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29 March 2024

Centralised security for JLT puts owners on budget alert

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

In a month from now, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) will have a centralised security system.

Currently, different security companies are deployed by different towers in the community. However, the management and deployment of security in JLT towers will soon be taken over by DMCC Group Security.

In a circular to the Owners Associations and Tower Developers, master developer Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) says that the process of implementation is due to be launched in May 2014, with the exact date to be announced one month in advance.

“The proposed security management system will be centrally managed and is intended to ensure that the JLT community remains safe and secure for everyone, while ensuring that the community gets the best value for money.

"Centralised security mechanisms for a diverse community in which over 80,000 people live and work will be a first for Dubai and will be a model for the rest of the city,” said the DMCC in a statement to Emirates 24|7.

However, Anthony Peter, Chairman of an OA in the community, says: “Every security company in Dubai must comply with certain standards, undergo training and have a licence in order to operate.

"So why would the company of our choice not be sufficient? If some towers are not appointing proper security personnel, they should be brought under the scanner as it is detrimental to society,” he commented.

For the owners, the selection of a security company is important.

This selection is not only based on their ability to provide safety, it is a matter of budget, too. And as the budget for building management is generated by the owners.

“In any case, towers must comply with the minimum salary rules that were recently introduced in regards of the security personnel,” added Anthony.

“With a centralised security system, the opportunity to negotiate is taken away. We will have to accept the company that is presented and their price. This means that we may have to increase our budget and consequently the service charges.”

In the circular, DMCC stated that the new approach would be adopted by most free-zones in Dubai and has been approved by the Regulatory Agency (Rera).

The attached Rera statement reads: “We would like to inform... that Rera in Dubai does not have any objection to DMCC Group Security implementing the necessary security arrangements, in order to enhance security measures for all the towers in JLT.”

“Therefore, we have no objection to DMCC requesting all developers, sub-developers and various owners’ associations that operate within the Free Zone (JLT) to cooperate and comply with all regulations issued by DMCC Group Security.”

DMCC in the circular explains: “During the initial launch phase, each tower will receive the same number of security personnel as previously hired until an assessment is conducted to determine the needs of each tower.”