With a network of nem roads that allow for the efficient movement of people and goods, an airport with passenger growth increasing year on year, port facilities with growing volumes of cargo, a dry dock that is one of the busiest in the world, and a forward-looking Government that continues to invest in infrastructure - it is becoming increasingly clear as we approach the 21st century that Dubai is fast becoming the trade hub of the Gulf. As it does so, the Al Habtoor group intends to keep pace with the city's ambitions.

Just as the name of Dubai has become synonymous with trade and enterprise all over the world, the name of the Al Habtoor Group has become synonymous throughout the Gulf and elsewhere with dynamic trading enterprise, and this is evidenced by our commitment to developing new business wherever possible.

Currently we are looking forward to the opening m September 1997 of the new Metropolitan Palace Hotel, a landmark project in the heart of downtown Dubai, which will give Metropolitan Hotels International an even greater presence in the hotel industry of the Emirate. Alongside the opening of the new hotel, the Al Habtoor Group plans to expand internationally and is currently looking at hotel properties in Europe, Lebanon and Syria.

Our intention is to become a truly international company that is able to trade successfully anywhere on the planet. By doing so we will demonstrate to the rest of the world that the Al Habtoor Group, along with other forward looking companies, are ready to help further the interests of the city of Dubai, and are able to meet the challenges of the future.