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Genetec announces new version of ‘Security Center’
Genetec, a leading provider of open-architecture, unified IP security solutions today announced version 5.5 of Security Center, the company’s open architecture, unified IP security platform that combines access control, video surveillance, ALPR, and communications. Security Center 5.5 offers a new disaster recovery mode, enhanced levels of authentication and encryption, augmented video archiving and export management capabilities, and new choices of supported access control hardware. With innovative capabilities designed to help organizations better secure their sites, version 5.5 gives administrators greater control and protection of their security infrastructure. Security Center 5.5 is available now via the Genetec worldwide channel partner distribution network.
With a new disaster recovery mode that allows the configuration of multiple failover directory servers at remote sites, Security Center 5.5 allows customers to implement more elaborate disaster recovery plans for their security platform. In the event of a disaster, failover servers at geographically disparate location can immediately take control and ensure organizations continue to have access to their security platform and protect their people and assets.
Offering a powerful yet efficient user experience remains a paramount driver for Security Center development. In this latest release, map-centric monitoring offers enhanced, fluid map scaling for zooming effortlessly in and out of maps—from floorplans to satellite imagery—along with the option to geo-reference dynamic objects on a map with actual geographic coordinates for greater awareness, and add new map layers. With map layering, operators can add or remove details from a map in real-time to narrow or broaden visualization of a site. To further simplify alarm management, Security Center 5.5 features alarm grouping and filtering so that operators can group alarms visually by type, state, or priority, as well as handle entire collections of alarms, such as acknowledging or forwarding an entire group.
As part of a continuous effort to grow its ecosystem of technology partners and facilitate integration to Security Center, Genetec offers two flavors of its Software Development Kit (SDK). The Basic SDK is a freely-available package used to connect to Security Center and access configuration information, events and alarms in real-time, as well as make changes or add new tasks to the monitoring client app. A simplified online enrollment and acceptance process, that is largely automated, gives users quick access. An advanced SDK package offers all the elements of the Basic SDK with access to additional tools required by more complex integrations, and is available through Genetec certified channel partners.
Building on the advanced cybersecurity measures introduced in Security Center 5.4, and the company’s ongoing commitment to ‘Security of Security’, version 5.5 offers a ‘hardened’ protocol that protects against potential hacking and non-authorized internal access. When users request to access video feeds, new authentication and authorization steps are in place to protect video data and privacy. By default, only secured media stream requests are accepted, ensuring the app or person making the request is authenticated to avoid any unauthorized requests. Token-based authentication is applied for authorizing and authenticating RTSP video requests, TLS encryption for securely transmitting these user authentication tokens, and RTSP over TLS for another level of video stream encryption while in transit.
Security Center 5.5 also offers users the ability to finely manage exported or saved content, such as video clips and snapshots, which facilitates modifications prior to sharing inside or outside an organization. Examples include the blurring and masking of snapshots to protect privacy, editing saved video clips to remove either sensitive or less valuable content and then re-exporting the final clips, adding new bookmarks to better qualify a recorded scene, and more. Sharing is made simpler by exporting video to the widely used MP4 format so as to leverage common off-the-shelf video players and eliminate the need for proprietary video players.
Security Center 5.5 also features new access control capabilities to improve organizational security, protect sensitive information, and increase customers’ choice of access control hardware.
Through the support of the latest firmware running on the Synergis™ Cloud Link appliance alongside Mercury Security controllers, organizations are able to extend the reach of their security platform with Allegion Schlage AD-300 Hardwired and AD-400 Wireless electronic locks. Organizations can also unify controller-based and electronic lock-based security systems in the process for a more inclusive approach to access control.
Security Center 5.5 introduces Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communications between Synergis Cloud Link appliances enabling global IO linking and global antipassback. Even when connectivity to the server is unavailable, Synergis Cloud Link appliances have the intelligence to share information across the network, like inputs triggering outputs across appliances and by extending the functionality of antipassback to areas managed by multiple appliances. This added flexibility enables users to move away from relying on constant connection to the server that improves overall security.
For greater protection of confidential and sensitive data, additional means of encrypting communications have been implemented between the Synergis Cloud Link appliance and the server along with numerous industry-leading Genetec access control hardware partners, including Mercury Security (EP controllers) and Assa Abloy (IP locks). The primary goal is to ensure secure communications throughout a customer’s entire access control infrastructure.
News
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA
GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”), together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.
Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.
The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.
Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”
Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.
News
Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner
Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.
In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.
DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”
Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.
News
The Maritime Standard Awards 2025 winners list showcases high levels of innovation and operational excellence across the maritime sector
The maritime sector’s leading awards event, The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025, has announced this year’s winners, honoring outstanding companies and industry leaders from across the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. The Awards showcased achievement and innovation in 25 categories covering shipping, logistics, ship repair, offshore services, marine technology and related sectors, as well as a series of special awards for individual achievement. The prestigious event took place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on October 29th, attracting over 1000 senior executives, decision-makers and industry leaders, from the region, and across the globe.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event recognised organisations and individuals for setting new standards in operational excellence and leadership in the sector amid significant shifts in the industry, including decarbonisation, digitalization, and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience. From clean-fuel projects and AI-powered port operations to international collaborations that boost trade efficiency, the 2025 Awards showcased the industry’s progress in turning goals into tangible outcomes.
The evening was hosted by Yalda Hakim, a renowned international correspondent and documentary filmmaker, whose engaging presence added distinction to the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics and Services, who shared valuable insights on the evolving maritime landscape and the UAE’s leadership in advancing sustainable and innovative practices across the sector.
Clive Woodbridge, Editor of The Maritime Standard and Chairman of the Judging Panel, stated, “This year’s competition was exceptionally tough, and we received an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable achievements and operational standards over the past year, which underlines the significant advances that continue to be made in the regional maritime sector.”
A rigorous assessment process was conducted as part of the award selections, and this was supervised by an independent panel of distinguished judges that included some of the most prominent names in the maritime industry.
Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, commented, “These Awards are not just about celebrating success, but also about encouraging excellence. This year’s event recognised innovative concepts, exciting new initiatives, and outstanding performance standards. As the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and digital port systems, with significant developments across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, events like The Maritime Standard Awards play a key role in reinforcing its position as a global leader in shipping and maritime.”
Reaction from the individual winners on the night of October 29th was highly appreciative. Captain Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Operations (Offshore Logistics), at ADNOC L&S, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award, added: “It was one of the greatest honours of my professional career to receive this Award. It really means a lot to me to have TMS recognise the years of dedication and hard work.”
Tony Dagher, the Founder and Managing Director of TMC Shipping Group was the recipient of the Young Person in Shipping and was similarly honoured. He said: “I have been fortunate to have had great support from many people during my journey in shipping, and to have a fantastic team around me now. This Award is as much for them as it is for me.
Over the past 12 years The Maritime Standard Awards has consolidated its standing as one of the most prominent annual gatherings within the global maritime calendar, gaining worldwide recognition for recognising excellence and promoting a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

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