RATP Group, the French state-owned public transport operator, through its international subsidiary RATP Dev, has signed a partnership with Zain Capital LLC, part of the Lakhraim Business Group to set up a joint venture targeting some of the largest transport and urban planning projects in the UAE.
A world leader in passenger transport, operating the Paris metro, tram and bus system, RATP Group is well positioned to provide the UAE with new transport systems that provide leading international standards.
With a common vision to support efforts in improving the transport network across the country, the partnership will begin with a bid to the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DOT) to operate the bus networks of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, as well as gearing up to submit a bid for the upcoming multi-billion dirham metro and light railway/tramline project, which will be one of the largest construction enterprises in the Emirate. In addition, RATP Dev is already in discussions with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance the bus systems in Dubai.
François-Xavier Perin, CEO of RATP Dev, says, "We are pleased to enter into a strategic partnership with Zain Capital LLC and the Lakhraim Business Group. Its deep knowledge of the local market and excellent credentials will ensure we strengthen our presence in the region and provide world-class services to the residents of the UAE."
Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, Chairman of Lakhraim Business Group, says, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with one of the largest public transport providers in the world. The transport sector in the UAE has witnessed major growth and development over the last few years and through this partnership, we aim to make our contribution in the sector by combining our considerable expertise and resources. This is the first step in a long-standing and successful relationship."
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About RATP Dev
RATP Dev is the RATP Group subsidiary established in 2002 to export the group's operation and maintenance know-how outside the historic network operated by RATP in the Paris region. RATP Dev now operates in 14 countries on four continents (United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Brazil, India, China, South Korea and the Philippines). In 2015, RATP Dev is scheduled to generate revenue close to €1 billion.
About RATP GroupWith twelve million passengers every day worldwide, RATP Group is the fifth largest urban transport operator in the world. The multimodal network operated by RATP in the Paris region, with its 14 metro lines (including two driverless lines), two regional express network (RER) lines, five tramway lines, 350 bus lines and shuttle services catering to the region's two international airports, is the largest of its kind in the world to be managed by a single company.RATP Group can devise, design and implement infrastructure development projects, operate and maintain networks irrespective of the transport mode (metro, regional train, tramway and bus) and develop innovative services to promote mobility such as passenger information, electronic ticketing, pricing and customer marketing. The automation of Paris metro's Line 1, which was completed at the end of 2012, is a world first and once again has demonstrated the ability of RATP Group to complete particularly complex projects.
RATP Group exports its know-how all over the world via its Systra subsidiary (of which it owns 50%) in engineering, through its wholly-owned RATP Dev subsidiary in operations and maintenance and through its IXXI subsidiary for innovative services promoting mobility.
RATP Group has a workforce of nearly 60,000 worldwide and in 2014 generated revenue of €5.25 billion.
About Lakhraim Business GroupThe Lakhraim Business Group is a dynamic and highly respected group of companies with investments and ventures in market segments across the Middle East. The Group has grown significantly since its inception and now holds a diverse range of business interests across Hospitality, F&B Operations, Investments in Service-related Businesses, and Real Estate. It draws upon its regional expertise and extensive network of connections to successfully partner with and assist, many leading international companies in gaining a competitive foothold in the region. The Group is the holding company for its four key subsidiaries - Tetra Hospitality Investment LLC, Zain Capital LLC, Group3 Partners LLC and Emirates Capital LLC. In addition, one of Lakhraim Business Group's ventures, Zone Parking Solutions LLC specialises in facilities management, traffic and parking management and is now considered the Middle East's largest parking company with major contracts for both Governments and leading businesses in the region.Zain Capital LLC, the Group's investment arm has a diverse portfolio of investments spread across traditional and alternate investment products - such as listed equities, fixed income securities, private equity funds, and real estate. The Group specifically targets direct private equity investments with a GCC focus, where it believes it can add value due to its unique understanding of the region, its extensive business network and its successful track record in private equity investment and commercial venture activities.
The Lakhraim Business Group, through its portfolio of businesses employs over 20,000 employees throughout Abu Dhabi, UAE and the Middle East region.
For media enquiries for RATP Group, please contact:
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© Press Release 2015
