Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Business solutions provider Transguard Group has announced a record-setting AED 250 million in new contracts for its Facilities Management (FM) division; the wins include several prestigious partnerships with two of the largest property developers in the UAE.

“This is a strong start to our financial year, especially for our FM division but also across the business as a whole,” states Dr. Abdulla al Hashimi, CEO, Transguard Group. “The team’s performance over the last few weeks has been nothing short of exemplary and we anticipate even greater growth in the coming months.”

A new partnership with one of Dubai’s leading property developers was a key contract win: Mobilising this month, Transguard’s Facilities Management division is responsible for cleaning an iconic racing facility at the heart of the emirate with a team of up to 400 professionals. Meanwhile, Transguard’s consumer division, Transguard Living, has been selected to provide maintenance services to a gated community with luxurious Mediterranean and Moroccan-style villas. The three-year contract, which will see Transguard’s Consumer Management team working across more than 350 villas, runs until May 2025.

Providing soft FM services to one of the world’s largest and most famous malls was another highlight of the first quarter. The contract, which mobilises in November 2022 and will run until 2025, will see more than 800 staff deployed throughout the well-known location.

“Transguard’s FM team is proud to offer its best-in-class standards to these iconic locations,” says Saeed al Marzouqi, acting Managing Director, Transguard Group. “This growth in our portfolio is a direct reflection of Transguard’s professionalism and excellent service levels.”

Other noteworthy contracts include a major metro management company, a Turkish hotel chain, a prominent Emirati retail conglomerate, as well as a Dubai-based family-owned business with operations in trading as well as property development and management; Transguard has also been appointed by Dubai’s newest sports facility to provide cleaning services at its centre. Another win for the first few months of the financial year includes providing cleaning and MEP services to one of the UAE’s leading property developers for its newest community project, sales pavilion and popular food market.

With a team of more than 20,000 professionals covering more than 60 workstreams (including standard cleaning, housekeeping, MEP, home maintenance and more), Transguard is the largest facilities management provider in the UAE. Its Facilities Management operations are backed by a central command centre, call centre agents who are trained to understand and address user complaints and computer-aided facility management (CAFM) is used to help mobilise teams to deliver services effectively and efficiently. Available around the clock for scheduled and emergency callouts, consumer division Transguard Living, offers users a dedicated app for iOS and Android that makes it incredibly easy to review and schedule services, as well as take advantage of the latest offers and promotions.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Transguard Group has today announced that is has secured the contract for the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; it is a key part of the 17-pavilion Expo portfolio currently held by the business solutions provider.

“The Luxembourg Pavilion is a unique structure and concept, and our teams are representing not only the best of Transguard, they are also reflecting the values of this diverse country,” said Dr. Greg Ward, Managing Director, Transguard Group. Transguard’s facilities management and security teams are responsible for the full 2,100 sq. metres of Luxembourg pavilion, which is divided into five zones: Diverse, Connecting, Sustainable, Enterprising and Beautiful.

“We selected Transguard not only because of their professional and efficient approach, but also because their emphasis on diversity in their workforce mirrors the diversity in our country,” explains Maggy Nagel, Commissioner General of the Luxembourg Pavilion and President of GIE Luxembourg @ Expo 2020 Dubai. “We are already very pleased with the first weeks of Expo 2020 Dubai and look forward to working closely with Transguard for the duration of the event.”

Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31^st March 2022.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Leading business solutions provider Transguard Group is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Dubai Chamber CSR Advanced Label in recognition of its outstanding CSR efforts. The award was presented yesterday during a virtual ceremony.

“Our focus on CSR has always been clear, but over the past few years we have continued to hone our approach to not only reflect market realities but also to set the bar for our industry,” states Dr. Greg Ward, Managing Director, Transguard Group. “Achieving the Dubai Chamber CSR Advanced Label is a defining moment for our programme and I am proud to have the efforts of our dedicated team, as well as the entire business, recognized by Dubai Chamber.”

Transguard Group achieved a score of 73.1% and received high marks in all categories, particularly Marketplace and Environment. Some key strengths noted by the assessment team include Transguard’s Sustainability Report, which was published in early 2021; its successful alignment to UAE Vision 2021, UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals; its ability to demonstrate responsible energy and water efficiency; its data protection and privacy efforts through its certified ISO 27001 information services management systems;  its establishment of various happiness and well-being initiatives for both management and site-based employees and its stakeholder engagement practices, among many others.

“Achieving the Dubai Chamber CSR Advanced Label is another example that corporate social responsibility is more than a buzzword at Transguard,” says Lena ter Laare, Director-Marketing and CSR. “Instead, it is a throughline in everything we do, whether that’s for our staff, in our business or with our clients. Every day, our teams live out Transguard’s commitment to sustainable, responsible practices, and while this is a gratifying achievement it is also serves to galvanize our efforts across the business to do even more.”

This is the second award from Dubai Chamber for the business solutions provider; in 2020, Transguard Group was awarded the Dubai Chamber CSR Label.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Leading business solutions provider Transguard Group has revealed that four years after launching its Centre of Excellence, more than 35,000 employees have so far received cross-platform training and upskilling opportunities.

“Our purpose-built Centre of Excellence is the heart of our training programme, and key among its initiatives is continual cross-training for our site-based employees,” says Greg Ward, Managing Director. “Offering every member of our team an equal opportunity to grow their career is a cornerstone of our human resources strategy; empowering our employees with diversified skill sets enables us to better serve the UAE.”

Multi-skill training takes place across the entire business, particularly in Transguard’s manpower and aviation divisions, where more than 11,000 and 4,000 employees respectively have completed courses in a diverse array of subjects, including technical skills, customer service and others.

“Offering multi-skill training in other disciplines opens up new career pathways for our workforce. We have a gratifying number of employees who join us in entry level positions but work their way up to more skilled roles, both at site and in our headquarters. For example, employees who join us as unskilled labour can take our free skills training and English courses and eventually qualify to join the ‘Fix’ team of Transguard Living, our consumer home services division,” Ward explains. “With an incredibly broad training programme that applies across all of our business units, this is just one among many upskilling opportunities that we offer our employees.”

Most notable was Transguard’s continued focus on training even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when more than 1,500 employees from across the business were specifically cross-trained in Facilities Management to help support the company’s disinfection and sanitization programme. In addition, 60 former Housekeepers have recently transitioned onto Transguard’s Security team after completing their SIRA certification and Transguard’s own rigorous training programme.

“The need to pivot and adapt during the global pandemic was not unique to Transguard, but we are exceptionally proud of the fact that during this time we safely cross-trained more than 5,000 employees to better support the country’s recovery,” Ward concludes. “Particularly with high-profile events like Expo 2020 Dubai on the very near horizon, our team is more than prepared to continually set the bar for business excellence, customer satisfaction and passionate support for the UAE.”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Citing its “drive toward continuous improvement and innovation,” leading business solutions provider Transguard Group has been awarded the prestigious UAE Innovation Award, which is bestowed upon companies in the private sector that actively demonstrate not only a culture of innovation but also pursue innovative practices via strategy frameworks and standards.

“The pursuit of continuous improvement and innovation is in Transguard’s DNA, which is why we’ve created programmes that give employees at all levels of the business access to the tools and training they need to inject their own innovation into their work and everyday lives,” explains Greg Ward, Managing Director. “We see the results of this ‘lean thinking’ all the time, both in terms of cost savings and increased efficiencies.”

The judging panel was impressed with Transguard’s innovation strategy, people development and knowledge sharing, with a specific nod given to “a defined structure for innovation and Transguard’s Managing Director driving the investment in ‘leader development’ to create a pipeline of innovative thinkers.”

“By empowering our team to think innovatively we make a difference not only in our business but also in the every day realities of our clients and their customers,” Ward concluded. “Receiving this award is a gratifying reflection of the hard work our teams put in every day.”

Transguard Group security guard “goes viral” on social media when he was filmed rescuing a dehydrated gazelle

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – For Transguard Group security guard Ajit Jalhari, it was just another day at work, but for the rest of the UAE it was a heartwarming reminder that all life is precious: When Jalhair encountered a dehydrated gazelle during his daily patrol of one of Dubai’s most exclusive golf courses he immediately gathered the creature into his buggy and gave it water in an attempt to revive it. This selfless act was captured in a video by a resident of the area and subsequently shared by Lovin’ Dubai on social media, resulting in an overwhelming outpouring of positivity and well wishes for the unassuming security guard.

“It is amazing and good,” said Jalhari, a native of Nepal who has worked for Transguard Group for six years. “Thanks to everyone for seeing this video and the person who posted it…I really appreciate it.”

“We know that our employees consistently go above and beyond, so it is a joy to see the response this video has received,” said Greg Ward, Managing Director.

For Tim Mundell, Transguard Group’s Chief Security Officer, Jalhari’s actions are a prime example of what it means to be a security guard. “Our security teams do so much more than we give them credit for and Ajit’s actions are just one such example. His act of kindness has touched so many people and demonstrates that a small act of compassion and care can go so far,” Mundell said during a recognition ceremony. ”He has displayed exactly what it means to be a Transguard security guard and we are incredibly proud of how he has represented the company.”

During the ceremony, which was held in Transguard headquarters, Jalhari was presented with a certificate recognizing his exemplary service for the UAE and its wildlife, as well as the news that Mundell was naming him Employee of the Month for Transguard Group Security.

For Jalhari, who is still coming to grips with his sudden fame, caring for the gazelle was second nature, something that he believes should be second nature for all of us: “For everyone, we need to help everyone who is having problems, whether they are human beings or animals,” he declared, adding, “That is good for everybody and that will save the world.”

In addition, 94% of its site-based employees have been fully vaccinated

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Thanks to a dedicated in-house team working around the clock and through weekends and holidays, Transguard Group is pleased to announce that as of today, all eligible employees in its management offices have either been fully vaccinated or are in line to receive their second jab.

“Five months ago today we announced our first vaccination milestone, which was the provision of vaccines for 16,000 employees; three months later we announced that we had successfully provided more than 60,000 vaccinations for our employees,” explains Greg Ward, Managing Director, Transguard Group. “Today, I am pleased to reveal that 100% of Transguard HQ employees are in the vaccination process, with 94% of our eligible site-based staff also fully vaccinated, with the remainder scheduled for their final shots over the next few weeks.”

To reach this milestone, Transguard collaborated with Emirates Group, Dubai Airport and SEHA to provide all management and site-based employees in every business unit (including Cash Services, Security, Facilities Management, Manpower, Logistics, Aviation, Hospitality, its catering company, Taste of Home, and its consumer division, Transguard Living) with appointment scheduling, free transportation and all documentation to receive their jabs; vaccinations were also provided directly at the company’s accommodations in Jebel Ali. All of the nearly 700 management staff in Transguard headquarters were also granted time off for vaccination appointments. Employees who do not meet the vaccination eligibility criteria, including those who are pregnant and those with specific allergies, are taking PCR tests every two weeks as required by recent government mandates.

“Each of our service lines, including but certainly not limited to Security, Hospitality, Facilities Management and Workforce Solutions will play a significant role in a number of high profile events in the second half of the year, so it is within our duty of care to proactively ensure that we do everything we can to protect our employees, the people of the UAE and the anticipated influx of overseas visitors,” Ward concluded. “That said, we are under no illusions that the pandemic is over and will continue to be vigilant and innovative in our Covid-19 prevention activities in our headquarters, our accommodations and on our worksites.”

The UAE’s leading business solutions provider announces profit of AED 32.1 million and turnover of AED 1.87 billion

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2 May 2021: Transguard Group has today announced a profit of AED 32.1 million and revenue of AED 1.87 billion for FY 20/21; the UAE’s leading business solutions provider also revealed AED 2.1 billion in new and renewed business.

“In a year otherwise dominated by uncertainty and prediction-defying challenges, Transguard reliably provided insightful solutions and best-in-class client support,” explained Greg Ward, Managing Director, Transguard Group. “Our innate ability to adapt to this new business landscape was key in achieving a strong end to a difficult year.”

One of the first consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic was the closure of airports, both in the UAE and abroad. Quickly followed by a country-wide lockdown, many Transguard clients were forced to make the difficult decision to pause or cancel contracts. This meant more than 12,000 employees were idle almost overnight, none of whom could be repatriated to their home countries due to flight restrictions. Driven by a deep concern for their wellbeing, Transguard ramped up its already robust welfare initiatives and for the next six months dedicated itself to ensuring that these idle staff were provided with food and accommodation until they could be put back into the workforce or returned home.

However, buoyed by multiple strategic wins that were driven by innovation and customer service, Transguard’s team successfully fought back against the economic ravages of the global pandemic to bring the company back into profitability by the end of the financial year.

In addition to deploying more than 44,000 employees every month during the height of the Covid-19 crisis and deploying a further 500 employees in a variety of roles to the UAE’s field hospitals, Transguard’s Facilities Management division also landed a prestigious contract with a global leader in the Oil & Gas sector, grew its retail portfolio with new two new malls in Abu Dhabi and renewed its contract with Global Village for the 11^th consecutive year.

Transguard’s Security Services division expanded its already sizeable reach by becoming the sole security provider for the country’s largest bank, as well as by taking on responsibility for the substantial Residential, Hospitality and Entertainment portfolios of the UAE’s largest property developer.

After two successful decades, Transguard Cash continues to lead the industry with a continual stream of innovations, including new ATM and cash sanitisation services. The 2020 launch of the Transguard Pay kiosk network (which gives Transguard’s users easy, convenient access to top up their mobile credit or even send money to their families in their home countries) served to underscore the division’s strong welfare credentials.

With the exponential growth of the logistics sector in 2020, Transguard’s Manpower portfolio likewise expanded to include contracts with all major supermarket chains in the UAE, as well as agreements to provide manpower for warehousing, delivery services and more for these essential service providers.

As the UAE’s hospitality sector gradually opened, Transguard was awarded the framework for multiple hotels of a major regional hotel chain; meanwhile, Transguard Delivery began offering home check-in services for Emirates’ passengers in Dubai. Transguard has also continued its support of Expo 2020 Dubai with the announcement of contracts with seven pavilions.

Transguard’s Aviation and Logistics division also announced significant contracts with both Emirates and Etihad Airways: Under the first, Transguard is the exclusive provider of chauffeur services for Emirates’ Business, First and Multi-Passenger Vehicle fleets. Meanwhile, Transguard’s contract to support Etihad Airways with loaders, fork lift operators and other designations was extended by an additional three years; this qualifies the business solutions provider as a Diamond Partner in the airline’s Alwatani programme.

Meanwhile, Transguard never wavered from its commitment to the welfare of its employees and in January announced an all-encompassing initiative to vaccinate 95% of its workforce before the end of March. By facilitating more than 78,000 vaccinations by the end of the financial year, Transguard surpassed its prior commitment.  

“If we learned anything during the pandemic it is to keep our eyes on innovation and a fierce focus on customer satisfaction,” Ward concludes. “We will not lose our momentum as we continue to support the UAE as it bounces back stronger than ever.”

L to R: Sebastian Rosito, Deputy Commissioner General and Director of the German Pavilion and Greg Ward, Managing Director, Transguard Group, sign the framework agreement.

The UAE’s leading business solutions provider will provide dedicated facilities management including cleaning, security and laundry services

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Transguard Group, the UAE’s leading business solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it is continuing to expand its support of Expo 2020 Dubai participant pavilions by signing a framework agreement with the German Pavilion. Under the terms of contract, Transguard as the facility management service provider will be providing security as well as cleaning and laundry services to the pavilion during the six-month global gathering scheduled to open doors on 1 October 2021.

“In just a few months’ time the eyes of the world will be firmly on the UAE during Expo 2020, and we are proud that the Transguard team will play a major role in ensuring the success of the event for the German Pavilion,” stated Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Chief Executive Officer, Transguard Group.

 “Whether it is facilities management, security, event management, hospitality or any of our other service lines, Transguard’s training programmes enable our teams to not only perform with extreme attention to detail, they are also well-versed in customer service,” explained Greg Ward, Managing Director, Transguard Group. “This 360-degree approach provides our clients with an added level of reassurance that their guests will enjoy the best possible experience every time they visit.”

“We are happy to sign the contract with Transguard today. At Expo 2020 Dubai, the German Pavilion will take the visitors on an educational yet fun journey where they can learn about sustainable solutions for the future,” said Sebastian Rosito, Deputy Commissioner General and Director of the German Pavilion. “Transguard will contribute to our pavilion by ensuring that the pavilion is always clean and safe.”

This is the seventh pavilion in Transguard’s Expo 2020 portfolio, which also includes the Netherlands and New Zealand, among others. The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa region, Expo 2020 will gather more than 200 participants – including 190-plus nations as well as multilateral organisations, businesses and educational establishments – for a global experience centred on innovation, collaboration and inspiration, and a shared purpose towards building a better future for everyone.