Dnata Travel Services announced plans to expand into Qatar at the Dubai Air Show 2007. Dnata Travel Services signed a joint venture agreement with the Al Hashemi Group to establish a travel management organisation in the state of Qatar. This new partnership is part of Dnata’s strategic expansion plan to establish a strong regional network within the Gulf and Middle East.

 

The agreement was signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, for Dnata Travel Services and Abdulla A.M. Al Hashemi, Chairman of Al Hashemi Group. Also present at the signing were: Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata; and Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, Dnata Travel Services.

Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President said: “Dnata has firmly established itself as the leading agency in the UAE for travel management services. Over the past few years we have been looking to grow our network in the region. Dnata launched travel services in Kuwait and Afghanistan in 2004, and this was followed by Saudi Arabia in 2005. Our first Dnata Travel outlet in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated last week and we also have representation in Oman with the integration of MMI Travel with Dnata Travel Services.”

“We already have a blueprint to establish and grow Dnata's presence in Qatar, and we look forward to progressing these plans with our partners at Al Hashemi Group. Our aim will be to provide customers in Qatar with top-class professional travel management services, and a broad range of travel products through our various specialist divisions,” Andrew added.

Mr Abdulla Al Hashemi, Chairman Al Hashemi group said: “We are very pleased to be a part of Dnata’s network; through this partnership we can now offer a broad spectrum of travel products and services to both retail and corporate customers in Qatar. We look forward to serving our clients with a high level of professionalism and service.”