Dnata becomes government corporation

Dnata now enjoys full financial and administrative independence after being converted into a public corporation known as Dnata Corp, company representatives said.

The ownership of the new corporation resides with the Government of Dubai. The new arrangements are contained in Decree No 3 (2005) issued by His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The decree appoints Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, as chairman.

Additional selected highlights from the new arrangements are:

The new corporation has the capacity to sue and be sued, and may appoint anyone to represent it before any court.

The corporation provides catering services for aircraft, either from Dubai International Airport, or any other international airport outside Dubai's boundaries. It is also assigned to provide computer services for international airlines, companies and individuals. It organises recreational trips at special prices from Dubai. The corporation may own or rent buildings for the purpose of performing its activities.

Dnata alone provides passenger and cargo transportation services to international airlines operating in Dubai, including engineering and technical services. It may perform such activities in other airports outside Dubai.

The corporation may open other branches in and outside Dubai, and has full authority to found and/or own companies outside the UAE, or hold shares in them.

The corporation is represented and run by a chairman, appointed from time to time by the Government of Dubai.

The Government of Dubai is not responsible for any outstanding debts or dues payable by the corporation or the chairman to any other party.

The corporation is responsible for any mishaps attributable to the chairman in the discharge of his duties.

No party is allowed to seize, or publicly auction any property of the corporation by whatever legal power for the purpose of settling an outstanding debt owed to the corporation.

Dnata exercises activities performed by public sales agents and international shipping line agents in respect of transporting passengers and cargo. It also performs any other assignment related to such activities.