CriticalArc announces that its pioneering SafeZone personal safety and community security system is being deployed for the first time in the Middle East, at one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious residential compounds.

SafeZone has been rolled out at Al-Bustan Village in Riyadh as the first western-style security and safety solution of its kind in the Middle East. The private residential community prides itself in providing the highest standards of comfort and care for around 3000 senior professionals, their partners and children. Comprehensive on-site facilities include an international school, recreational and retail amenities. However, cultural differences, language barriers and growing political tensions posed a number of challenges that the Al-Bustan Village management team was keen to address.

Although the compound is well equipped with state-of-the-art physical protection, the management had additional requirements beyond the scope of conventional security. Utilising location intelligence, the innovative cloud-based SafeZone service combines a free smartphone app for Al-Bustan Village residents with full mobile command and control functionality for the security team. By enabling residents to request emergency help, medical assistance or report a security concern via a quick tap on their phone without the need to speak to a call handler, SafeZone overcomes all language differences and cultural barriers.

When someone activates an alert via the intuitive SafeZone app, their location and key details are automatically shared with the on-duty security personnel, first-aiders and first responders. The data is visually mapped to give the response team unprecedented live situation awareness of all security assets in the vicinity. This enables them to prioritise resources and coordinate a fast response, maximising the chance of a successful outcome.

The SafeZone solution provides powerful features that provide the flexibility and scale to enhance response capabilities both in Al-Bustan Village and beyond. A check-in function, for example, offers residents additional personal monitoring and support while travelling alone or further afield. Multiply redundant communications via satellite, wi-fi and mobile networks ensure the highest degree of resilience, even in remote desert areas. And for large-scale threats or incidents, a mass-notification feature enables the security team to instantly broadcast security alerts, weather warnings or regional travel updates to keep expatriates informed.

Commenting, Terry Lavin General Manager at Al-Bustan Village said: “The safety and comfort of our residents and their families is of paramount importance. By harnessing SafeZone technology, we offer them complete peace of mind that immediate emergency help is at hand 24/7, both in the village and travelling further afield. SafeZone is user-friendly, robust and cost-effective with multiple benefits that are enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”

Steve Willingham, Director of Security at Al-Bustan Village added: “Within days, SafeZone was enabling our teams to deliver a faster, more targeted response to resident’s requirements. With live situational awareness and enhanced visibility of all safety assets, we can dynamically adjust patrol patterns, deployment of security personnel and availability of first responders to enhance operational effectiveness.”

“For our residents the safety and wellbeing of the family unit is their first priority when living and working in Saudi Arabia. SafeZone gives the extra reassurance of personalised protection, providing a way to call for immediate assistance, anytime, anywhere. Also, as expats, it removes the worry about not speaking the local language or knowing who to contact when needing help”.

Darren Chalmers-Stevens, Director EMEA at CriticalArc, added, “The adoption of SafeZone at Al-Bustan Village is a clear demonstration of the owner’s commitment to ensure a safe and secure community for expatriate residents and their families, as well as mobile workers and short-term visitors.