Latest news with #FirasJadalla
Mid East Info
09-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Transforming property management: How security technology enhances safety and efficiency
A financial advisor meeting with clients Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec Inc. According to Numbeo's 2025 Safety Index , the UAE was ranked the second safest country in the world, while Saudi Arabia placed 14th. With a strong regional emphasis on safety and security, demands on property managers continue to grow. From rising tenant expectations and evolving government regulations to increasing pressure to align with smart city initiatives, property managers across the Middle East face mounting complexity. At the heart of these challenges is the need for improved security—not just protecting physical assets, but also ensuring tenant safety, safeguarding data, and streamlining operations. Increasingly, unified security platforms are emerging as the preferred solution. For years, property security relied on a patchwork of disconnected systems: one for access control, another for surveillance, a third for alarms. This fragmentation created more problems than it solved. Operators had to juggle multiple interfaces, training was inefficient, and critical time was lost switching between platforms during incidents. Siloed systems also made it harder to investigate incidents. Video footage might not sync with access control logs, making it difficult to reconstruct what happened. In an environment where time is critical, whether responding to an emergency or providing evidence for legal purposes, this disconnection can become a major liability. The promise of unified security: A unified security platform combines core functions like video surveillance, access control, license plate recognition, and communications into a single, cohesive system. Everything works together through one interface, with centralized monitoring and streamlined operations. This unified approach offers several practical benefits. It ensures faster response times because security staff can instantly access video feeds, access logs, and alarms from one dashboard. Investigators can quickly correlate data across systems, simplifying evidence collection and reducing case resolution times. Staff only need to learn one system, making onboarding easier and reducing human error. With automation and integrated workflows, property managers can spend less time on manual tasks and more time focusing on tenants and strategy. Cloud-based and SaaS options: In the Gulf region, where governments are encouraging digital transformation through national strategies like UAE's Digital Government initiative and Saudi Vision 2030, cloud-based security solutions and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) models are increasingly being adopted across commercial and residential developments. Security systems located on premises require upfront investments in servers, hardware, and IT support. Today's SaaS-based security offerings allow property managers to avoid massive capital expenditures. SaaS platforms provide continuous updates, built-in cybersecurity measures, and the flexibility to scale as property needs change. Avoiding proprietary system pitfalls: Open-platform solutions offer flexibility, allowing property managers to adopt best-in-class tools, support phased deployments, and scale over time without disruption. This is especially valuable for multi-site portfolios or budget-conscious teams, enabling gradual improvements aligned with strategic priorities. Open architecture also improves the adaptability of investments, making it easier to integrate emerging technologies like AI-based analytics, smart sensors, or cloud storage without replacing the entire system. Enhanced tenant satisfaction: Tenants expect more than just a place to live or work; they expect a safe, responsive environment. Unified security systems play a key role in meeting those expectations. For example, mobile access control lets tenants unlock doors with their phones, reducing the hassle of lost or stolen keycards. Visitor management systems streamline guest access without compromising security. Advanced surveillance and real-time monitoring contribute to a heightened sense of safety. All of these features can enhance tenant satisfaction and retention rates. Supporting regulatory compliance: Property managers must navigate a growing maze of regulations around privacy, accessibility, cybersecurity, and building safety. Unified security platforms help meet these challenges more efficiently. They can be configured to protect personal data, control access to sensitive areas, and maintain detailed audit logs. When built on open platforms, these systems also integrate with building automation and IoT devices, enabling real-time monitoring of HVAC, lighting, air quality, and other environmental factors. This not only simplifies compliance but also supports regional sustainability goals, such as the UAE's Net Zero 2050 initiative and Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative. Reducing risk and liability: In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, safety and security are national priorities that are reflected in smart city frameworks, strict building codes, and government-led digital initiatives. Unified security platforms help reduce security risks by offering real-time visibility, automated incident response, and centralized investigations. With enhanced situational awareness and auditability, managers are better equipped to maintain safety standards and reduce liability. Data-driven decision-making: Modern unified security platforms aren't just about security — they're also about insights. They enable remote management, a huge advantage when property managers might oversee multiple sites or work from different locations. Additionally, analytics can show patterns of building use, parking congestion, tenant foot traffic, and more. These insights can guide operational decisions, from staffing levels to building maintenance schedules. Data-driven property management isn't a future concept; it's happening now. Preparing properties for the future: The technology landscape is evolving rapidly. With a unified platform built on open architecture, property managers gain flexibility to adopt innovations as they emerge without overhauling their entire system. Whether integrating smart building tech, new forms of biometric access, or AI-based threat detection, a unified approach ensures that properties can adapt to future needs.
Tahawul Tech
24-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
'Security is everyone's responsibility' – Firas Jadalla, Genetec
Firas Jadalla, Regional Director for the Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Genetec spoke to Daniel Shepherd from CPI Media Group at the Genetec empower360 roadshow in Dubai. The event delved into the importance of open architecture and IoT technologies in developing smarter cities. There was also a strong focus on new trends in access control technology, simplifying video management and providing advanced scalable solutions. With almost 20 years at the Genetec, Firas Jadalla has witnessed their humble beginnings in 2005, to its expansion across nine Middle Eastern cities. In addition to their focus in Dubai and Riyadh, Genetec has local teams in Doha, Cairo and Cape Town South Africa. They have also been recognised as a leader in innovation worldwide with headquarters in Montréal and offices in multiple countries. Which security trends do you believe organisations should keep in mind when it comes to secure solutions? When you consider security, we are seeing more awareness around cybersecurity which was triggered by the pandemic. We see more end users and system integrators looking for solutions that can meet the current challenges of cybersecurity. Another element is an increased focus on unification. 20 years ago, people were interested in the idea of having an interface between physical security solutions. They wanted to have alarms, control systems and video feeds interfaced together, which we now know as integration. Today, the trends are more focused around unification. In integration multiple different systems are combined definitively for efficiency and unification represents a unique concept. To elaborate on the last point, how does unified security differ from current security solutions businesses use? When we talk about a built-in unified product there is a big difference between that and an integrated solution. A unified solution is built from the ground-up with the same code and aspects as most physical products. With unified solutions we take one solution that can meet all your requirements such as physical security, video management, access control system, license distribution system, intercom and more. Some projects might not require all these features, but broadly it provides one solution with one interface. Consider it like Microsoft Office which includes Excel, PowerPoint and Word under a familiar interface. With the Genetec Unified Platform, it is one platform and one interface that meets all these requirements in a seamless package. This is advantageous because it becomes easier to deploy, train employees or perform updates without breaking any links. Do you see cloud security solutions becoming more common or is hybrid still popular with your customers? All of us in Genetec agree that the cloud is going to dominate the future of security solutions. For us it is not a question of will, it is a question of when. When will we see this adoption reach over 50%? When will over 50% of physical security installations rely on an on-prem cloud? When you look at enterprise solutions, there is a bigger appetite for hybrid verses cloud. If we look at small deployments like shop cameras, the owners will likely prefer everything to be linked via cloud. However, with bigger examples like airports that use thousands of cameras it becomes more meaningful and cost effective to use a hybrid solution. Hybrid offers the best of both worlds as you can address issues related to bandwidth and the cost of bandwidth whilst being able to use cloud access from anywhere to gather insights. Can your security centre solutions incorporate and develop alongside the changes we are seeing in access control technology? Our flagship product offers a unified platform for management control. What you get with this platform is that every time a software update is available you only need to do it once to keep things running smoothly. There are no unnecessary integration links or interfaces. Our latest products feature an element called GUS (Genetec Upgrade Service) which when enabled, automatically checks for updates during night hours. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to say to our readers? As a company, Genetec has taken a very strong stance on cybersecurity since 2016. We've seen people become aware of the importance of having a secure security solution right after the pandemic. During that time more people were working from home leading to an increase in the number of cyberattacks. We've continued to encourage our system integrator, channel partners and end users to give cybersecurity the importance it is due. At Genetec, with have improved our solutions with built-in cybersecurity and created guidelines for our system integrator during deployment to tighten security measures. Our solution includes many features such as, encryption to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks between cameras and the servers' workstation. I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the critical nature of their own security systems and at the end of the day it is everyone's responsibility. Whether it's Genetec being the supplier, our system integrator deploying it or the end user running it, everyone is accountable. We must all work together to share the responsibility. Image Credit: Genetec
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Genetec announces empower360 roadshow in UAE
Dubai— Genetec Inc. ('Genetec'), the global leader in enterprise physical security software, has announced the dates for its annual empower360 roadshow. Scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 17 April 2025, the partner-focused event will bring together industry professionals to explore the evolving role of physical security in the country. According to the Genetec State of Physical Security Report 2025, 66% of physical security consultants and channel partners plan to recommend hybrid deployments in the next five years, reflecting a growing demand for adaptable deployment models in the industry. The report indicates that decision-makers across the UAE will prioritize hybrid systems this year, focusing on centralized monitoring and modernizing video or access control systems without discarding existing investments. The Genetec empower360 roadshow will delve into the importance of open architecture, unification, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in developing smarter, safer cities. It will look at new trends in access control technology and will cover best practices for migrating from legacy systems to more advanced, secure, and scalable solutions. Additionally, the event will address simplifying video management, focusing on strategies and approaches to enhancing public safety and urban management in the UAE. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Genetec experts, participate in interactive sessions, and network with industry peers. "The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organizations secure both their people and digital networks. In the UAE, we are seeing an increasing reliance on unified security solutions and a growing emphasis on adapting security strategies to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry,' said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec Inc. 'With IT at the forefront of implementing these shifts, physical security operations are becoming more resilient, data-driven, and adaptable to growing threats. The empower360 roadshow seeks to equip physical security professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to support the rapidly advancing security landscape." About Genetec Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The company's portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting individual privacy. Genetec delivers the world's leading products for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on an open architecture and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The company's portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its 42,500+ customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.
Web Release
15-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Genetec Announces empower360 Roadshow in United Arab Emirates
By Editor_wr On Apr 15, 2025 Genetec Inc. ('Genetec'), the global leader in enterprise physical security software, has announced the dates for its annual empower360 roadshow. Scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 17 April 2025, the partner-focused event will bring together industry professionals to explore the evolving role of physical security in the country. According to the Genetec State of Physical Security Report 2025, 66% of physical security consultants and channel partners plan to recommend hybrid deployments in the next five years, reflecting a growing demand for adaptable deployment models in the industry. The report indicates that decision-makers across the UAE will prioritize hybrid systems this year, focusing on centralized monitoring and modernizing video or access control systems without discarding existing investments. The Genetec empower360 roadshow will delve into the importance of open architecture, unification, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in developing smarter, safer cities.? It will look at new trends in access control technology and will cover best practices for migrating from legacy systems to more advanced, secure, and scalable solutions. Additionally, the event will address simplifying video management, focusing on strategies and approaches to enhancing public safety and urban management in the UAE. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Genetec experts, participate in interactive sessions, and network with industry peers. 'The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organizations secure both their people and digital networks. In the UAE, we are seeing an increasing reliance on unified security solutions and a growing emphasis on adapting security strategies to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry,' said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec Inc. 'With IT at the forefront of implementing these shifts, physical security operations are becoming more resilient, data-driven, and adaptable to growing threats. The empower360 roadshow seeks to equip physical security professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to support the rapidly advancing security landscape.?' ? Genetec Announces empower360 Roadshow in United Arab Emirates Prev Post Easter Weekend Stay at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island Comments are closed.
Channel Post MEA
15-04-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Genetec To Hold Empower360 Roadshow In United Arab Emirates
Genetec has announced the dates for its annual empower360 roadshow. Scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 17 April 2025, the partner-focused event will bring together industry professionals to explore the evolving role of physical security in the country. According to the Genetec State of Physical Security Report 2025, 66% of physical security consultants and channel partners plan to recommend hybrid deployments in the next five years, reflecting a growing demand for adaptable deployment models in the industry. The report indicates that decision-makers across the UAE will prioritize hybrid systems this year, focusing on centralized monitoring and modernizing video or access control systems without discarding existing investments. The Genetec empower360 roadshow will delve into the importance of open architecture, unification, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in developing smarter, safer cities. It will look at new trends in access control technology and will cover best practices for migrating from legacy systems to more advanced, secure, and scalable solutions. Additionally, the event will address simplifying video management, focusing on strategies and approaches to enhancing public safety and urban management in the UAE. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Genetec experts, participate in interactive sessions, and network with industry peers. 'The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organizations secure both their people and digital networks. In the UAE, we are seeing an increasing reliance on unified security solutions and a growing emphasis on adapting security strategies to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry,' said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec Inc. 'With IT at the forefront of implementing these shifts, physical security operations are becoming more resilient, data-driven, and adaptable to growing threats. The empower360 roadshow seeks to equip physical security professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to support the rapidly advancing security landscape.' 0 0
