CI T Y O N T H E MOVE Following an initial downturn, E-Movers has seen a steady upward trend in business SIMONE PERCY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DASA INTERNATIONAL the world. This created a short-term gold rush for international movers, including FIDI Affiliates, who were kept busy handling the demand for outbound services. While some Affiliates are now reporting a renewed level of interest in expats moving back into the UAE, the global business environment is more unpredictable than ever in 2021, with few certainties. SHAWN WOOD REGIONAL MANAGER INTERNATIONAL MOVING, GULF AGENCY COMPANY AND FIDI UAE PRESIDENT SHANKAR RAM, REGIONAL HEAD OF RELOCATION, DELIGHT INTERNATIONAL 42 FF301 Q2 21 pp40-45 Dubai.indd 42 Pillai explains: COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in revenue. The pandemic brought a whole new set of challenges, which, in turn, resulted in going about business with a new perspective, while also looking out for alternative sources of revenue. A change in business tactics and swift implementation of these helped to sustain our business. COVID CHANGED EVERYTHING According to Curt Clements, CEO of Move One Relocation in Dubai: The pandemic changed everything. For many, it destroyed their business model while, for others, it provided an accelerated view of the future. Move Ones operations cover three divisions spanning removals, logistics and relocations including DSP (destination service provider) and immigration. While our moving and relocation business experienced a pause for a few months last year, our critical logistics division pushed into high gear, says Clements. Rahul Pillai, CEO, Interem International Removals Division of Freight Systems Co. Ltd, which also has FIDI-accredited moving operations in Dubai, recalls that the pandemic led to a short-term dip in demand. Customers were unsure about whether moving services would be available. This was followed by a spurt in the outbound business, mainly because of job redundancies. For those able to adapt, however, the global health crisis meant opportunities could be seized. Delight International expects business to remain strong as measures to stimulate investment in the UAE take effect WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 09/03/2021 09:54