For the Purpose of Developing Infrastructure, Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Inaugurates “Khadamat”

Sharjah Media Centre-Sharjah-UAE: October 09, 2013 - Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre, in partnership with IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited (ITNL), one of the group company of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) in India, has inaugurated the Sharjah General Services Company "Khadamat", which aims at comprehensive and integrated development of the region through enhancing infrastructure for both the public and private sectors.

The inauguration held in the presence of  Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Khadamat, and attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Director of the Office of the Chairman of the Sharjah Petroleum Council, Khalifa Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Office of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi and General Manager of Wekaya, as well as Mr. Ramchand Karunakaran, Managing Director, IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited.

Khadamat is incorporated for  managing and operating facilities; creating an international infrastructure for surface transportation, logistics, industries and services sectors; and managing such an infrastructure in accordance with international standards, including the establishment of an internal and external road network and the launch of strategic real estate development and redevelopment projects.

The Chairman of Khadamat stated that the company's projects, which will be implemented using the world's most advanced methods and technologies, would contribute to the stimulation of economic growth and realization of Sharjah's vision in terms of enhancing the relationship with reputable investment companies, improving economic efficiency and attracting investments.

Sheikh Al Qassimi affirmed that the company would play a significant role in the development of the region's infrastructure services. Khadamat will do this through the launch of a number of projects for the operation of public and private facilities, which is a fundamental building block to support the investment sector; create more investment opportunities; improve the type, efficiency and size of investment flows and improve the level of services provided in the UAE, particularly in Sharjah, which is witnessing rapid developments in this field.

Sheikh Al Qassimi said that the partnership with IL&FS group would help Khadamat operate according to a global system, which would accelerate the implementation of its development plans and, therefore, contribute to a comprehensive and integrated development based on the wise vision of the Ruler of Sharjah .

Pointing to IL&FS's leadership in developing facilities, roads and energy projects, as well as real estate development, project structuring and financial services, the Chairman of Khadamat welcomed the cooperation with the Indian company. He said that IL&FS's extensive experience in the planning, financing, implementation and continuous maintenance of infrastructure would help provide a safe urban environment for citizens and residents in the UAE.

Through its subsidiaries, IL&FS has played the roles of promoter, investor and advisor in the infrastructure development sector. The IL&FS Group is promoted by banks and international financing institutions, including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and the ORIX Corporation of Japan.

It enjoys presence across 15 countries and 5 continents and has over 2,500 qualified professionals and more than 100 million vehicles using its Highway Network - globally.

It is worth noting that Sharjah represents a point of attraction for investors due to the many investment opportunities it offers, not to mention its strategic location both locally and internationally. The emirate has recently witnessed remarkable development in facilities and roads, which has resulted in a boom in the investment sector. The Khadamat Project is set to play a prominent role in supporting Sharjah's future plans, expanding private investment, and encouraging investment projects in the emirate.