Dubai Investments announces commencement of operations of Dubai International Driving Centre

Move follows signing of management agreement with Belhasa to optimize DIDC's operational capability

Dubai - July 13, 2008: Dubai Investments (DI), has announced the commencement of formal operations of Dubai International Driving Centre (DIDC), an advanced driver training institute that offers specialized training programs for aspiring drivers of light, medium and heavy vehicles. Dubai Investments' stake is through its private equity arm, M'Sharie which has a 50% stake in DIDC, while the remaining interest is owned by other strategic partners.

The commencement of operations of DIDC follows the signing of an agreement with Belhasa International Company for the management of the new institute. The management agreement was signed by Khalid Kalban, Chairman of M'Sharie, and MD and CEO of Dubai Investments, Khalfan Al Suwaidi, Chairman DIDC and Amer Belhasa, CEO of Belhasa International Company. As per the agreement, Belhasa will manage the DIDC's operations under the directions of its board, and will also be responsible for setting up the operational infrastructure and forming the core management team.

On the occasion of the signing function, Khalid Kalban, said, "Dubai International Driving Centre was launched to further diversify M'Sharie's investment portfolio and give a strong fillip to the UAE's campaign to promote safe driving. The idea is to contribute towards safer roads by creating a pool of skilled, alert and professionally trained drivers who diligently adhere to safe driving norms and traffic rules."

Khalfan Al Suwaidi said, "This partnership with the Belhasa Group, who has pioneered driving education in the UAE, will allow DIDC to leverage their proven and efficient training systems and management expertise to provide driver training of the highest standards. DIDC will now be able to employ the latest training methods to help acquaint learner drivers with advanced driving techniques and instill in them the right attitudes towards road safety and safe driving."

On signing the management agreement with DIDC, Amar Belhasa said, "As the UAE's premier driver training institute, Belhasa International Company is always on the lookout for strategic tie-ups that help expand our operations, and our partnership with DIDC fits in with our corporate strategy. M'Sharie, strategic partner in DIDC, has huge market reputation, and we are sure our collective synergies will enable DIDC to offer efficient professional driver training courses."

DIDC offers training and mentoring services for driving instructors, employees in the freight and public transport industry, plant operators, motorcycle riders and bus drivers.

M'Sharie is a leading private equity investment company focusing on high-growth medium and large scale establishments in the Middle East region. The company operates in a number of business sectors ranging from interior design, telecom and district cooling stations to construction materials, switchgears and other infrastructure and technology-related industries and service sectors.

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