ICCA to take its 63rd annual congress to Abu Dhabi in 2024

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has announced that its 63rd ICCA Congress will take place, 20-23 October 2024, in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The ICCA Board said it had received several extraordinary bids “of the very highest standard. The decision review was in-depth as all bidding destinations showcased their enormous commitment to Congress, and a distinctive creative approach”. The 133,00sqm Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) will host the event, which will be produced  by ICCA in collaboration with ADCEB (Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau). The association said that factors favouring the destination host include the ease of travelling to Abu Dhabi, the array and proximity of first-rate hotel accommodation, excellent transport links and of a range of potential venues for Congress social activities. The 63rd Congress will contribute significantly to Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 which sets out a clear strategy around sustainability, education, and career growth; especially for young professionals entering the events industry. Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO, said: “ICCA recognises how Abu Dhabi understands the transformative role major international events can play, and how delegates gathered from across the globe can meet, share, and learn in a spirit of openness and possibility. With a focus on sustainability and celebrating the potential of what can be achieved when we work together – and after delivering a quite superb proposal – the 63rd ICCA Congress staged in this very modern metropolis promises to be a landmark event.” HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi “It is an honour to be able to host the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, which demonstrates the emirate’s growth as a MICE destination. This win has been possible due to the collective support from key stakeholders such as Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as well as other local and regional partners. Through our commitment to forging strategic partnerships, we have positioned Abu Dhabi as a dynamic hub where businesses prosper, and innovation thrives. By offering a wide array of distinct venues, hotels and year-round cultural, leisure and entertainment options, we deliver travel and business experiences for all our MICE visitors.”