Einstein To Attract Over 2.3m Visitors
Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) has been inundated with visitors flocking to see its 140 million year old resident guest, situated in the Arrivals Hall at Terminal 1.
Einstein arrived at the airport on 17 July 2008 and in the first two weeks since in his new home, around 360,000 travellers, residents and visitors have stopped by to examine the 23 metre, 4.5 tonne Apatosaurus skeleton – a unique exhibit and a definite first for any airport in the Middle East.
An ADAC spokesperson confirmed that an average of 25,500 passengers per day were passing through the airport, therefore making up the majority of visitors viewing Einstein, although it was noted that non-travelling visitors were also coming to the airport specifically to see the dinosaur.
Intended to be on display at the airport until October 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) expects that Einstein will be seen by more than 2.3 million visitors during his stay – much more than many a museum can boast within a three month period.
Hosting Einstein until October 2008, ADAC has extended its invitation not just to passengers, but to Abu Dhabi and other UAE residents to witness an unbeatable opportunity to view one of the first significant prehistoric dinosaur skeletons ever to be assembled in the Middle East.
Unusually for an exhibit of this type, Einstein is 85 per cent composed of his original bones. On average, most dinosaur skeletons recovered are only around 65 per cent real bone making Einstein the most complete Apatosaurus ever discovered and one of the most authentic assembled dinosaurs ever displayed.
Dan Cappell, ADAC vice president for non-aeronautical revenue, said:
“We knew Einstein would attract the crowds and we are thrilled that visitors to Abu Dhabi International Airport are taking the time to see him. We are also pleased to note that people are visiting the airport not just for travel this summer but some are simply coming to get a glimpse of Einstein. Clearly, he provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people, with families and children obviously enjoying the chance to see such an important part of history.”
In October, Einstein’s skeleton will be auctioned at a reserve price of US$ 2 million, with 20 per cent above the reserve of the auction price going to the charity for endangered species of Arabian wildlife.
Cappell continued:
“There are some exciting plans for Einstein’s time at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which we will be disclosing over the coming months”.
Information on the dinosaur’s past including his vital statistics are available at the exhibition and visitors also have the opportunity to have their photos taken with the now famous visitor. The exhibition is free of charge and visitors will be able to see Einstein without checking in or making a journey through the airport.
The Einstein Exhibition is being generously supported by several Abu Dhabi-based companies including the lead sponsor, Masdar, a committed developer and supporter of innovative technologies for renewable, alternative and sustainable energies, as well as sustainable design.
Additional support for the exhibition is provided by Gold Sponsor Atlas Communications, and Support Sponsors Sharaf DG and Etihad Airways.
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