Press Release Details

Sultan Bin Tahnoon: ExCel London is one of the Most Prominent UAE Investments in Britain

Publication Date: 13 Jan 2014

On Abu Dhabi’s investment in London

The economic results posted by Excel are extremely positive, supporting the Abu Dhabi government’s economic diversification strategy in line with our 2030 vision. Our investment in ExCel is offering strong economic and social returns to Abu Dhabi and giving London a competitive global advantage. The rise of London as a destination – through Excel – to one of the most prominent business tourism destinations in the world has also contributed to the promotion of the emirate of Abu Dhabi to the global business community, promoting Abu Dhabi as a key player in the exhibition and events market and a unique tourist destination for business people.

On the non-economic return on investment

Ever since acquiring Excel London in 2008, we have striven to learn and benefit from the international experience of the centre’s staff through a dedicated training programme that offers our young ADNEC employees the chance to develop and grow – both themselves and the business tourism industry in Abu Dhabi. This development of human capital is really important for ADNEC as we continue to improve as an international destination for business.  During course of the relationship between ADNEC and Excel, 23 male and female employees were trained. These employees currently make up the backbone of operations and management at both the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and the Al Ain Convention Centre.

On the growth of business tourism in Abu Dhabi

The acquisition of Excel London has supported Abu Dhabi’s growth as a business tourism destination by developing our local expertise and further extending awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination to a global audience. With business tourism, and the entire events and exhibition industry highlighted as a key driver of economic development in the UAE, this investment is supporting our diversification strategy in line with the 2030 vision.

 

Through this investment, ADNEC has become an international company with significant levels of international recognition, which is a great source of pride and enhances our growth as a leading events and exhibitions venue in the Middle East. These positive returns are in addition to the strong economic benefits of the investment in Excel.

On UAE-UK bilateral relations

The close ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, built upon a solid foundation of political, economic and social respect, stretches back decades. Our two countries have cooperated in many different areas of business in the past, including energy, banking, culture, education, the arts and much more. We hope this relationship develops further with mutual benefits.  

On the UK’s attractiveness to UAE travellers

London is hugely popular tourist destination for Emiratis and is favoured by Emirati students wishing to study abroad. Equally, we have more than 100,000 British nationals living and working in the UAE. This exchange of people says a lot about the closeness and the strength of the relationship.

On the UK’s standing as a global destination

Abu Dhabi looks to the United Kingdom as a key leisure and business tourism destination, which sits right at the top the global destinations lists. The UAE is keen to strengthen bilateral relations with the United Kingdom, and we are actively exploring ways to broaden cooperation and bilateral trade with them. The close relationship between ADNEC and Excel underpins the wider relationship.