PROVIDING A SAFE HAVEN
The region’s booming tourism and hospitality sector needs to ensure that
security and safety is right at the heart of its agenda, warned security
stakeholders at a recent conference in Dubai. Leena Mathew reports
Security is the foundation of every society and can be effective only if its importance is understood by all stakeholders. This was the key message given at the recent two-day Development and Infrastructure Security conference held in Dubai (18-19 May), where regional security experts highlighted the vital need for security measures and facilities to be integrated right from the planning stage of any project. Representatives from the government and private sector debated challenges in setting up effective security channels that are supported by both owners and end users.
Brigadier Dr Mohammad Ahmad Bin Fahad, Dubai Police Academy director, who opened the proceedings of the conference, spoke of the need for increased security in the wake of immense economic and social development in the region. Conference director Kelly Grant believes that regional development in the region requires a larger need for security infrastructure. “The hospitality industry, and tourism in particular, is a sensitive element within a growing economy – a safe, tourist-attracting region reinforces faith and stimulates increased investment for local and international investors,” Grant said.
In his keynote address, Lt Col Mohammed Rashid Al Muhairi, director Tourist Security Department, Dubai Police, said a country that expects more than five million tourists this year, needs to be vigilant and proactive while dealing with problems. People should feel safe and it is a collective responsibility of the law enforcement authorities and ordinary citizens to ensure security.
According to Lt Col Al Muhairi, in a multicultural society there is always usually a high incidence of violent crimes, fraud and the risk of terrorist attacks, but “it does not happen with Dubai,” he said.
“We have an open market that attracts many nationalities and, from the experience of other countries, we know that creates the potential for people to be exploited. We have to recognise where those opportunities exist and take action early to stop problems developing. Dubai Police has developed a unique system to ensure security. We have learned from the other countries and they are learning from us. Our policing system is efficient and internationally acclaimed,” he said.
“There are some negative phenomena in the tourist industry and some cases of exploitation, but we have found our hands tied. We have formed a committee to look at these things and find a solution. We work as a team, not as separate entities and our constant aim is to decrease the negative practices of the tourism sector.”
Explaining the measures taken to ensure safety in public spaces, Al Muhairi said undercover police have been deployed at the beaches, shopping malls and other tourist destinations. “We have developed a mechanism to combat crimes against tourists. Apart from the undercover police and patrolling cars, we need assistance from the residents,” said Al Muhairi. He urged the tourists as well as the residents to avoid using illegal taxis. “Buy your security instead of time. You never know what kind of person you are commuting with and their ntentions,” he said.
It all hinges on a common sense approach says Barry Davidson, executive director, International Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) which encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour. “It is important to look at the environment and make the space more efficient so that people in that area act in the way they should.” The critical factors according to Davidson is the design of the environment, use of the environment and the users’ reaction to the environment. “If the space is productive it is protected,” he said. For example, in Europe some hotels have planters placed in front, built at seat-height inviting security issues. “Context is very important, recognise people’s reaction when they look at the area,” he says.
‘Security needs to be involved right from the time
when the concrete is poured, the layout of the reception finalised and the technology is mapped. It is not just a cost issue but also an educational process for all stakeholders ’
Jim Evans, director of Security Project Management, Risk Management Division, Armorgroup, cautioned developers against proceeding with infrastructure projects without involving security professionals at the planning stage. He said construction projects that do not consider security early on can prove to be financially disastrous, as making changes later can disrupt work schedules and entail more funds. “Security needs to be involved right from the time when the concrete is poured, the layout of the reception finalised and the technology is mapped. It is not just a cost issue but also an educational process for all stakeholders,” said Evans.
Retrospective security fittings cannot be optimum, feels Brian Trevor Connor, head of Security & Safety, Security & Stores Directorate, Qatar Museums Authority. He is of the opinion that architects who design monuments must understand the importance of security and the end users representative should be there at the outset. The security department must be seen as a business enabler and have to be bought in as part of the solution. “Too much focus on the aesthetic value can impair the ways of security to be functional.” Connor emphasised that systems that are integrated across all sites assist crisis management and business security.
An important facet of security is the right kind of personnel who are becoming a minority in the industry. Hostile working conditions and poor salaries has meant that being a security guard is no longer considered a viable job option according to Rooies Olivier, the regional director of security for Jumeirah Group whose presentation was entitled ‘The High Cost of Cheap Security’.
“We are competing with fast food chains who offer better pay and working conditions. Also, opportunities in home countries mean that very few trained security personnel are willing to work in the region.” According to Olivier, while the group has effective guidelines for direct recruitment, many security guards who belong to sub-contractors have received minimal training and would have little idea how to react in a genuine emergency. Many security firms also ignore labour laws and had guards working seven days a week. “You have to insist contract security firms abide by regulations and go through a proper tender process. Check references. Create a scorecard for your contract security and hardware provider. Make judgements according to your business needs,” he said
Hotel guests a target
Security experts also warned of travelling international thieves targeting wealthy hotel guests. Criminal activity in hotels has a detrimental effect on guests, staff and profits. Hotel security teams must ensure that they have the correct products, policies and procedures in place to protect their businesses. In his presentation, Bill Fairweather chairman Institute Of Hotel Security Management, described the flaws that allow criminals to compromise poor systems.
Speaking on the challenges for the growing hospitality sector in the region, Fairweather felt that effectively identifying travelling criminals is the biggest one. “The ones to watch out for are those who use stolen credit cards and are networked with larger terror and drug organisations. Security staff need to be trained to make contact with such suspicious elements without inconveniencing other guests.” According to Fairweather, resorts are the most vulnerable, with wide open spaces and guests carrying their keys in beach bags. “We have had instances of dogs being trained to pick up the keys.”
As Europe and the US get more vigilant, this region will see a migration of such ‘tourists’ who will travel on proper passports but use other tools of the trade such as stolen credit cards to pursue their criminal agenda. Greater awareness and detection is the only recourse to create a better and safer environment he said.
Another Development & Infrastructure Security event will take in Doha this year between 14-17 December.
 For more information visit: www.infrastructuresecurityme.com
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