HRG and Dnata join forces to offer corporate travel solutions in Abu Dhabi

Held at the Emirates Ballroom within the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the event is being held to officially celebrate the branding of Dnata's corporate travel operations to HRG Abu Dhabi.

George Ambooken, General Manager, commented:

"Dnata has worked closely with HRG for many years. Since that time our business has gone from strength to strength and our significant client list now encompasses large, well-known multinational organisations as well as local UAE-based companies. Our commitment to HRG is emphasised by our decision to adopt the HRG branding in Abu Dhabi for our corporate travel division. I am delighted, therefore, that so many of our business partners are able to celebrate this occasion with us."

David Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Hogg Robinson Group, added: "The corporate travel industry in the Middle East continues to expand and this is particularly prevalent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where there is a new perspective on international business and standard operating practices: companies now expect to receive consistent levels of service no matter where they are in the world.

"As the market matures, and having Dnata as such a strong partner in Abu Dhabi, HRG is very well-placed to help clients with their corporate travel management objectives."

Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, Dnata Travel Services, said: "The re-branding of our corporate travel division in Abu Dhabi, which coincides with the first anniversary of our operation in Abu Dhabi, is a mark of our continuing commitment to our relationship with HRG."

He continued: "The HRG/Dnata partnership has been very successful and I am confident that corporate travel market in Abu Dhabi will welcome the increased services and levels of excellence this relationship will bring to the market."

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently forecast continued growth for the UAE over the next seven years (averaging 3.2% growth per annum). In the last year passenger numbers passing through Abu Dhabi international airport have increased by over 34% resulting in the opening of a new runway earlier this month and a new terminal, doubling airport capacity, scheduled to open in 2009. HRG has also noted significant development within the corporate hotel industry. In addition to a number of hotels experiencing upgrades and expansion plans, according to HRG's latest hotel survey average room rates in Abu Dhabi increased by 23% in the first six months of 2008 (compared to the same period in 2007), placing the country in the top ten most expensive cities worldwide for corporate travellers.

In addition to HRG Abu Dhabi, Hogg Robinson Group has a presence in some 20 countries across its MEWA (Middle East West Africa) region with its global network extending to over 100 countries.