Al Ghazal transport fleet to increase 70 per cent by next year

Abu Dhabi development is forcing its public and private institutions to keep pace with the growth. With its population projected to triple in the next 20 years, the traffic sector is bracing for the unprecedented growth.

One of these institutions is Al Ghazal transport, which has launched a massive expansion programme that will boost its fleet by at least 50 per cent.

But the expansion is not only confined to fleet but also includes staff. The company says it has started one of the largest human resources programmes in the UAE private sector to prepare its drivers for the future.

According to the company's general manager, Ghulam Mohammed Ahmed, the expansion strategy is intended "to match the rapid population growth and construction expansion," in Abu Dhabi. In an interview with Emirates Business, Ghulam said the development scheme has been undertaken by the company's new management, which is seeking to inject new blood in its operations.

Talking about the traffic situation in the capital, he says there is an urgent need for more taxis adding that the long-standing shortage would soon come to an end. "I believe the situation will stabilise soon especially with the introduction of new state-of-the-art public transportation services and addition of taxis by operators."


Can you provide us with an overview of Al Ghazal company?

Al Ghazal Transport, the transportation arm of Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), provides a wide range of transportation solutions for UAE residents and visitors. Founded 20 years ago, Al Ghazal Transport has one of the largest luxury fleet of vehicles in the UAE, which provides special limousine services for VIPs. Other Al Ghazal services include taxis, airport transfers, intercity buses and rent-a-car. Al Ghazal also runs bus services for corporate clients, as well as public buses across the UAE. Al Ghazal has also strengthened its position by recently launching "valet parking" and "parking management" services. The new services target clients such as hotels as well as events and exhibition organisers who wish to provide convenient parking facilities for their guests.

You have launched an expansion programme, what is the purpose of this programme?

It is intended to match the rapid population growth and construction expansion in Abu Dhabi, while keeping pace with government plans to develop the tourism sector. Don't forget such plans have made substantial progress and we expect more in the future… for this purpose, we felt there is a need to match such developments.

What are you expansion plans?

We have intensified our expansion strategy over the past two years. During this period, there has been a 50 per cent increase in our limousine fleet and 70 per cent growth in our buses. We also expect an increase of at least 70 per cent in our taxi fleet until the end of 2009, but our expansion strategy will not stop there. It is an ongoing strategy aimed at achieving our long-term objectives and keeping abreast with the country's development.

What about the training programme for drivers?

We have launched one of the largest training scheme of its kind among UAE car companies… the 40-day programme is designed to develop the skills of our drivers and rehabilitate those who join the company. It includes lectures about quality of services, safe driving and roads, dealing with the public and the latest developments in the traffic rules. We are pursuing training and other development plans in line with instructions of the new management, which aims to inject new blood in our services and operations. The expansions cover all sectors, including the fleet, human resources, services, operations, etc…

Can you give more details about the training centre:

The centre offers an extensive programme of theoretical and practical training to Al Ghazal drivers and employees. The theoretical training comprises an induction course and lessons in UAE road, traffic regulations, customer service, grooming and hygiene.

The practical training on the other hand includes road familiarisation and defensive driving techniques. All new drivers are required to go through this programme. The taxi drivers will also undergo a CERT (Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training) system training to familiarise them with the new taxi metre and the state-of-the-art tracking and dispatch device that was recently introduced by TransAD.

The centre also conducts refresher courses for Al Ghazal's existing drivers periodically, including erring drivers. The refresher course could last three to 10 days, depending on the nature of the complaint. The centre has appointed a team of eight qualified instructors, who are certified in defensive driving proficiency by the Emirates Technical and Safety Development Centre (ETSDC), an internationally recognised industry training institution located in Mussafah.

What are your priorities towards the public in your services?

Al Ghazal ensures that its taxis are well-maintained and driven by well-trained and well-mannered drivers who are ready to take their customers anywhere and at anytime of the day. "Service" and "customer satisfaction" are our key words. Through training and guidance, Al Ghazal will ensure that its drivers do not indulge in reckless driving. Customers will also have the opportunity to share feedback and suggestions with us on improving Al Ghazal services. Don't forget that with more than 20 years of experience, we are pioneers in offering transportation services in Abu Dhabi. I can proudly say that we have contributed significantly in developing transportation services in the capital and improving the quality of those services. We also have highly professional drivers from various nationalities who have accumulated considerable experience in understanding customer needs and we have established a reputation for exceeding customer expectations.



PROFILE: Ghulam Mohammed Ahmed, General Manager

Ghulam joined Abu Dhabi National Hotels in February 2000 and currently holds the position of General Manager at Al Ghazal Transport Company, a subsidiary of ADNH. He has extensive experience in the transportation industry having been in this sector for a total of 11 years. Ghulam started with ADNH as a branch manager at Al Ghazal in Al Ain. He was later promoted as manager of the taxi division.

Recognising his management abilities, he was then promoted to Assistant General Manager. Ghulam's initiation into the transport sector began when he worked as the head of the Lost and Found Section of the Dubai Transport Corporation.