Alpha Dhabi expects hospitality to play key role in international portfolio

Alpha Dhabi Holding, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company (IHC), is exploring additional opportunities in the hospitality industry to expand its international portfolio, according to a senior executive. In the first nine months of 2026, the company's overseas portfolio generated Dh7.7 billion in revenue, accounting for over 13% of its total revenue.

Derek Nicholson, the chief investment and strategy officer of Alpha Dhabi Holding, emphasized that hospitality remains a key focus area for the company, stating that they seek opportunities that leverage their existing capabilities rather than expanding for the sake of growth. Alpha Dhabi, which oversees a portfolio of more than 250 investments across 45 countries, operates two hospitality units: National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels, and ADMO Lifestyle, which recently acquired the Nammos brand in Egypt.

Nicholson highlighted that investing in and owning intellectual property represents an effective model for international expansion and diversification. The company's net profit attributable to owners for the nine months ending September 30 saw a nearly 41% year-on-year increase, reaching Dh7.78 billion, as revenue grew by 6% to approximately Dh58.3 billion.

Recently, Alpha Dhabi Holding announced a $1 billion commitment to invest in artificial intelligence companies worldwide through the Alpha Wave Global-managed fund, Alpha Wave III. Nicholson described Alpha Wave III as a "long-term investment theme" that underscores the quality of companies sourced by New York-based Alpha Wave Global, which includes AI giants OpenAI and Anthropic, as well as SpaceX.

The venture fund will provide indirect exposure to these tech industry leaders, as Alpha Dhabi sees significant potential in the sector, with estimates suggesting multi-trillion dollar investments over the next three to five years. In August, Alpha Dhabi doubled its shareholding and capital commitment in a joint venture with the UAE's sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala Investment Company.