Al Hamra Real Estate Development, the Ras Al Khaimah-based real estate development and investment company, has marked a spectacular addition to the events scene of the UAE by hosting the 15th edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) at its purpose-built waterfront events venue, the all-new Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre.
Home to the AHIC Village that hosts the various activities of AHIC 2019, the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is an impressive architectural milestone by Al Hamra Real Estate Development.
Benoy Kurien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Hamra Real Estate Development, said: “The Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a spectacular addition to the events venues in the UAE, and will further position Ras Al Khaimah’s credentials in hosting world-class events such as AHIC. Designed to meet the needs of every event organiser – from gala dinners, product launches, large exhibitions, destination weddings, private events and more – the Centre will contribute to the MICE tourism sector of Ras Al Khaimah, supported by several world-class hotels in the immediate vicinity. The opening of the centre further supports the Destination Strategy 2019-21 to strengthen the tourism sector.”
With a total area of 4,500 square metres (about 48,500 square feet), the Conference Centre has a vast main hall set in an area of 2,700 sq m (over 29,000 sq ft), perfect for hosting large-scale events including product launches and exhibitions as well as private events such as weddings and celebrations. More than 2,500-3,000 people can be accommodated at the hall, which can also be effortlessly divided into separate halls for a range of events including gala dinners.
Region’s first-of-its-kind MICE venue featuring contemporary design and European-inspired architecture, surrounded by three distinct landscapes – an urban plaza, lush vegetation and landscaping, and a pristine white sand beach – the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre has an elegant, minimalistic design, and was completed in just three months. The interiors are resplendent and welcoming with the lobby lounges evocative of luxury hotels. Contemporary materials add to the interior design elements as homage to the local culture with elements of Arabic design such as mashrabiya.
A central urban plaza of 6,450 sq m (69,427 sq ft) – that can host all kinds of events – adds to the convenience and flexibility for exhibiting agencies. At the heart of the plaza is a 12-metre high art installation, The Totem, a tribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s ancient heritage. It is a contemporary artistic interpretation of the ancient watch towers found in the Emirate. An external deck spanning an area of 1,050 sq m (11,300 sq ft) is another attraction that helps host events along the sandy beach.
Among the unique features of the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre is its waterfront location offering 500 sq m (5,381 sq ft) of private sandy beach that gives flexibility for event organisers to host a varied choice of outdoor events, including weddings and parties. With over 60,500 sq m (651,000 sq ft) of landscaped gardens, featuring carefully chosen low-water consumption plants, the Centre offers a serene, picturesque environment for events.
The venue also features one VIP Majlis/meeting rooms of 250 sq m each (2,960 sq ft), two welcome lounges including a 300 sq m (3,229 sq ft) main entrance and a VIP entrance of 200 sq m (2,152 sq ft), and 300 sq m (3,229 sq ft) of service areas including prayer rooms. A 330 sq m (3,550 sq ft) kitchen supports the hosting of gala dinners, parties and weddings. Adding to the convenience of visitors are 365 dedicated parking spaces in the immediate perimeter.
Designed and executed fully by Al Hamra, the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre followed pre-fabricated construction to fast-track the completion, with only 120,000-manhours used. Designed to high standards of sustainability, the centre has automated air-condition and lighting systems in addition to a stand-alone power generator to assure seamless operations.
Al Hamra worked with IFigure (interior fitout, interior MEP), Al Hamra Construction (foundation and infrastructure), Elecktro RAK (MEP) and EMA Road (road and parking) on the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre.
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