Group 7 has agreed to open a facility management centre at Durrat Al Bahrain, which will provide state-of-the-art security for the $3 billion mega development under construction at the southern tip of the island.

The newly-formed building management systems firm, which is comprised of seven Finnish companies, is part of the Al Bader Group.
According to general manager Dr Ali Nazzal, both parties have endorsed a letter of intent, which will grant the consortium a 25-year operations licence. “The $50 million system will be installed in several phases, beginning this autumn,” he continues.
Dr Nazzal says in addition to facility management, Group 7 will provide a security guard network and an ATM full-service system.
“It will be the first system of its kind in the world,” he adds. “The technology we're intending, which has already been accepted by the Interior Ministry, is under EU regulations.”
Six of the firms, which are part of Group 7, include Instakon, Zilar Security, FinnSolar, Lifa Air, Lonix and Teknoware. The seventh Finnish company is set to join the group this summer. 
Instakon: Instakon, which was established in 1985, is an engineering and consulting company specialising in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical (HVACE) techniques.
Dr Nazzal says the the firm has experience in a number of areas, but more than half of the company’s turnover comes from HVACE consultancy and the design of intelligent homes, sports centres, underground parking lots, public shelters and tunnels.
About 30 per cent of the business is from the export market. The company formed a quality control system, which provides a network with other consultants to ensure the best possible result for the customer.
Instakon’s reference list includes more than 300 projects, the majority of which have been in the area of new construction.
Zilar Security: Zilar Security is a building security and personnel management system that seamlessly integrates access control, digital video recording, alarm monitoring, time and attendance into one system. The solution is web-based and enables remote monitoring of all the critical locations and conditions in a building (doors, stairs, elevators, motion, humidity, temperature and smoke) and remote controlling of doors, stairs, lighting and air conditioning.
Dr Nazzal says the company has created an expansive third-party network of security management modules that link together with its access control and time and attendance platform. Rather than buying a single proprietary solution, clients may integrate best-in-class products to create a security platform that delivers a range of choices, protects the user from obsolescence, and exceeds his requirements today and in the days to come.
“Zilar is a leading developer and distributor of integrated security and personnel management systems and services,” he continues. “It delivers a total security management system, which controls multi-site security and access control systems using standard TCP/IP network connections. Its multi-application solution includes access control, intruder alarm, time and attendance, video monitoring and special security applications.”
FinnSolar: FinnSolar manufactures, plans and markets solar energy systems tailored to special customer needs.
Dr Nazzal says some featured benefits of the thermal systems include a centralised control unit for energy calculations, alarms, pump controls and water circulation controls, cost-efficiency, short payback periods, minimal maintenance and practically free energy after the installation.
Another FinnSolar business field is photovoltaic systems for producing electricity, for example, lighting purposes. FinnSolar can deliver functioning and first-rate systems for any customers needing alternative electricity sources. Notable cost-savings are quaranteed.
Lifa Air: Lifa Air is part of Lifa Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Limited. The company slogan,  “Solutions for Indoor Air Quality” describes the range of its state-of-the-art products and systems.
The company has two main product lines: ventilation hygiene and building protection, says Dr Nazzal. Its customers include ventilation installation, maintenance and cleaning companies; renovation companies specialising in renovation after damages caused by moisture; microorganisms, fire and smoke; special cleaning companies; governmental organisations and institutions; city and municipal communities; hospitals; property and building owner and management companies.
The potential threat of biological or chemical attacks has increased,” says Dr Nazzal. Of particular concern are occupants in buildings equipped with HVAC systems. These systems can become an entry point and a distribution system for hazardous agents and other contaminants. Once contaminated air enters a building, the ventilation system can transport it rapidly to various parts of the building with serious consequences.
“Also airborne diseases, like SARS, have increased the need for an improved IAQ solution: like Lifa’s filters and other products,” he continues. “Because of SARS people have noticed that there is a direct connection with the air they inhale and their healthiness.”
Lonix: Lonix provides core technologies for intelligent building systems. Solutions involving forefront technologies bring comfortable, healthy and energy-efficient indoor conditions to all kinds of buildings, such as offices, commercial buildings, public properties and various residences.
Dr Nazzal says with Lonix solutions, it is never too hot or too cold.
“The air is always fresh. Security is strictly taken care of at all times. Convenient lighting to suit the occasion is there exactly when you need it,” he continues. “The whole solution reduces energy consumption and allows for significant savings.”
Lonix technologies provide the intelligence for controls of heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, consumption metering, leakage alarms, intruder alarms and fire alarms.
Dr Nazzal says access control and video monitoring are easy to integrate into the open solution.
“Integration allows different systems to work together seamlessly and to be controlled according to needs and situations," he adds. "The building operating system provides a common window to all building management and security systems through a standard interface.”
Teknoware: Teknoware began as a designer and manufacturer of fluorescent light inverters and today is a major global provider of interior lighting systems for vehicles.
Its products include a line of emergency luminaires and related electronic products with a foothold on the emergency lighting market. Continuous product development allows the company to maintain the technological superiority of its products.
Dr Nazzal says the firm also designs and manufactures electronic transformers (inverter, converter), which serve as voltage converters between the input voltage and light source, and that 70 per cent of its product line is exported.