Farnek is deploying an extra 400 guards to meet the demand from recent security contract wins with major companies
Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has secured a raft of new security contracts, valued at more than AED 25 million, with technology playing a pivotal role in its successful market proposition.
Farnek is currently mobilising an additional 400 guards to fulfil a raft of recent security contract wins from major companies such as GMG, Aramex, Al Aan TV, MAG EYE, AZADEA, NAS 2, MIZA Investments, SAAS Properties, Provis, and the Indian and French International Private schools.
One notable contract Farnek acquired is from the multi-award-winning Gulf Marketing Group (GMG), a global well-being company that manages leading retail brands across sports, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics, employing over 10,000 people.
Farnek’s scope of work under the two-year contract involves mobilising 160 security personnel to cover 80 locations across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, RAK, and Sharjah. This includes offices, distribution warehouses and retail outlets such as Geant, Sun and Sand and Super Care Pharmacy.
Farnek’s success indicates a market sector growing exponentially in the UAE and regionally. With the expansion in industrial, commercial, and residential real estate, data analysis by Mordor Intelligence has found that the Middle East’s manned security sector will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.78% to 2028.
According to Markus Oberlin, CEO of Farnek, “The report also discovered that government, commercial and residential buildings are the key categories where demand for manned guards is growing significantly. Many organisations are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity for qualified and highly trained security professionals to avoid disruption, ensuring employees and assets remain safe and secure.”
The recent contract wins resulted from Farnek’s strategy of focusing on innovative, technology-driven, and sustainable security solutions, such as Security Plus, a smart mobile application that supports its manned security services.
Developed in-house by smart solutions company HITEK Services, Security Plus is a bespoke app that allows guards to connect from multiple sites and be supported via a centralised communication platform.
Through its ‘Rover Observation’ feature, the app captures real-time information from customer facilities where security guards are carrying out their regular patrols. In addition, guards can raise incident reports by connecting to HITEK’s CAFMTEK mobility software solution, allowing them to submit data in real-time to supervisors and management, who can, in turn, offer instant instruction and advice.
The application can also identify and document all activities related to on-site security services, which ensures that guards implement all contractual commitments while monitoring and managing any potential risk. Guards can be contacted through email notifications and alerts, which can direct them to the source of any emergency. Complete incident and patrolling reports can also be downloaded from the company’s web portal.
Furthermore, the app has a simple messaging option to attach images and videos and comes with a checklist to ensure information about incidents and general reports are completed, which can be shared with customers after review.
“Operating in complex facilities, operated security services must be connected, technically aware, efficient and effective. Monitoring, managing and supporting physical patrols digitally is essential in today’s market and not only improves transparency and efficiency, it also helps to manage risk, improves the quality of reporting and delivers real-time information, without critical information gaps,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK Services.
However, besides increased technological innovation, Markus recognised the essential human element. “A key component of our success has and will continue to be our personalised physical presence. That reassuring human touch, often anticipating and managing potential issues before they become actual incidents, is still invaluable,” he added.
