ADNEC Group Adds AED9.2 Billion to UAE Economy in Record 2025

ADNEC Group, a Modon company, delivered its highest-ever economic contribution to the UAE in 2025, adding more than AED9.2 billion to the national economy. The figure represents an 8 per cent increase compared to 2024 and reflects the group's continued expansion across events, hospitality, media, tourism, and related sectors.

The group's activities also generated more than 2.17 million hotel room nights through business and leisure tourism, supporting the UAE's long-term strategy of building a diversified and sustainable economy.

CEO Highlights Historic Year for ADNEC Group

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: "2025 witnessed record growth rates across all performance indicators for our business sectors, marking the largest in the group’s history. This reflects the success of our strategy to enhance direct and indirect contributions to the national economy, transfer and localise advanced knowledge, establish partnerships, and boost the competitiveness of national industries across various economic sectors. This aligns with the aspirations and vision of our wise leadership to position Abu Dhabi as a capital for these vital sectors in the region and a hub for innovation and development."

International Recognition Reaches New Milestone

During 2025, ADNEC Group received 19 prestigious international awards, including the C&IT Best Venue (outside of UK) award. The group also earned several sustainability honours, taking its total number of international awards across all business sectors to 202.

ADNEC Venues Host More Than 1,100 Events

ADNEC Venues, which include ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Centre Al Ain, Excel London, and the Business Design Centre, recorded their strongest performance to date.

In 2025, the venues hosted more than 1,149 events, representing a 15 per cent increase compared to 2024. Visitor numbers climbed to 6.3 million, up 17 per cent year-on-year, making it the highest attendance ever recorded by the group.

The venues also supported more than 70,000 jobs through their business activities, highlighting their contribution to economic development.

Abu Dhabi Venue Attracts Global Events

ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi hosted 77 per cent of all conferences and 19 per cent of all exhibitions that were organised for the first time in the UAE and the Middle East during 2025. The venue attracted growing interest from organisers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

The centre also hosted the largest edition of ADIPEC, setting a new attendance record with 70,000 visitors in a single day.

Another major event was the IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in the Middle East and North Africa for the first time. The congress welcomed 10,000 participants, who helped shape the global vision for nature conservation over the next 20 years.

Excel London Marks Major Expansion

In its 25th anniversary year, Excel London completed its 25,000-square-metre ICC expansion, increasing its total integrated conference and exhibition space to 125,000 square metres.

The new venue expansion officially opened during the season finale of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Excel London also hosted the largest edition of the World Travel Market London, Europe's biggest business-to-business tourism event, welcoming more than 46,000 tourism industry professionals from around the world.

Capital Events Delivers Landmark Exhibitions

Capital Events, the event management division of ADNEC Group, organised the largest edition of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) in 2025.

Together, the exhibitions attracted 206,073 visitors, representing a 55 per cent increase compared to the previous edition.

The company also organised the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi for the first time. The larger venue enabled the exhibition to expand by 300 per cent and increase the number of exhibitors by 16 times compared to the 2024 edition.

Capital Events also introduced the first Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, which welcomed 116,617 visitors, setting a new attendance record for the venue.

Capital 360 Expands Global Presence

ADNEC Group's services division, Capital 360 Event Experiences, completed its most successful year by supporting 4,621 projects during 2025.

The company strengthened its international presence across Egypt, the United States of America, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

Capital 360 also organised the first edition of Challenge Sir Bani Yas, the first long-distance triathlon in the Middle East and North Africa. The event attracted more than 3,500 athletes from 47 nationalities, while promoting Sir Bani Yas Island as a tourism destination in the Al Dhafra Region.

Capital Catering Records Strong Growth

Capital Catering, ADNEC Group's food and beverage business, served 51.6 million meals during 2025, marking a 29 per cent increase compared to 2024.

Its services covered key sectors including healthcare, aviation, defence, and energy. During the year, the company provided catering services to 29 hospitals across the UAE and 21 airlines through airport facilities.

Capital Catering also supported major energy sector clients, including ADONC and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company.

Tourism365 Brings More Visitors to Abu Dhabi

Tourism365 continued to expand inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi throughout 2025.

The company managed travel experiences, accommodation, and transportation for more than 330,000 travellers, while increasing its client base by 15 per cent.

It also served a record 144,000 stopover passengers, helping increase visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi.

twofour54 Supports Global Film Productions

During 2025, twofour54 supported more than 40 local, regional, and international productions.

The media division of ADNEC Group played an important role in bringing major film productions, including Dune 3, Brad Pitt's F1, and Bunker 13, to Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the emirate's position as an international filming destination.

Sustainability Remains a Key Priority

ADNEC Group continued making progress towards its goal of achieving full carbon neutrality by 2045.

The group received national recognition through the Majra Impact Seal Gold Tier for large companies and the UAE Plan to Action: Year of Sustainability Seal.

In another milestone, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi became the first large-scale events venue in the Middle East and North Africa to operate entirely on clean energy through a partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company.

Future Focus

ADNEC Group said it remains committed to supporting Abu Dhabi's economic diversification and sustainable development goals. By expanding opportunities across its core businesses, the group aims to strengthen its global leadership in business tourism, events, hospitality, and related sectors while continuing to create long-term value for the UAE and its people.