Seatrade Maritime Middle East has grown to become the meeting point for maritime professionals in the region. e three-day event, which connects ship owners, shipyards, port operators and government representatives features a diverse trade show, informative conference tracks and an abundance of strategic networking opportunities. e 2021 edition took place at the new Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo 2020 Dubai.
