Amsterdam RAI

The vibrant heart of the conference world in Amsterdam is undoubtedly the RAI. Located on the edge of the Zuidas and next to the Beatrix Park, this impressive building rises to welcome some of the world's largest conferences every week. The surroundings exude an international atmosphere, clearly tailored to the many foreign businesspeople who congregate here. Numerous restaurants and hotels contribute to the neighbourhood's global character.

In 1961, the new RAI opened its doors. Before then, the RAI, an abbreviation for Rijwiel en Automobiel-Industrie, was located in the Paleis voor de Volksvlijt and later on Ferdinand Bolstraat, where 'the Oude Raai' can now be found. The Europa Hall, the RAI's largest hall with a surface area of 20,000 m2, provides space for extensive events. But the RAI is much more than that. When events are not taking place, the building is used as an examination room for students of the Free University. It also served as a venue for vaccinations during the corona pandemic, giving it a versatile and adaptable role in society.