The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies, has added a new hotel to its portfolio: the DoubleTreeBy Hilton London ExCel.
The announcement comes in line with ADNEC’s long term investment strategy, aimed at diversifying its business across the Group and achieving optimal integration of its assets through diversified economic sectors. The decision will further support both the UAE and British business and leisure tourism sectors, alongside the development of the local communities around the hotel, given ADNEC’s extensive experience and capabilities across the hospitality industry.
The addition brings ADNEC’s total portfolio of hotels to six, with other hotels under management including the Aloft Abu Dhabi, Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, the Anantara Sir BaniYas Island Abu Dhabi, and the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the UAE. It also owns the Aloft London ExCel.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, commented: “ADNEC is proud to welcome the DoubleTreeBy Hilton London ExCel to our portfolio. ADNEC holds a long-term investor perspective in identifying and acquiring key assets in developed markets. As such, this acquisition strengthens the Group’s competitiveness, increases the direct and indirect economic contributions of the hotel and hospitality sector to the UK economy, and further enhances the business tourism sectors in both nations. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to sustain the development of local communities alongside bolstering the relationship between the public and private sector.
“We have a long track record in overseeing successful hotel assets and will bring those same strategies and insights to ensure the continued commercial success of this hotel. ExCeL London, and the ecosystem of hotels and hospitality outlets which exist around it, has strong growth potential over coming years: potential which we want to strengthen as much as possible. With this new addition, we will contribute to supporting the further diversification of our income streams and reduce risks from global market fluctuations.”
Jeremy Rees, Chief Executive Officer at ExCeL London, commented: “This acquisition comes in line with ADNEC Group’s long-standing commitment to leverage its world-class facilities to create exceptional guest experiences and supports ExCeL in providing a seamless experience to our visitors and exhibitors. We have seen the commitment of Abu Dhabi and ADNEC towards the events sector through generating jobs and driving economic impact for London. We are confident that the addition of this new hotel will further solidify ExCeL’s wider competitive offering, in line with ADNEC’s wider global growth strategy.”
Alex Pritchard, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Axiom Hospitality, who will oversee the management of the hotel, commented: “We are delighted to be working with ADNEC and the DoubleTreeBy Hilton Hotel London ExCel on our first project together. The addition of the DoubleTreeBy Hilton Hotel London ExCel will expand our hotel portfolio in London to six assets. The DoubleTreeBy Hilton Hotel London ExCel is a strong quality asset in a strategically important location. The Axiom Hospitality team is excited to be involved in this high profile transaction and excellent asset.”
The acquisition is the latest significant development in ADNEC Group’s hospitality business. The move represents the company’s long-term vision, alongside its readiness to lead the post-pandemic recovery phase. The completion of the transfer of the hotel to ADNEC is effective immediately.
ADNEC’s new investment comes as a part of a long-term strategy that started in 2008 through acquiring ExCeL London. It kicked-off the expansion construction to add 35,000 sq.m of event space,including London’s International Convention Centre (ICC), with Europe’s largest auditorium (4,500seats), 17 additional meetings rooms, and breakout and banquet space. In 2011, ADNEC announced the opening of the Aloft London ExCel Hotel, the first hotel owned by the group in UK.
The DoubleTreeBy Hilton London ExCelis situated directly adjacent to the London’s pre-eminent exhibition centre, ExCeL London, which is also under the ownership of ADNEC Group. The nine floor hotel, built in 2011, contains 287 keys. Situated on the banks of the Royal Docks, near Canary Wharf, the hotel contains a range of dining and leisure outlets for guests.
