Emarat Misr to set up service station network in Egypt

In the first stage, the new company will set up a network of at least 35 service stations across Egypt by 2007.

The joint venture agreement was signed by Rashid Al Shamsi, General Manager, Emarat and Engg. Maher Abazza, Chairman of MIDTAP and MIDOR Chairman Engg. Mahmood Nazeem Najeeb. The signing ceremony was held at the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum in Cairo and attended by H.E. Sameh Fahmi, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and H.E. Ahmed Al Meel Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt.

Through this joint venture, Emarat becomes the first UAE petroleum-retailer to set up a full-fledged service station network outside the country. Backed by an investment of Egyptian Pounds 100 million, Emarat Misr is set to take the petroleum retailing industry in Egypt to a new dimension. Emarat will own 50% of Emarat Misr with MIDTAP and MIDOR owning 48% and 2% respectively.

"The Emarat Misr sites will be completely similar to the Emarat stations in the UAE and reflect the same high standards of quality and service that has made Emarat one of the most respected and well-known brands in the Emirates today," said Al Shamsi.

In addition to petroleum, customers to Emarat Misr will be able to avail of a number of facilities and services - Supermarket, Automatic and Manual Car Wash, Lube Express, range of auto care services and ATM.

At the moment, Emarat is finalizing a range of additional, non-conventional services to offer its UAE customers, which if found feasible, will also be introduced at the Emarat Misr stations.

In addition to a 24-hour postal service at its stations, Emarat is finalizing a joint venture agreement with the World Automotive Group to provide customers with a quick, mechanical repair service for light vehicles under the brand name of "Fast Track". In cooperation with the UAE police authority, Emarat has recently launched "Shamil" to provide a fast and efficient annual registration renewal and vehicle testing service for automobiles. Emarat will also be launching a dedicated bakery section at some of its sites in the UAE that will offer a range of freshly baked pastries, cakes, sweets and breads carrying the Emarat brand.

Added Al Shamsi: "Outstanding quality products and a wide range of services, listening to customer demands and exceeding their expectations, diversification of our portfolio, offering a range of non-conventional services and a well-trained staff are some of the main reasons that have taken Emarat to its current leadership position. We are confident that this project will also further develop the bilateral trade relations between Egypt and the UAE.