Airport's VIP Pavilion to undergo expansion

The VIP Pavilion or the Al Majlis, which opened in 1998 at Dubai International Airport is set to undergo a Dh2 million expansion and upgrade to meet increasing demand. Located adjacent to the Dubai Cargo Village, the VIP Pavilion provides specialised and personalised service to passengers upon request.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, said, "The VIP Pavilion has seen a big growth in terms of users. "In 1999 it witnessed a growth of 22.2 per cent over 1998, while in 2000 it was 25 per cent. It is expected that in 2001 we will witness a 23-25 per cent growth. Therefore, we have decided to expand the facility to provide more area.

"There will be a dedicated area for families and another area with special Internet facilities for businessmen. "The staff who take care of this facility are highly trained and offer a very specialised and personalised service and it is our aim to offer varied services to our passengers."

Any passenger wishing to use the VIP Pavilion can do so upon payment of the standard fees. Available at the Pavilion are special check-in, immigration and baggage clearance facility. A passenger can quickly finish the travel formalities and is then escorted to the Sheikh Rashid Terminal either by bus or limousine, whichever is requested. Bookings for the VIP Pavilion must be made 24 hours in advance.

Mohammed Al Tayer, Director of Public Relations, said, "Dubai International Airport offers this very special service to passengers looking for that extra bit of service. The comfort and ease of movement provided by the pavilion is exceptional. And this fact is reinforced by the ever-growing number of passengers using the facility.

Last year we had 5,500 users and this year we expect 6,800. The opening of the Sheikh Rashid Terminal has given impetus to the passenger movement and we now have more people asking for this specialised service."

The VIP Pavilion has earned revenues of Dh3.5 million in 1998; Dh4 million in 1999; and Dh5.5 million in 2000. Expectations for 2001 are 6,800 users and Dh6.25 million in revenue.