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Innovation drives us to more successes
Airport Rescue Firefighting Vehicle (ARFF)

Ahmed Khalid Al Khatib and Ali Khalid Al Khatib, Executive Directors for NAFFCO, say their company is leading from the front in terms of fire safety standards

By Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri

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Published: Wed 28 Dec 2016, 2:48 PM

Last updated: Thu 29 Dec 2016, 4:54 PM

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Ahmed Khalid Al Khatib and Ali Khalid Al Khatib, Executive Directors for NAFFCO, were of the view that their company is leading from the front in terms of fire safety standards, and innovation is the defining factor. 
The scions of Khalid Al Khatib, CEO of NAFFCO, proudly say that their headquarters in Dubai puts them at the centrestage of businesses. They have state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities for a complete range of products, which comply with local and international safety and security standards. 
Ahmed and Ali said that NAFFCO enjoys certification and approvals from a host of international bodies, as well as tie-ups with global suppliers. The group's proficiency in stock availability, spare parts provision, easy and accessible sales points, customer service and technical support is exemplary. 
Ahmed said, "We started with 15 people in 1991, and today we have a workforce of more than 12,000 employees, and around 500 engineers. Designing, planning and innovation is our prime concern. With more than four million square feet of manufacturing facility in JAFZA, we come up with the best firefighting solutions."
Ali says that NAFFCO has factories in the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He said that NAFFCO provides solutions and products to more than 100 countries, and is second to none. 
"We have led from the front in evolving and developing firefighting as a crucial component in development and safety standards. This is why many of the iconic buildings as well as industrial and commercial units are protected by NAFFCO," Ali added.
He said that NAFFCO looks ahead for a boost in sales and expansion. He pointed out that NAFFCO is physically present in five new countries: Bahrain. India, Bangladesh, Oman and Indonesia. "We provide sales support as well as technical support to our clients."
Ali and Ahmed underscored the fact that NAFFCO thrust is on engineering, operational support and installation. 
When asked why businesses and individuals should look at NAFFCO for firefighting solutions, Ali said NAFFCO comes with total solutions that range from design, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of firefighting equipments and security systems. He illustrated that NAFFCO is proud to provide firefighting vehicles from Japan to Latin America. NAFFCO's Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles are some of its pride products. 
Ahmed says that being a free trade zone, JAFZA has helped NAFFCO grow from strength to strength. Moreover, the strategic edge that Dubai enjoys has provided it with the added impetus for growth and mobility. 
To a question about price and reliability, Ali said, "We stress on product's durability and reliability. We are not aiming to have a low market price, our aim is to have the top quality product. Once the price becomes a manufacturers concern quality will drop, and NAFFCO will never accept a single downgrade in its quality products to increase its profits." 
Ali and Ahmed were of the view that NAFFCO's stress is on Smart Solutions, keeping in sight the UAE's eagerness and policy to opt for Smart Cities. They said NAFFCO believes in investing in the future, and research and development is essential in the long run. 
"We do not want to limit it. We believe in finding new solutions and state-of-the-art production."
About safety standards, Ahmed said firefighting is an essential requirement in our lives, so there can't be any compromise on it. 
To a question on regulations in the firefighting industry and the successes attained by NAFFCO, Ahmed was all praise for the visionary approach of the UAE leadership in this sector. He went on to say that his company complies with the safety regulations of the UAE, and endeavours to raise the benchmark in safety concerns with the help of new technology. "We are always in pursuit of latest know-how and technological advances to make our products the best in the world".
- mehkri@khaleejtimes.com


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