INTRODUCTION
Migrant workers make up more than 85% of GCC populations and these numbers dominate the transportation sector and consequently the standards of driving differ massively across the region.
Many of these immigrants were made redundant during the pandemic and have subsequently left the GCC. While many of these chauffeurs/drivers are now returning, we are seeing a mixture of old and new, experienced and inexperienced drivers in the region.
The GCC countries boast a plethora of limousine companies and any number of security companies offering high end luxury limousine services. While the range of new high end luxury car models are abundant, the range of experienced chauffeurs at this level are not.
Even the 5-star luxury hotel concierge services have limited fleets and tend to subcontract to these local providers.
There are numerous locally registered security companies in the Gulf States who boast executive protection type chauffeuring services however, this is not their main revenue stream and most tend to provide man guarding, security personnel, mass transportation services, cash in transit services, etc.
There are a number of international security companies across the region that have corporate quality assurance in place in their effort to raise standards however, this standard varies from country to country and company to company. Some international and expatriate run security services in the GCC have invested time and money in their own vehicles or have long-standing working relationships with limousine companies whose drivers have gained executive protection (EP) experience through project work.
Traditionally skilled security drivers come from the expatriate community, from people who have been trained, who have worked in Afghanistan and Iraq, people who have a greater sense of security situational awareness. Security contract work has dried up in the region for the majority of ex-military or ex-law enforcement personnel however, some remain.
The gap has been filled, albeit lacking in numbers, by expatriates with the work experience who have now settled in the region and have the flexibility in their lifestyle and work to take on short term EP work. While numbers exist, they do not exist in all the GCC countries. Dubai tends to act as the hub for the region and where people would be deployed on project work.
Most North American clients will insist on using the SUVs (GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet), S class & V class Mercedes for their executive saloons and the Europeans also look to using these types of vehicles along with the Range Rover, particularly where American SUVs are not available or in short supply.
One would think that US SUVs would be plentiful however, certain GCC countries do not have the numbers and the Toyota Landcruiser and Nissan Patrol tend to be the dominant vehicle, which is not surprising given this vehicle is the preferred vehicle by the Arabs in the region.
Vehicle hire costs vary considerably across the region; you are currently seeing prices double in Qatar due to the World Cup later this year and availability is going to be an issue. Vehicle hire costs in Saudi Arabia are double that of the UAE on a normal day, with the majority of limousine companies in the Kingdom charging you for both the driver and the vehicle separately. Kuwait have limited US SUVs and prices tend to be higher than the UAE. Bahrain tends to be on par with the UAE whilst Oman has the lowest prices however, the selection of US SUVs is limited.
The UAE has seasonal prices (winter/summer) and you can expect to see price hikes during prominent events such as Defence Shows, major conferences and Fairs, etc.
The Covid-19 Omicron strain still remains in the GCC and we do see periodic spikes in infection rates. We would do well to remember that the majority of migrant workers are here in the Gulf as bachelors and live in crowded communal accommodation; it would be prudent to insist on PCR tests to be taken prior to project start dates and have the relevant vaccination certifications in place. Should authorities evoke enhanced Covid-19 restrictions for whatever reason, limiting the number of passengers in vehicles can be one of them.
Companies looking for security services to support their clients coming into the GCC region need to take a close look at how to deliver the client’s itinerary and have local security providers conduct a health check on the planned programme in order to successfully deliver that front of house quality service.
