AL RAIS TRAVEL
Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies is a Dubai-based, family-owned travel conglomerate founded in 1977, offering airline GSA representation, corporate travel management, retail travel via 27 UAE offices, cargo logistics, and tourism services to government, corporate, and leisure clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What AL RAIS TRAVEL does
Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies L.L.C. is a Dubai-headquartered, family-owned travel and logistics conglomerate founded in 1977. The company operates across five integrated verticals: airline General Sales Agent (GSA) representation for 19 international carriers, corporate travel management, retail travel services through 27 offices across the UAE, cargo and logistics from a 20,000 sqm Jebel Ali Free Zone facility with 19,000 pallet positions, and inbound/outbound tourism including visa processing. The cargo division is ISO 9001-2015 certified, indicating formalized operational standards for the logistics arm.
The company serves a diversified client base spanning 17 government accounts, corporate clients, leisure travelers, and airline partners. Revenue is generated through multiple mechanics: GSA commissions on airline ticket sales, corporate travel management fees, retail transaction margins across the UAE office network, cargo storage and handling fees, and tourism/holiday package margins. The business model is asset-light in travel services but capital-intensive in the cargo segment, where scale and free-zone location are the primary cost drivers.
Recent strategic activity has concentrated on expanding airline GSA mandates (Air Cairo in 2023, ITA Airways in 2024), deepening tourism board partnerships with Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Geneva, and launching a digital B2B travel platform (Travtrips). The company employs between 101 and 250 staff, remains privately held by the founding Al Rais family, and is led by Chairman Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, who also holds the Honorary Chairman role at the Dubai Travel and Tourism Agents Group.
AL RAIS TRAVEL firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AL RAIS TRAVEL
- Legal name
- Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies L.L.C.
- Website
- https://alrais.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies is a Dubai-based, family-owned travel conglomerate founded in 1977, offering airline GSA representation, corporate travel management, retail travel via 27 UAE offices, cargo logistics, and tourism services to government, corporate, and leisure clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AL RAIS TRAVEL industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Travel Agency Services
- NAICS
- Travel Agencies (561510), Tour Operators (561520), Air Transportation (481)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Airline GSA / Representation & Ticket Sales Offices (THAKALAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Meetings & Group Travel Management (Corporate Groups) (THAKAMAC), Online/Hybrid Corporate Travel Agencies (Self-Booking + Support) (THAKACAB), Wholesale Travel Product Aggregators (Multi-Supplier B2B Aggregation) (THAKAJAI)
Keywords
Where AL RAIS TRAVEL is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices12 records
Markets served
AL RAIS TRAVEL business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Airline GSA Commissions: As General Sales Agent for airlines, Al Rais earns commissions on ticket sales for passenger and cargo airlines including China Southern, Cebu Pacific, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Yemenia, Air Cairo, ITA Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and others.
- Travel Agency Services: Commissions and fees from booking air tickets, hotels, car hire, travel insurance, visa arrangements, and other travel services for retail and corporate clients.
- Holiday Packages: Sale of inbound and outbound holiday packages including airline holiday packages, cruises, safaris, honeymoon packages, Umrah packages, and customized tour packages.
- Cargo and Freight Services: Air freight, sea freight, third-party logistics, warehousing, distribution, project cargo, packing and removals, and insurance services through ISO 9001-2015 certified operations.
- Visa Processing Services: UAE visa processing services, particularly for inbound tourism including work remotely from Dubai program as official partner of Dubai Tourism.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | ITA Airways fares - Dubai to Rome and beyond |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cebu Pacific promotional fares |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Al Rais Travel is a diversified travel conglomerate providing airline General Sales Agent (GSA) representation for 19 international passenger and cargo airlines, corporate travel management, retail travel services, inbound and outbound holiday packages, and freight forwarding and logistics services. The group operates 27 offices across the UAE, a 20,000 sqm logistics center in Jebel Ali Free Zone, an ISO 9001-2015 certified cargo division, and proprietary B2B (Travtrips) and B2C (alraistravel.com) booking platforms alongside a multi-GDS Corporate Booking Tool.
Product overview
Al Rais Travel operates as a diversified travel conglomerate offering multiple interconnected products and services. The core offering includes airline General Sales Agent (GSA) representation for 19 international passenger and cargo airlines, supported by a corporate booking tool for travel management and a B2C platform for consumer bookings. The portfolio includes Travtrips (B2B online booking tool), Al Rais Tours & Holidays (inbound and outbound tourism packages), and Al Rais Cargo (freight forwarding and logistics). With 27 offices across the UAE, the company serves both corporate and retail travelers while acting as the GSA for airlines including Kenya Airways, Yemenia, Air Cairo, China Southern, RwandAir, and Cebu Pacific.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Al Rais Holidays: Provider of UAE visa and wide range of inbound & outbound tourism activities including holiday packages, cruises, safaris, honeymoon packages, Umrah packages
- Al Rais Cargo
- Al Rais Corporate
- Travtrips
Products and services
- Al Rais Corporate Booking Tool
Quantifiable outcome
- 46,000+ participants at Arabian Travel Market 2024 where Al Rais served as official DMC partner
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use AL RAIS TRAVEL
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- APG GulfcoreGSA for APG Gulf representing ITA Airways in UAE. Hosted APG Day 2025 training for 35 travel agents on IET GP-275 interline e-ticketing.
- Malaysia Tourism BoardcoreStrategic collaboration announced February 2025 to promote Kuala Lumpur as top destination for UAE travelers. Includes blogger trips, exclusive packages, and influencer promotions.
- ITA AirwayscoreGSA for APG Gulf - ITA Airways commenced daily Dubai-Rome flights October 2024. Al Rais provides GSA services in UAE.
- Air France-KLM Group (ITA Airways parent)minorITA Airways, majority owned by Air France-KLM, launched Dubai-Rome routes. Al Rais provides GSA support through APG Gulf.
- Geneva Tourism / Switzerland Tourism BoardcoreVIP dinner event hosted for Geneva tourism targeting high-net-worth Emirati clients. Partnership with Switzerland Tourism Board for destination promotion.
- Saudi Tourism AuthoritycoreMarketing partnership for promoting Saudi Arabia as tourist destination. Awarded Best Trade Offer 2024. Active trade partner across international markets.
- Air CairocoreAppointed as GSA in October 2023 for UAE market with Cairo-Sharjah routes. Air Cairo operates 31 aircraft to 50 destinations.
- DTTAG (Dubai Travel Trade Association Group)coreMohamed Jassim Al Rais appointed as Honorary Chairman of DTTAG. Collaborative partnership for travel trade development in Dubai.
- Dubai TourismcoreOfficial processing partner for Dubai Tourism's Work Remotely from Dubai program. Handles applications, medical typing, and passport stamping for approved applicants.
- Cebu PacificcoreGSA partnership since October 2013 - celebrated 10 years in 2023. Connecting Dubai travelers to Philippines with AED 1,950 Manila fares.
- RwandAircoreGSA partnership since March 2011 for both passenger and cargo operations. Al Rais serves as GSA in UAE for RwandAir including freighter operations from Dubai World Central.
- China Southern AirlinescoreGSA partnership since June 2005 for sales and representation in UAE market.
- Yemenia AirwayscoreGSA partnership since November 1981. Al Rais represents Yemenia Airways for passenger sales in UAE.
- Kenya AirwayscoreGSA partnership since March 1978 - one of the longest-standing airline partnerships. Al Rais provides sales and marketing support for Kenya Airways in UAE market.
- Malaysia AirlinescoreGSA partnership since 1979 for Malaysia Airlines in UAE. Al Rais established Malaysian Tourism Office in UAE.
- Aegean AirlinesminorGSA partnership for airline representation in UAE market.
- Xiamen AirminorGSA partnership for airline representation in UAE market.
- Precision AirminorGSA partnership for airline representation in UAE market.
- Kam AirminorGSA partnership for airline representation in UAE market.
- Iran Aseman AirlinesminorGSA partnership for airline representation in UAE market.
- Air MalawiminorGSA for Air Malawi cargo operations.
- Air SerbiaminorGSA partnership for airline representation in UAE market.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights8 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- dnata Travel: dnata is part of the Emirates Group and operates one of the largest travel agency networks in the UAE with corporate, leisure, and airline representation businesses — directly comparable to Al Rais on GSA, retail, and corporate travel in the same geography.
- Al Tayer Travel: Al Tayer Travel is a UAE-based travel agency network offering corporate, leisure, and MICE services across the Emirates — directly comparable to Al Rais's diversified travel offering and government/corporate client base.
- Sharaf Travel: Sharaf Travel is a UAE-headquartered full-service travel agency with corporate, leisure, and airline GSA activities — comparable to Al Rais on GSA representation, corporate travel management, and regional retail presence.
- Musafir: Musafir is a UAE-based online and offline travel agency offering flights, hotels, holidays, and corporate travel — directly comparable to Al Rais on B2C booking platform, holiday packages, and UAE market focus.
- Jazeera Travels: Jazeera Travels is a Dubai-based travel management company serving corporate and leisure clients in the UAE — comparable to Al Rais on corporate travel management, retail distribution, and regional customer segments.
- American Express Global Business Travel: Amex GBT is a global leader in corporate travel management — directly comparable to Al Rais Corporate on B2B managed travel, policy compliance, and reporting for enterprise clients competing for the same UAE-based multinational accounts.
- BCD Travel: BCD Travel is a global corporate travel management company — comparable to Al Rais Corporate on enterprise travel management, negotiated rates, and travel policy implementation for corporate accounts.
- FCM Travel: FCM is a global corporate travel management brand under Flight Centre Travel Group — comparable to Al Rais Corporate on enterprise booking tools, duty-of-care, and corporate travel program delivery.
- Agility Logistics (DSV): Agility (now part of DSV) is a major Middle East-headquartered freight forwarder with significant JAFZA operations — comparable to Al Rais Cargo on UAE-anchored air/sea freight forwarding, warehousing, and third-party logistics.
Broad incumbents
- Lufthansa City Center: Lufthansa City Center is a global franchise network of independent travel agencies — comparable to Al Rais as a broader incumbent in the multi-GDS corporate/retail travel agency category that competes in adjacent Middle East markets.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
AL RAIS TRAVEL social profiles
Digital presenceAL RAIS TRAVEL compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AL RAIS TRAVEL leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
AL RAIS TRAVEL funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AL RAIS TRAVEL M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AL RAIS TRAVEL
What does AL RAIS TRAVEL do?
Al Rais Travel is a diversified travel conglomerate providing airline General Sales Agent (GSA) representation for 19 international passenger and cargo airlines, corporate travel management, retail travel services, inbound and outbound holiday packages, and freight forwarding and logistics services. The group operates 27 offices across the UAE, a 20,000 sqm logistics center in Jebel Ali Free Zone, an ISO 9001-2015 certified cargo division, and proprietary B2B (Travtrips) and B2C (alraistravel.com) booking platforms alongside a multi-GDS Corporate Booking Tool.
Is AL RAIS TRAVEL a public or private company?
AL RAIS TRAVEL is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was AL RAIS TRAVEL founded?
AL RAIS TRAVEL was founded in 1977. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is AL RAIS TRAVEL based?
AL RAIS TRAVEL is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does AL RAIS TRAVEL make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Airline GSA Commissions are the primary driver. The others are travel Agency Services, holiday Packages, cargo and Freight Services and visa Processing Services.
Who are AL RAIS TRAVEL's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are dnata Travel, Al Tayer Travel, Sharaf Travel, Musafir, Jazeera Travels, American Express Global Business Travel, BCD Travel, FCM Travel and Agility Logistics (DSV). Lufthansa City Center is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does AL RAIS TRAVEL have an API?
No public API is recorded for AL RAIS TRAVEL.
What industry is AL RAIS TRAVEL in?
AL RAIS TRAVEL's product category is Travel Agency Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAKALAG, Airline GSA / Representation & Ticket Sales Offices, with a secondary code of THAKAMAC, Meetings & Group Travel Management (Corporate Groups). Its NAICS code is 561510 and its SIC code is 4731.