Dnata signs agreement to open Qatar branch

Dubai: Dnata Travel Services, the ticketing and reservation arm of the Emirates Group, on Monday said it plans to expand into Qatar.

Dnata, which is also the UAE's biggest travel agent holding more than 30 general sales agencies, signed a joint venture agreement with the Al Hashemi Group to establish a travel management organisation in Qatar.

This new partnership is part of Dnata's strategic expansion plan to establish a strong regional network in the Gulf and the Middle East.

The agreement was signed by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Abdullah A.M. Al Hashemi, chairman of Al Hashemi Group.

Also present were Gary Chapman, Dnata President of Group Services, and Iain Andrew, divisional senior vice-president, Dnata Travel Services.

Andrew 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.

Al Hashemi 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."