Emirates Post engaged in Dh190m expansion plans

DUBAI — Emirates Post is engaged in the construction of new post office buildings and customised buildings worth more than Dh190 million for its expanding business activities in the UAE. The new post offices with modern design and facilities will help Emirates Post use technology more efficiently to adopt global best practices in postal operations, said a top official of Emirates Post.

Abdullah Ibrahim Al Daboos, Director General, Emirates Post told Khaleej Times, “Keeping in line with our strategy for postal development of the Emirates, we have extensive plans for the near future. We are developing a number of projects simultaneously to cater to various segments. First, we have the major projects under development which includes the Mail Logistic centre at Ramool, Central Post office at Jebel Ali, rebuilding of post offices at Al Ras and Satwa, and new post offices in Umm Suqeim area and Shaikh Zayed Road, being constructed at a cost of Dh8 million and Dh65 million respectively.” He further added, “Second, we have the urban and rural development project which includes post office buildings in far off areas like Ghayati, Al Towaieen, Al Manaeyah, Rahba, Madinat Khalifa, Shahama, Al Sila , Markaz Idari (Al Ain)and Falaj Al Mualla. Third, we have refurbishment projects which encompasses the upgrading and refurbishment of some existing buildings to bring them up to the present standards. Additionally we are also developing projects for our sister concerns like Empost, EMP and training centre.”

Emirates Post has begun work on a Dh100 million postal operations hub next to the existing mail sorting centre at Ramoul, adjacent to the Dubai International Airport. The building, scheduled for completion in June 2007, will house a highly advanced mail sorting facility, direct marketing, postal training and courier operations. The tallest structure currently being developed by Emirates Post is the Al Wahda Post Office Project in Sharjah. The Dh22 million project, due for completion by June 2007, has 10 floors.

Al Daboos also said, “All the new projects are being developed with our one stop shop concept whereby our offices can provide a number of services ranging from postal to banking and other governmental transactions. Most of the projects have been planned and to the execution stages. So, by the end of 2007 we can see a number of these projects being fully operational.”

Apart from this, the global trend of posts exploring new avenues for revenue generation has caught up with Emirates Post. Emirates Post has undertaken the development of new construction projects across the UAE that will be partly leased to private parties, either for commercial use or residential purposes.

Al Daboos said, “The strategy of leasing out space for commercial and residential use is part of a larger vision to not only raise revenues but boost our profile as a dynamic business entity and not just a postal corporation. We believe in seizing every opportunity that is available in the booming business environment of the UAE.”