Emirates, Tecom in new Dubai call and data centre

Dubai-based Emirates Airline will open a massive new call, contact and data centre at Dubai Outsource Zone, to meet its fast-expanding business and customer service requirements.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Abdullatif Almulla, CEO, Tecom Investments, attended the official ground breaking ceremony at Dubai Outsource Zone.

Emirates' new 100,000 square foot facility, scheduled for completion in 2008, will accommodate over 500 employees and feature the latest technology in call, contact and data management. This new facility will add to the airline's existing call centres in Dubai, Australia, the UK, US, India and Pakistan.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said: "Emirates has always been focused on providing excellent customer support. We find that a large proportion of our customers still prefer to access Emirates information and services via our call centres. This volume is increasing as Emirates expands its business internationally and broadens the range of products on offer." Abdullatif Almulla added: "Outsourcing is transcending its traditional IT and data processing boundaries. The growth rate of business process outsourcing is outstripping that in the IT arena. We see significant growth in such areas as logistics, human resources, building facilities management and back office accounting services."

Similar to Emirates' existing call centres around the world, the airline's new call, contact and data centre will assist clients in flight bookings and reservations, booking changes, seat and meal requests, and supplementary services such as chauffeur drive; provide information on special offers, seat availability, commercial visas, routes, flight schedules and connections; and co-ordinate complimentary ticket delivery within the UAE.

Located off Emirates Road and close to Dragon Mart, Dubai Outsource Zone is the world's first freezone dedicated to the outsourcing industry. It provides a comprehensive infrastructure and environment for outsourcing and offshoring companies to set up global or regional hubs servicing the worldwide market.