Company takes cleaning to new heights as it overcomes harsh island conditions to clean skyscraper in record time

Dubai, UAE, September 3, 2012: GRAKO, the Middle East's leading high-level access cleaning specialist, has been awarded the contract to clean the façade of Abu Dhabi's newest skyscrapers, the Sun and Sky Towers. Located on the capital's Reem Island and developed and owned by Sorouh Real Estate PJSC, the 74-floor Sky Tower offers a mix of office and residential space.

Khidmah, the facilities management provider for the towers awarded GRAKO the contract for their commitment to quality, stringent health and safety standards, and established track record. Sun and Sky Towers are the newest addition to GRAKO's portfolio of prestigious clientele in the UAE. GRAKO will be performing the high-level cleaning of the façade at regular intervals throughout the year using rope access techniques.

The unique quasi-elliptical design of the Towers stands elegantly against the Reem Island skyline, overlooking the Shams Abu Dhabi residential and commercial community. The 312 meter 74 floor skyscraper was one of the first residential properties to become available on the highly desired island.

The most palpable challenge faced by GRAKO is Mother Nature itself. Seasonal wind conditions in Abu Dhabi can create extra challenges for cleaning high-rise towers. This makes daily planning and focused efforts a top priority to overcome this challenge.

"Health and Safety are not just peripheral concerns for us - the well-being of our technicians is central in choosing which cleaning technology we deploy, when and where," said Alain El Tawil, Managing Partner at GRAKO. "Efficiency, quality and safety are primary attributes amongst a host of others that have secured this contract with a property that has become a well recognised part of the Shams Abu Dhabi skyline."

A wind meter is used to gauge the wind's speed on daily basis to assist with the decision making and daily planning process that's focused on meeting all deadlines.  GRAKO is also keenly aware that facilities management staff are only truly successful when they are neither seen nor heard, so the tenants can get on with their daily activities without distractions. Hence, GRAKO's planning team coordinate with Khidmah in advance to schedule a cleaning programme that does not interfere with the tenants' comfort.  The high-level rope access cleaning method also lends itself to being non-invasive by minimizing the observable footprint at the ground level of the towers.

"GRAKO have been our preferred high-level access cleaning service provider at Khidmah, and we are confident of their high quality standards. We are certain that with their level of expertise and dedication, the Towers will continue to shine as a beacon of excellence on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island," said Brian Murphy, Khidmah Services Manager for Sun and Sky Towers.

GRAKO continues to take performance cleaning to new heights by customizing cost-effective solutions delivered safely and in complete transparency.  . GRAKO holds a number of international certifications including ISO 14001 and 9001; as well as IRATA (International Industrial Rope Access) via its rope access division Gecko Middle East. . All of which ensure the highest levels of quality, safety and environmental considerations. .

GRAKO is responsible for keeping some of the UAE's most prestigious properties and landmarks shining, including architectural marvels, popular shopping malls and hotels. The company is also the proud winner of the 'Cleaning Company of the Year 2011' at the Middle East FM Awards - which are held in the UAE - for its outstanding achievements and level of commitment as a high-level cleaning service provider.

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About GRAKO
GRAKO is the Middle East's leading cleaning company and is based in Dubai, UAE. The company specializes in high-level access cleaning solutions for both internal high-access and external building surfaces. GRAKO focuses its expertise on providing various industries with customized solutions to access and clean hard to reach surfaces of any property, including residential, commercial, government,  public  and Industrial.

GRAKO provides dedicated and certified professionals, trained to the highest global standards. Gecko Middle East, owned by GRAKO is the rope-access division of the company and is a full member of IRATA (International Industrial Rope Access Trade Association). GRAKO is a trusted partner to more than 80 clients in the UAE, including prestigious estates and world-renowned projects. For more information visit: www.grakonet.com

Media Contacts
Amber Dale
amber@chatterboxpre.com
+971 50 795 2652

© Press Release 2012