Security firms set to discuss problems facing the sector

JEDDAH — There are more than 465 security companies in the Kingdom that employ some 180,000 people, Al-Watan daily reported on Wednesday quoting an industry source. Mohammed Adeeb Qutub, deputy chairman of the committee on security guards at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said as many as 72,000 of the guards, representing about 40 percent, are in Jeddah. He said the sector, which employs only Saudi nationals, is growing fast and has contributed tremendously to reducing unemployment in the Kingdom. Qutub said malls, shopping centers, companies, housing camps and many other facilities use the services of security guards. He said the JCCI is organizing a conference of security companies on Tuesday to discuss various issues facing the sector with a view to further developing it. Qutub said in addition to the security companies and JCCI officials, the conference will be attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), the police and other concerned bodies.