UAE’s First Self Storage Facility Opens in Dubai

Dhs 3.5 million facility equipped with state of the art high tech security systems in partnership with Sony, Japan and Toye Corporation, USA; to reach capacity within six months and expansion plans already underway

Dubai – April 25th 2005: Sentinel Storage LLC, the first modern self storage facility in the UAE, has recently opened its first facility in the Al Quoz industrial area in Dubai. The twenty thousand square foot warehouse is designed to accommodate both business and home users looking for effective and safe self storage solutions.

“We have designed a unique self storage facility that offers self storage customers much needed extra space to use as an extension of their businesses and homes,” said Prajit Arora, Managing Partner of Sentinel Storage. “The company targets a variety of self storage customers from all sectors, ranging from businesses that require storage for their commercial operations, to individuals who do not have sufficient space in their homes for personal belongings.”

A significant part of the Dhs 3.5 million investment has gone towards state of the art security systems. Sister company, Sentinel Security LLC, supplied and installed an IP surveillance system from Sony, Japan and a networked access control system with proximity card technology from Toye Corporation, USA.

“These systems are an integral part of our service offering and give our self storage customers peace of mind that their belongings are safe and secure, as well as allowing 24 hour access,” commented Arora.

The range of services offered extends beyond simply self-storage, and Sentinel Storage LLC offers its self storage customers packaging materials, local transportation, inventory control, and freight solutions in conjunction with industry partners.

According to Arora, “the company has focused on filling a gap in the market, and provides self storage customers with services that were not previously available in the sector.”

The company predicts that the current facility, which can accommodate 180 clients, will reach capacity within the first six months of operation, and is already looking for locations to expand in Dubai.

When asked how the facility and service offered is different from storage and warehousing already offered by existing companies, Mr. Arora replied, “The key points are that our facility is easily accessible, secure, temperature controlled, and self storage customers can choose a unit size that suits their requirements on a monthly basis. If storage needs were being met then we would not see office conference rooms cluttered with demo equipment and samples, nor would we see suitcases and boxes on top of wardrobes and under beds.”

The current trend in the property sector, given rising costs, is that developers squeeze as many apartments and offices as possible into a building resulting in less space for tenants. Self storage is an industry with a proven track record in the US and in Europe, and it is inevitable that the same will be the case in this region over the coming years.