WAM Abu Dhabi, July 4th, 2012 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) signed an extended partnership with GMI, one of the region's leading outdoor advertising players, by entering into a five year contract. Under the contract, GMI will be the exclusive advertising agency for Abu Dhabi International Airport.

With 12.4 million passengers passing through the airport in 2011 alone, a number that is forecast to reach 20 million by 2017, Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the main aviation hubs for the region. The capital's airport caters to over 50 international airlines that connect Abu Dhabi to more than 95 destinations in over 49 countries. At the same time the high profile and diverse demographics of the airport's international passenger mix make Abu Dhabi International Airport an attractive and unique location for effective advertising.

James E. Bennett, CEO of ADAC, explained: "ADAC choose GMI after close consideration to the competing bids in the tender. GMI's use of state of the art technology, Middle East market know-how and strategic future planning placed it on top of the list for ADAC. Today both ADAC and GMI are well positioned to provide over 12 million international passengers the latest media displays." Fathi Al Mohammad, Chairman of GMI, added: "We are excited to continue our relationship with ADAC and look forward to creating a new energy that will complement the world-class facility. The demographic profile of the airport is diverse and we are thrilled to introduce our latest and most innovative advertising platforms to this audience segment and consolidate our position in the airport advertising sector." GMI has operated the advertising concession for the airport since 2000 and as part of this long-standing relationship, will invest in new state-of-the art displays to enable businesses to communicate and market to a captive, upscale audience and provide a positive travel experience for travelers.

WAM/ES/AM