30% growth in fleet compared to 2014; Vehicle testing facility to open next year

Dubai, November 14, 2015: DriveDubai, a subsidiary of Masharie LLC - the private equity arm of Dubai Investments PJSC and one of the biggest driving centres in Dubai, has announced plans to open seven new branches in the next few months across the Emirate as part of its strategic expansion move.

The new branches, set to open at Meadows Community Village, Jebel Ali Industrial, Me'aisem City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Discovery Gardens, JAFZA Community Village and Jumeirah Village Circle, will complement the four branches currently operational at Dubai Investments Park [DIP] 1, Dubai World Central, Motor City and Dubai Outlet Mall, apart from the head office in DIP 2.

The new branches will offer registration, on-site training and other enrolment facilities for aspiring drivers and are aimed at offering easier access and convenience to applicants near their place of residence or work.

DriveDubai, registered as Dubai International Driving Center [DIDC] LLC, operates an 850,000 square feet, state-of-the-art training facility at DIP 2 in partnership with Belhasa International Group of Companies & Saif Belhasa Group. The facility offers specialised training programmes for aspiring drivers of car, motorcycle, forklift and heavy vehicles.

Apart from expansion of its geographical footprint, DriveDubai also unveiled plans to increase the fleet by 30%, including new eco-friendly training vehicles with CNG technology as advised by the Roads & Transport Authority [RTA]. The fleet growth is in line with the expansion plans spanning the entire area from Dubai Central to Dubai South.

Ahmed Omar Yousef, Acting Manager of DriveDubai, said: "DriveDubai is witnessing exponential growth, evident from the growing number of registrations and the surging demand in our operational centres. In view of the escalating demand, DriveDubai is planning to open new branches in communities which offer huge growth opportunities. DriveDubai constantly aims at improving its facilities, fleet and team to not only produce good drivers, but also make the whole process seamless."

As part of its commitment to provide value-added services for its customers, DriveDubai also announced plans to open a new Vehicle Testing Facility within its premises in DIP 2, which will facilitate the testing of light & heavy vehicles and enhance convenience of motorists in the DIP neighbourhood.

DriveDubai, which has achieved phenomenal growth since its inception in July 2012, is also the first driving school in Dubai to execute the RTA smart screen, and the first school to implement roof top light on training vehicles. With an expert management team as well as proficient instructors and service personnel from its partner company Emirates Driving Institute, the ISO-certified DriveDubai brings over 20 years of training experience.

The company has won numerous awards, including the appreciation award by Dubai Municipality for training its staff on road safety and advance driving skills; appreciation award by Dubai Health Authority among others. The Road Safety awareness campaign was conducted in September 2015.

DriveDubai is equipped to provide specialised services, including training for novice drivers or holders of foreign driving licences, eye examinations, signal tests in the approved languages, as well as testing and issuance of driving licences.

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About Dubai Investments PJSC
Dubai Investments PJSC is a leading investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market with over 19,800 shareholders and a paid-up capital of AED 4 billion. Incorporated in 1995, the company has grown exponentially with investments in a number of businesses across three core sectors - real estate, manufacturing & industrial and financial investments.

Since its inception, Dubai Investments has challenged the norms and introduced cutting-edge technologies, pioneering business models, unique investment strategies and innovative concepts across its diversified portfolio spanning different sectors and markets across the globe.

Dubai Investments currently has over 40 subsidiaries & joint ventures under its portfolio, across a wide array of industries and continues to seek new investment opportunities in new sectors, locally and internationally, as part of its strategic expansion plans.

© Press Release 2015