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Dnata plans travel centre in Al Khobar

DUBAI — Dnata has announced plans to open a state-of-the-art, integrated Dnata Travel Centre in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

Modelled after its own flagship office in Dubai at the Dnata Travel Centre on Shaikh Zayed Road, the new centre in Saudi will employ the same concept of providing a "one-stop shop" for retail and corporate travel services, and operate as Dnata's headquarters in the Kingdom.

Dnata's move marks its biggest investment outside Dubai, and will be operated as a tripartite partnership with National Flight Services and Al Suwaiket Trading and Contracting Company, both well-established diversified groups of companies based in Saudi.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, said: "Dnata Agencies' venture in the Kingdom will be its biggest investment outside Dubai to date. Last year, Dnata started operations in Kuwait and this year we look forward to serving retail and corporate customers in the Saudi market with high quality travel services."

Gary Chapman, President, Dnata, said: "Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly the biggest travel market in the region outside of the UAE, and one of the most lucrative. There is also great potential for travel demand to grow, particularly given the Kingdom's recent initiatives to develop the tourism and trade industries.

"Together with our partners, we aim to provide travellers and companies in Saudi Arabia with top-class professional travel management services, and a broad range of travel products through our various specialist divisions."

Dnata will introduce several firsts in the Kingdom, including the region's first all-ladies Call Centre operation and a 24-hour hotline that will allow customers to access travel services round the clock, every day of the year.

Other than the Dnata Travel Centre in Al Khobar, Dnata Saudi also plans to open four more retail outlets, including a travel shop at Dammam International Airport. All Dnata's retail facilities will feature the company's proprietary travel management system which has sophisticated customer relationship management capabilities.

Shaikh Mubarak Al Suwaiket, Chairman Al Suwaiket Group of Companies, said: "We are very pleased to introduce in Saudi the broad range of international travel products and services offered by Dnata Travel.”