Business events gravitate to Yas Island

27 March 2014, UAE - Yas Island successfully promoted its substantial range of business events and conference facilities targeted at local and international business communities with a sponsored networking dinner at Yas Marina Circuit this week. The event rounded off the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) 2014.

"GIBTM was a tremendous success this year. Yas Island met with more than 250 buyers and showcased our offering as a unique destination to meet, stay and play. The level of interest was significant across all venues and facilities, and we are anticipating continued growth in enquiries for Yas Island as a whole," said Clive Dwyer, Director of Destination Management for Yas Island. "The success of the GIBTM networking event, hosted at Yas Marina Circuit in collaboration with other Yas Island partners, is a reflection of how our diverse world-class facilities and impeccable event services can combine business and leisure in one location."

Hundreds of invited delegates from the international business events industry toured Yas Island - home to seven hotels with 57 restaurants and sports and entertainment venues - and networked with key industry figures. Yas Island's outstanding hotels served cuisine from around the globe at the famous Paddock club.

Abu Dhabi has been named among the top 100 busiest global association meetings destinations by the International Congress and Convention Association's (ICCA) global city rankings. Given the UAE Capital's increasing prominence as a destination, Yas Island Destination Management supports organisers with complimentary advisory services, including event planning advice and facilitation of venue proposals, to help ensure that each Yas Island event runs smoothly and efficiently.

Yas Island provides the ideal facilities for a range of meeting sizes and configurations. In addition, buyers are encouraged to go beyond traditional corporate experiences, and take advantage of Yas Island's attractions, such as racing at Yas Marina Circuit, a round on the superb Yas Links golf course, sailing on super-yachts at Yas Marina, or fun activities at Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World. When combined with the food and lodgings on offer, the possibilities of creating unconventional and inspiring experiences are virtually endless.

"Our customers can use Yas Island's attractions to inspire their guests and leave an indelible impression with their guests, and to support their business objectives," he added.

The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 24 to 26 March. The event provided an excellent platform for exhibitors to connect with customers and industry professionals.

Yas Island is strategically located seven minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, 15 minutes from ADNEC and 45 minutes from the commercial hub of Dubai, making it accessible to a variety of regional and international markets. Travellers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and even those in the UAE for just a stopover, can all enjoy convenient access to Yas Island.

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About Yas Island:
The region's prime leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Island is one of the finest destinations for weekend getaways, romantic holidays and fun with your partner, family or friends.

Be wowed by amazing events and touring artists, gracing the stage at du Forum and du Arena,or visit the hottest night spot in the UAE, O1NE Yas Island. Live the ultimate water adventure at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Dare to take the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, at speeds up to 240kmph at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest theme park. Take in sensational sea views on Yas Links Golf Course. Imagine driving a Formula Yas 3000cc V6 or Aston Martin GT4 on the same circuit as the pros. Stroll along the calm turquoise waters at Yas Marina or simply lounge on the warm, idyllic sands of Yas Beach. All attractions can conveniently be reached with the complimentary island shuttle Yas Express.

Home to Yas Marina Circuit, the official host of the world famous FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIXTM, Yas Island offers seven hotels (3 to 5 stars), all featuring numerous gourmet restaurants and entertainment venues. Yas Island is also in the works of opening its own shopping center, Yas Mall in 2014, widening its diversified offerings.

Yas Island is located 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi and 45 minutes from Dubai. Further it points with its proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport, seven minutes

Showcasing the caliber of our attractions, here are some of what they have achieved:

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has the accolade of "Best Theme Park in the UAE" from Hospitality India during its "9^th Hospitality India and Explore the World Annual International Awards" (HIA 2013) in October 2013

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi was named the "second best waterpark in the world" by the Los Angeles Times - Global Ranking of the World's Top 20 Waterparks feature in May 2013