International Congress and Convention Association appoints new chairman

ABU DHABI, 14th May, 2018 (WAM) — Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, has been appointed Chairperson of the International Congress and Convention Association, ICCA – Middle East Chapter.

Al Shamisi succeeds outgoing Chairperson, Khalifa Al Qubaisi, and will oversee efforts to strengthen the association’s presence in the region in line with the rapid expansion witnessed by the congress and conferences sector.

Following the announcement, Saif Saeed Ghobash, Under-Secretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Mubarak Al Shamisi’s appointment is a testament to his work and commitment in leading Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau’s strategic vision at DCT Abu Dhabi. We are proud to support and elevate Mubarak to this position within ICCA, and to build the demand for, and growth of, the congress and conferences sector.

As Abu Dhabi’s visitor traffic grows annually each year, a key focus is to drive and support the development and promotion of business events tourism throughout the emirate efficiently, effectively, transparently, and in partnership with all its stakeholders.”

Commenting on his appointment, Al Shamisi said, “I am honoured to join ICCA and look forward to working and contributing to the Middle East Chapter. Our work in the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau will complement and support ICCA, and advance the regional conferences and events industry, attracting specialised international events to the region. This appointment also serves the wider remit of enabling the UAE to make a more effective contribution to the international and regional congress and convention landscape.”

ICCA was founded in 1963 by a group of travel agents to explore practical ways to engage with the travel industry in organising international meetings and conferences, as well as to exchange industry best practices. Since then, the initiative has driven the development of the conference and meetings sector worldwide. With nearly 1,000 members and suppliers from more than 90 countries, ICCA’s network provides members with a platform to deliver top quality products and services to international meetings and share global best practices.