REC identified the need to improve on the design of the old exhibition centre and create a modern facility that would be suitable for the 21st century, he adds.
The centre is expected to be complete by September, but delays could set completion back until January 2009 "at the latest", Habib explains.
"We have already moved our offices to the new location. The old centre is still there and might be used in emergencies in case the new one has not opened by September, but that's just an option - nothing is confirmed yet," he concludes.
Ras Al Khaimah
UAE developer Rakeen has revealed plans for an iconic convention and exhibition centre in Ras al Khaimah, as the emirate pushes forward in its dramatic expansion plans.
The RAK Convention and Exhibition Centre (RAKCEC) will feature 50,000m2 of rentable exhibition space spread out across five exhibition halls; seating for congresses of up to 4,000 delegates; four hotels; a three-storey shopping complex; and three levels of parking.
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Accommodation will be provided by three 750-room hotels - The Tower (five-star plus), The Oasis (four-star) and The Expo (three-star) - and a fourth hotel, bringing the total number of rooms available within the project well above 2250.
"The complex integrates all the essential components of a successful exhibition, which includes, first of all, the environment, the facility and the services," says Dr. Imad Haffar, COO of Rakeen.
"As an exhibitor, I want to come to an environment that facilitates the movement of people into the exhibition centre; I want a first class facility in terms of integration."
The convention centre has been designed with green initiatives in mind and will be built around natural contours of the land and, like Rakeen's other projects in the emirates, will follow a zero tree-cutting policy.
Gardens within the development already exist on the site of the project and will become an integral part of the overall design upon completion.
The design of the centre allows for the maximum amount of natural light to come into the building to cut down on the amount of electricity required to illuminate the venue.
• 50,000m2 of rentable area, including five exhibition halls. Each hall will seat between 400 and 600 delegates
• Hall one can be converted into a 4,000 seat congress venue
• Three 750-room hotels; The Tower (five-star plus), The Oasis (four-star) and The Expo (three-star)
• Three storey shopping mall featuring seven movie theatres, 2170m2 food court,1100m2 of restaurants and coffee shops and a 5280m2 multiplex
• Three parking levels
• Seven internal gardens
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