Owing to the growth of real estate in the region, facilities management (FM) services in
the Middle East are showing great potential for the future. There is an increase in facility services offered to satisfy the needs for upcoming property developments. Take for instance security services, which is a crucial element for realty and construction businesses. It has become a high priority for service providers who are ensuring strong training processes for security personnel.

Security is one of the fundamentals for every type of property development venture, regardless of the size. Companies are ensuring a strong and vigilant security system in order to protect business assets and lower liability. Facilities management departments handle many aspects of security with some of the other functions being outsourced to contracting parties. The mix of in-house and contracted services depends on the specific needs of the company, which can vary from unionised employees being involved to special requirements for classified work.

Prioritizing security services

Companies have begun prioritising the security aspect in facilities management to ensure safety of clients, property, as well as employees. Through effective security measures, losses incurred by thefts, injuries or accidents are mitigated. Facility managers are now maintaining a safe and secure work environment regardless of size and type of the property.

To maintain standards in security protocol, professionals in positions of influence are finding it important to have better knowledge of structural technologies and available options. Security regulations and requirements stipulated by local and state governments also play a major role in setting the benchmarks for the industry.

Facility managers, regardless of the sector they work in, have been putting in efforts to decrease maintenance budgets while ensuring that the quality and efficiency of security remains the same. One aspect that has been highly prioritized is the training of personnel in security services.

The importance of training in Security Services

ServeU Facilities Management, one the region’s leading FM solutions provider and a subsidiary of Union Properties, states that training in the security services department is the pillar of FM industry. Being a leading FM service provider in the UAE, ServeU prioritises safety of their clients as well as employees which is reflected through their robust training processes for newly hired personnel. The company's s flagship Ehkam Security Services provides exceptional security services, which is SIRA (securities industry regulatory authority) certified and ensures a safe and secure living and working environment. The services are curated to suit the needs, budget and operations of every client with its key specialisation in CCTV operations, concierge, patrol guards and security guards. This is generated through conventional training processes.

The need for maintenance and sustainable solutions for the increasing number of properties has helped the FM sector flourish in the Middle East. There is a rising demand for quality security services in the region. ServeU has prioritised training its personnel to ensure better delivery of services. The hiring policy at ServeU is very particular on training and a seven to eight-day onboarding process is carried out where every candidate goes through necessary training sessions.

Another initiative by the company to enhance training processes are the recently launched training centres called Abtikar, which is showing great success.

Likewise in the region, other examples of companies emphasizing on improving security services include FM service providers hiring experienced independent security consultants to assist in assessing the facilities security needs. Companies have also begun considering security officers to be part of a complete protection and strategic plan rather than a stand-alone resource.

As the facilities management sector witnesses a steady growth, experts advice operators to address the prevailing issues in the sector. Professionals in the FM industry need to keep themselves updated on new and innovative services and be aware of challenges that will require a strong training regimen to tackle.

Awareness and acquiring the right skills are of high importance in the industry and companies like ServeU have committed to maintaining and improving the industry standards by delivering exceptional solutions.

This article is authored by Gary Reader, the General Manager at ServeU.