ARAMEX unveils major expansion in Bahrain

The agreement comes as part of implementing ARAMEX's major expansion plan in Bahrain and reflects the tremendous growth of the company's operations in the Kingdom. ARAMEX, which has already registered double-digit growth in its express, cargo and domestic business in Bahrain, has also announced enhanced operational facilities in the archipelago. The expansion strategy includes four new branches to be located in strategic locations across the Kingdom in addition to upgrading its office in the Diplomatic Area, a central location for all businesses, embassies, banks and investment companies.

Elaborating on the expansion plans, Samer Marei, Bahrain Country Manager for ARAMEX, said: "We are pleased to announce our new office in the Bahrain Financial Harbour, which is a significant milestone for ARAMEX Bahrain. The Harbour is set to become the centre of financial excellence in the Middle East once it becomes operational by the end of next year and we look forward to be working within this financial nerve centre. This agreement reflects the Harbour's confidence in ARAMEX, and it is a big leap forward for us and will strengthen our position as the leading one-stop transportation solutions provider in the region."

Envisaged as a complete financial city for the global finance sector, the BFH will uniquely combine business, leisure and residential components and is being developed on a high-profile waterfront site that will catapult Bahrain into the league of top global economic centres such as London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. It would house over 350 financial institutions, hotels, trade offices and will be operational by end-2006.

Mr. Marei added: "Bahrain is an important market for ARAMEX and we have set ambitious expansion plans all over the country in line with the growth achieved by our company of late. This expansion strategy has been finalized keeping in perspective the increasing needs of the market and we are geared up to provide innovative solutions tailored at saving the time and efforts of our clients and exceeding their expectations."

Going into details on ARAMEX's expanded presence in the country, he said: "Our offices in the Diplomatic Area will accommodate task such as handling Shop&Ship, visa and passport services in addition to its existing cash business. ARAMEX also plans to open new outlets in downtown Manama and other business oriented districts in the country."

"The future of ARAMEX lies in our ability to continually expand the capabilities of our operations. In keeping with the huge demands of the market, we are also acquiring an additional space of land within Bahrain's Airport bonded facility by the first quarter of 2006. This additional space will handle new logistic and freight operations and enable us to expand our transit operations to Saudi Arabia," said Mr. Marei.

Concurrently, Aramex is also in the process of opening a warehouse in Al Hid Industrial Area for expanding its Logistics and Operational facilities.