The UAE Postal Authority has reported an increase in the volume of mail during the holiday season, despite the worldwide anthrax scare and the universal use of the internet, according to Khaleej Times.
Sultan Al Midfaa, Director of Operations at Emirates Post, reported that that the incoming mail volume increased by nearly 40% over last year. Al Midfaa stated that the holiday season has been a contributing factor in boosting mail volume throughout the year. "Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, around 800,000 incoming mail is being received by Emirates Post offices daily." he added.
Interestingly, the majority of the incoming mail and greetings come from the Subcontinent, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Large amounts of mail also arrive from Gulf countries, Europe and America.
Mr. Midfaa said that an estimated 80% of all incoming mail is received at the Emirates Postal Authority Al Ramool post office, which operates a fully automated sorting department, prepared to handle large volumes of mail daily.
Outgoing international mail volume has also increased this year. Mr. Midfaa mentioned that the Emirates Post mail collection boxes located throughout the country receive between 60,000 to 100,000 items of mail every day.
Mr. Midfaa believes the overall increase in postal business in the year 2001 is due to the Postal Authority's policy changes as well as new technology, services and equipment. In addition, a new postage paid postcard promotion was launched during the holidays for the first time in the UAE, which has contributed to the increase of mail flow as well.
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
