June 5, 2017: Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est., the sole importer and distributor of Bridgestone brand tires for Dubai and the Northern Emirates within the UAE, in partnership with Dubai Municipality, has successfully broken ground for the construction of a modern AED 10 million Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre. The new facility, which spans across 52,000 square feet, is part of Alserkal’s strategic retail expansion plan and will be built within the truck and heavy equipment market in the Al Ruwwaya area of Dubai.

The ground-breaking ceremony was led by officials from both Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est., Dubai Municipality and Bridgestone Middle East & Africa, which included Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal, Vice Chairman, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal; Ahmed Abdul Karim, Assistant Director General for Public Support, Dubai Municipality; Eng. Jumaa Al Fakaii, Director of Property Management Department, Dubai Municipality; Faisal Al Badiaoui, Director of Market Management, Dubai Municipality; Eng. Omar Abdulrahman, Head of Investment Department, Dubai Municipality; along with representatives from Bridgestone ME. Also present during the event were senior representatives from RTA, Dubai Police, Emirates Transport, Dubai Government Workshop, ENOC Lubricants, and Enoc Tasjeel.

Recent industry reports have shown that truck market sales in the UAE are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 percent until 2021. With this in mind, industry analysts have lauded the Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre as both timely and strategic, as it is expected to cater to cover the increasing demand for a professional trucking centre and facility for the UAE. The new centre, which is up for completion during the end of the first quarter of 2018, will be staffed with certified and highly- experienced trucking maintenance managers and technicians--in full compliance of set international standards and best practices in heavy vehicle maintenance.

“Dubai Municipality is happy to partner with Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. for the development of a modern and innovative truck centre in Al Ruwwaya3. The centre is expected to add positive value in the continuing efforts to provide excellent, safe, healthy, environmentally friendly and accessible services, which in turn, will further reinforce the strategic vision of Dubai Municipality towards sustainability, development of strategic partnerships and the efficient management of financial assets,” said Ahmed Abdul Karim, Assistant Director General for public support, Dubai Municipality.

“The transport and commercial movement for import and re-export of trucks and heavy equipment will continue its growth for the trucking and heavy equipment segment, accompanied by a continuously increasing demand for a facility that can service and address all trucking needs of heavy vehicles passing through Dubai's roads. This new centre, once completed, will be the first ever truck and heavy equipment facility that will combine all trucks and heavy vehicles in one location.” said Eng. Jumaa Al Fakaii, Director of Property Management Department, Dubai Municipality.

“We are honoured to be part of Bridgestone’s success in the UAE. Our partnership with Dubai Municipality represents a strategic retail investment that will help Bridgestone and Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal grow faster across a very dynamic transportation sector. Over the years, we have enjoyed strong partnerships with both Bridgestone and Dubai Municipality and the establishment of this new trucking centre will allow us the opportunity to further reinforce our ties and help drive in more growth”, said Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal, Vice Chairman, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est.

The centre will house a truck wash, repair facility and a registration & insurance counter--providing a complete solution to private, fleet and transport companies. The Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre will also be offering preventive maintenance services (PM) for trucks and trailers, which include oil, lube and filter service; DOT annual inspections; electrical repairs for lights, charging and starting; brake adjustments, repair and replacements; wheel-end work; and minor body repair services.

“Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Center is being positioned as the first one stop show for truck owners and transport companies, with a total of 148 rentals from the Dubai Municipality as well as the owners of trucks and transport companies outside the market, which will help meet the growing expectations of transporters on quality products and services,” concluded Tariq Al Rasheed, Director Retail & Marketing, Nasser Bin Abdul Latif Alserkal Est.