Akram Basala is the head of security at the Danat Al Ain Resort in Abu Dhabi
What is your career background?
My professional career spans 20 years of experience in security operations and training & development in the hospitality industry. Throughout my career I have designed, implemented and enforced comprehensive, technologically sophisticated and fiscally conscientious security programmes and solutions of the hotel.
What are your responsibilities at the hotel?
The objective of occupational safety and health is to ensure a safe and healthy work environment as well as to protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, and other people at the property. I also look at implementing and improving security systems and resolving any kinds of common security problems encountered in a hotel. The wider role of the resort’s security duties include my involvement in overseeing security management, asset protection, fire and loss prevention, investigation of shrinkage of inventory, pilferage, theft, breaches or system and protocol. I am also tasked with developing security frameworks, conceptualising security policies and ensuring compliance with security standards and procedures. I conduct in-depth reviews and risk assessment, and select appropriate risk mitigation strategies from time to time.
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How important is staff motivation in security?
Motivating staff increases the productivity of each team member and boosts self-esteem so there are a lot of ways to do this. It could be achieved by a simple salutation, commending them on a job well done, handing out certificates of appreciation and taking them to team outings and one-to-one meetings.
What are the challenges you face in hotel safety, and how do you manage to overcome them?
So far, I have not encountered any major challenge. As a team player, any concern is prioritised and given full attention so it will not occur again and is easily preventable. I have a great team which works together towards a common goal, and we are like a family sharing a close relationship.
How has the industry evolved with regards to management and staff, and what changes have you witnessed in the safety and security space?
The UAE is home to different nationalities and hotel guests come from different parts of the world and they always have different needs. In the past, a small team was more than capable of managing the entire operations of a property. This is not the case anymore as each department has its own head who oversees the function and role of his team. The safety and security space has grown leaps and bounds with new technology and equipment coming in, along with new methods and techniques.
What are some of your achievements that you would consider noteworthy?
I have introduced a 24-hour patrolling system and laser patrolling system in the hotel along with a CCTV system to review and control the hotel operations. I have steered efforts in initiating an FLS programme, walkie-talkies, metal detector and alcohol sensors. Adding these parameters have resulted in improving our security system. My efforts have also helped the property in obtaining the TCA, civil defence, CID and municipality licences pertinent to the hospitality industry. I am also satisfied to have played a vital role in improving security employee satisfaction survey scores by 40% compared to last year. Finally, I managed to successfully implement the health and safety manual which earned a rating of 97.5% for the property.
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