Belhasa Driving Center net revenues up 200 per cent in 2005

In 2005, BDC significantly expanded its vehicles fleet to take the total number of training vehicles to 600, and also added several new categories of training courses. The number of students trained per day increased from 4,000 in 2004 to 5,000 last year, while staff strength has increased to cross 700. BDC has till date issued over 200,000 driving licenses.

"A 200 per cent year-on-year growth is remarkable by any standards, and we look upon this amazing growth as a reflection of the confidence and trust customers have come to repose in BDC,"

said Saif Ahmed Belhasa, Chairman and Managing Director, BDC.

"One of the reasons for our success has been our insistence on going beyond merely imparting basic driving lessons, instead focusing our efforts on inculcating the ethos of safe and professional driving in students."

"Road accident and fatality rates in the UAE are alarmingly high, and BDC has been seeking to remedy this situation by spearheading the cause of safe driving practices. Our instructors undergo regular refresher courses, and we have been making concerted efforts to bring innovative driver training techniques to the region through close interactions with international experts and global bodies such as the International Association for Driver Education (IVV). Promoting safe driving practices will continue to be at the core of BDC's activities in the future as well," Ahmed Belhasa added.

During the past year, BDC opened new branches in Al Wasl Club, Al Ghusais, Al Quoz, Karama and at Lamcy Plaza to complement existing ones at Jumeirah, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Port Rashid, and Century Mall. BDC is set to open more branches across Dubai to facilitate easier access and better service to students.

Belhasa Driving Center has been involved in various activities aimed at promoting the concept of road safety in the UAE. As part of its commitment to promote safe driving practices, BDC had recently organized SAFEX 2006, the world training conference at the Dubai Police Officers' Club, in association with IVV. In addition, BDC has also recently opened the Wasel Vehicle Testing center, a four lane vehicle testing center located in the new 60,000 square feet full service center of Belhasa Driving Center in Al Wasl, which was built at a cost of AED 42 million.