Dubai - DHL UAE, a leading express and logistics company, opened its new Dh3.5 million head office and operations facility in Abu Dhabi.
The new office, located on the Airport Road, is expected to become the focal point for DHL's operations out of the capital.
Phil Couchman, DHL Middle East's Regional Director, David Wild, DHL UAE's General Manager, and Neil Kuschel, General Manager, DHL Abu Dhabi greeted the company's top management, VIP guests and media.
"This is a big step for DHL and signals our commitment to Abu Dhabi and where we see significant growth coming through. There is no doubt that the UAE's capital is now one of the most dynamic cities in the world," said Couchman.
"It is a hub for business, commerce and industry and as the centre of Government it is right at the heart of everything that happens in the country. DHL intends to remain a part of the many exciting developments taking place in Abu Dhabi and to continue to act as a catalyst and facilitator for business growth," he added.
The new head office, which is expected to drive DHL's express and logistics business locally, is the latest in a portfolio of investments that has seen the company pump Dh7 million into Abu Dhabi in the past three years. The aim has been to boost DHL's presence fivefold in Abu Dhabi and develop new revenue streams.
Earlier stages of this investment programme resulted expenditure of Dh1.7 million on a facility at the International airport and an express centre in Al Muhairy Mall - DHL's first retail outlet in the UAE. The company also invested a further Dh1.25 million in upgrading its Abu Dhabi fleet.
Neil Kuschel, General Manager for DHL Abu Dhabi, said that there has been a surge in demand for the express and logistics leader's services.
"Over the past year and half, the demand for outbound traffic from Abu Dhabi has risen more than 118 per cent, while shipments have grown more than 37 per cent. These trends clearly establish Abu Dhabi as a primary market for our services and one we have to develop the resources to service."
© Khaleej Times 2005
