Abu Dhabi, Sep. 19, 2005 (WAM) -- DHL, the country's leading express and logistics company, today formally opened its new AED 3.5 million, 1,000 sqm head office and operations facility in Abu Dhabi.

The new office, located on the Airport Road, is expected to become thefocal point for DHL's operations out of the capital. Phil Couchman, DHLMiddle East's Regional Director, David Wild, DHL UAE's General Manager,and Neil Kuschel, General Manager, DHL Abu Dhabi greeted the company'stop management, VIP guests and media.

"This is a big step for DHL and signals our commitment to Abu Dhabi andwhere we see significant growth coming through. There is no doubt thatthe UAE's capital is now one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

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 thecountry" Mr. Couchman said"DHL intends to remain a part of the many exciting developments takingplace in Abu Dhabi and to continue to act as a catalyst and facilitatorfor business growth," he added.

The new head office, which is expected to drive DHL's express and logisticsbusiness locally, is the latest in a portfolio of investments that hasseen the company pump AED 7 million into Abu Dhabi in the past three years.

The aim has been to boost DHL's presence fivefold in Abu Dhabi and developnew revenue streams.

Earlier stages of this investment programme resulted in expenditure ofAED 1.7 million on a facility at the International airport and an expresscentre in Al Muhairy Mall - DHL's first retail outlet in the UAE. Thecompany also invested a further AED 1.25 million in upgrading its AbuDhabi fleet.

The new office is the jewel in the crown, drawing the different investmentstogether into a coherent package offering the full range of DHL optionsand a commitment to enhanced customer first service. It will in fact offera dedicated customer service team, which will allow greater flexibilityand reduce transit time by speeding up drop off and pick up.

Mr. Wild said: "This marvellous facility puts down a marker for whereDHL is heading. We are undoubtedly the market leader in terms of expressin the capital but we are looking to the future. As Abu Dhabi continuesto develop we in turn have to continually tune up our services so thatwe can meet the demands of an increasingly diverse and sophisticated market."Neil Kuschel, General Manager for DHL Abu Dhabi, confirmed that therehas been a surge in demand for the express and logistics leader's services.

He said: "Over the past year and half, the demand for outbound trafficfrom Abu Dhabi has risen more than 118 per cent, while shipments havegrown more than 37 per cent.

"These trends clearly establish Abu Dhabi as a primary market for ourservices and one we have to develop the resources to service. DHL hasconsistently focused on creating customer convenience. This facility takesus further down that track.

"It extends our reach to a total of five units in Abu Dhabi and we certainlyforesee further services and routes being introduced in the near future." With annual revenues of over ? 24 billion in 2004, DHL is the global marketleader of the international express and logistics industry, specialisingin providing innovative and customised solutions from a single source.

DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transportand logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depthunderstanding of local markets. DHL's international network links morethan 220 countries and territories worldwide. Over 170,000 employeesare dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers'expectations.

DHL is 100% owned by Deutsche Post World Net, which is the world's leadinglogistics group.