Group Director of Security of The Iconic Five Hotels and Resorts In Dubai

Faruqh Shaikh, Group Director of Security of The Iconic Five Hotels and Resorts In Dubai

FIVE: Leading at the forefront of Entertainment in Dubai

FIVE is known for its dynamic culinary and nightlife offerings - with over 30 events across 9 venues weekly – visitors from around the world flock to FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village to experience the unique and inimitable Vibe at FIVE. 

For example, The city’s favourite rooftop destination, The Penthouse’s signature night, Skyline Thursdays has welcomed global artists such as Themba, Joel Corry, Lost Frequencies, Calum Scott and Robin Schulz while 150m of private beachfront, Beach by FIVE’s Bohemian musical celebration, Bohemia has hosted Da Capo, Hugel, Jax Jones, Morten, Korolova, Regard and Jonas Blue to packed audiences who unite under one Vibe. Soul St.s’ energetic Nomad Brunch has been a key contributor to the venue’s success - Soul St. Dubai serves an average of over 8000 monthly covers with a 46% total increase in covers from 2020 to 2021 and a 110% revenue growth in 2021 from 2020. Since its launch, the restaurant has served over 181,215 covers (including celebrities such as Premier League Football Player Tyler Roberts, Love Island stars Georgie Grey and Georgia Montgomery and famed DJ Charlie Sloth). The venue has gone on to win the Best Casual Brunch at the BBC Good Food Magazine Awards 2021. Soul St. has achieved 4.7 Stars from 787 Google Reviews, a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and is ranked #106 position out of 8,495 restaurants in Dubai.

The importance of Safety and Security

As Group Director of Security, my prime focus is to provide safety and security to over 1500 employees and 4,500 average daily visitors. My role involves overseeing the strict implementation of a gate pass system, maintaining access control of all pool and beach areas (especially for FIVE-styled signature events such as Bohemia), identifying and eliminating all health and safety concerns, implementing a long-range card reader for the car park system, to avoid any unauthorized access as well as providing security and access control for Service Elevators for all of FIVE’s residences. 

“Because Every Company Is Unique, Each Building Block Should Be Customized To Suit The Company’s Specific Needs Most Effectively”

A keen believer in the importance of efficient training, I conduct essential, and regular, training exercises for the Security Teams across both properties to ensure a high-level code of conduct for all Security and Safety measures – these efforts in this regard can be displayed in FIVE guests’ high rankings and positive reviews for the Vibe at FIVE experiences that are filled with celebratory joy in a secure and welcoming environment. 

Along with my team, I have successfully completed the Oyoon project, which relates to the connectivity of all entrance cameras with government authorities, thus assisting the UAE government with safety and security measures in Dubai. When it comes to the efficient utilization of technology, FIVE uses the government-approved ANPR system which automatically reports suspicious vehicles and number plates to the Dubai Police. CCTV cameras are placed to ensure there are no blind spots at any venue – this has enabled FIVE to solve numerously lost and found cases. 

One of the Safety and Security Teams’ most notable achievements was in relation to New Year’s Eve 2022 at FIVE Palm Jumeirah - over 2000 guests were hosted across varied venues and required manning of over 100 bouncers as well as seamless yet effectual Security Practices for a myriad of people and places. The celebrations were smoothly executed and generated a record-breaking revenue that was 35.5% higher than the previous years. 

The result

FIVE has been recognized as the Best Hotel Group, a Top 10 Workplace for Women (a stellar example of the same is Assistant Manager of Security, Mercy Joseph) and ranked No 7 for Millennials across all categories in the Middle East by Great Places To Work in 2021 – a global authority on workplace cultures. More recently, FIVE Hotels and Resorts ranked 6th amongst Best Workplaces in the UAE in the 2022 guide and 20th amongst the Best Workplaces for Millennials in GCC. More recently, FIVE was recognised as a large-sized company by Great Places to Work at a rank of #6 for the Happiest Employees in the region. FIVE has also recently been shortlisted as one of the best large-size companies in Asia by Great Places to Work in 2022 (rankings yet to be announced).

FIVE Hotels and Resorts maintains a very impressive occupancy rate for FIVE Palm Jumeirah at 93.40% while FIVE Jumeirah Village has sustained a remarkable 95% occupancy rate bringing the average occupancy between both the hotels to a staggering 94.20%.

This year, FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village have consistently ranked #1 in STR comp-set for RevPAR and FIVE Hotels and Resorts is currently performing 235% higher than its comp-set in terms of TrevPAR. FIVE Jumeirah Village is the most reviewed hotel in the world on Booking.com with over 30,000 reviews with a rating of 9. 

Caption for Imagery: Faruqh Shaikh Group Director of Security, FIVE Hotels and Resorts + Imagery: FIVE Palm Jumeirah  + FIVE Jumeirah Village