Abu Dhabi Secures Bid To Host International Aquarium Congress In 2030 For First Time In Middle East

The International Aquarium Congress (IAC) is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2030. This follows a successful bid led by the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi (NAAD) and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), which is part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The event will mark the first time the IAC is held in the Middle East.

NAAD presented the winning bid at the 2024 IAC in Mexico, securing the congress for October or November 2030. The aquarium's modern display innovations, wildlife rescue initiatives, conservation efforts, and educational content contributed to its selection. Opened in 2021, NAAD has quickly gained recognition for these achievements.

Abu Dhabi is emerging as a significant hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE), and regional business events. The successful bid highlights this development. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of ADCEB, expressed pride in hosting the IAC 2030, stating it underscores their commitment to supporting thought leaders and experts across various fields.

"We are honoured to host the International Aquarium Congress 2030 in Abu Dhabi, marking its first appearance in the Middle East. This event underscores our commitment to supporting thought leaders and experts across diverse fields while serving as a steadfast partner for global business events and MICE activities," said Mubarak Al Shamsi.

The NAAD plays a crucial role within the International Aquariums Network. It emphasises focusing on nature and addressing human impacts on aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Since its inception in 1960, the IAC has convened every three years as a leading platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among aquarium professionals globally.

Paul Robert Hamilton, General Manager of The National Aquarium, highlighted Abu Dhabi's readiness to host international events. "Having built 13 public aquariums around the world and being in the industry for more than 25 years, I knew that we had something very special with The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi," he stated.

Strategic Focus on International Collaboration

The successful bid also reflects ADCEB's strategic focus on collaborating with international conferences and professional associations. This approach reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred destination for large-scale MICE and business events. The emirate continues to attract major global gatherings due to its state-of-the-art facilities and excellent connectivity through airlines.

The IAC serves as a vital platform where aquarium professionals, researchers, and educators share innovations in aquatic science and management. By hosting this prestigious event, Abu Dhabi aims to further establish itself as a centre for global business events while promoting conservation efforts within aquatic ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM