The International Aquarium Congress (IAC), a premier event for the global aquarium community, is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2030. This follows a successful bid spearheaded by the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi (NAAD) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
NAAD presented the winning proposal during the 2024 IAC held in Mexico, securing the congress for October or November 2030. This marks the inaugural occasion the event will be hosted in the Middle East. Since its inauguration in 2021, the aquarium has garnered recognition for its innovative displays, wildlife rescue initiatives, conservation efforts, and comprehensive educational offerings.
Established in 1960, the IAC convenes every three years and serves as the foremost platform for promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange within the aquarium sector. It unites a global audience of aquarium professionals, researchers, and educators to share advancements and insights in aquatic science and management. The successful bid highlights Abu Dhabi’s rising status as a premier hub for MICE and business events in the region.
Commitment to hosting global events
Mubarak Al Shamsi, director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, expressed: “We are honored 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. We’re also proud to continue Abu Dhabi’s legacy as a platform to host events that drive growth, enable knowledge exchange, and advance scientific progress.”
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Abu Dhabi as a premier destination
Paul Robert Hamilton, general manager of The National Aquarium, remarked: “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. Abu Dhabi as a destination is quickly becoming the first choice for many major global events due to its readiness to host international travellers, its state-of-the-art facilities, and connectivity through airlines. I am so proud of what has been achieved by this world-class attraction and the respect it is receiving globally.”
Strategic focus on MICE events
The successful bid reinforces ADCEB’s strategic focus on collaborating with various international conferences and professional associations, further solidifying the emirate’s position as a preferred location for large-scale MICE and business events.
Aligning with environmental goals
The NAAD, a key member of the International Aquariums Network, highlighted the congress’s mission to address the impact of human activities on global aquatic ecosystems. Hosting the IAC 2030 aligns seamlessly with Abu Dhabi’s vision to promote meaningful discussions and initiatives centered around environmental sustainability and conservation.
