UAE telco du to open new outlets in Dubai

Dubai-based telco du, the UAE’s second largest operator, will open three new outlets in the emirate at the branches of travel company dnata.

The franchise outlets will open in dnata offices at Karama, Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Hamriya, and will provide the operator’s customers with services including bill payments. The openings will bring the total number of du stores in the UAE to 56.

"This collaboration is perfectly in line with our mission to expand our reach and enhance our customer service standards," said Maher Murad, vice president retail sales, du.

The franchised outlets will be operated by local firm Haran Group.

In 2012 du attracted more than 1.2m new customers, including nearly 500,000 in the fourth quarter, taking its market share to an estimated 48.7 percent, up from about 47 percent.

The company competes with larger rival Etisalat in the UAE's fixed line, internet and mobile telecommunications markets.

The new franchised du shops are located at:

• Dnata Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Emirates Holidays building on Sheikh Zayed Road

• Dnata opposite Dubai Municipality, Karama;

• Dnata Hamriya Shopping Centre, near Union Co-Op Hypermarket, Abu Hail Road, Hamriya