PAUL JOY

Before making the move to the Middle East in 2010 Paul was a Senior Projects Manager and Venue Manager at Showsec International since 1995 working his way up through the ranks from a safety stewarding role right the way through to Senior Projects and Venue Manager involved with high profile events such as Creamfields, V Festival, Rockness, Download festival, and The European MTV Awards.

Paul was also Head of Security at the Manchester Arena since 1995 through to 2010 with a capacity of 21,000. The Arena was the world’s busiest venue from 2003 – 2007 with over 1.5 million visitors annually.

Paul came to the Middle East with the job role and title of Events Security Manager at Yas Marina Circuit in 2010 – 2012 which included the management of three Grand Prix events working with all the government agencies including the Abu Dhabi Events Security Committee, third party suppliers and also international stakeholders. After his time at the Circuit Paul was the co-founder of GES (Gulf Event Solutions) with his now Business partner Grant Armstrong.

GES have been working with most of the main promoters here in the UAE since their inception and grow from strength to strength through hard work and a love for the music and events industry.

Both Paul and Grant are also qualified trainers and deliver training packages in many skillsets to those who need them. In the past they have worked with the military at the Zayed Military Camp and private company organizations delivering bespoke training courses to suit the needs of employees and employers alike. GES have also been the Safety and Security consultants to the new Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain since June 2013 delivering safety documentation, including evacuation plans and staffing plans for event days. GES also work hand in hand with the stadiums security suppliers by supplying match day management to direct, assist and aid the third party security suppliers in their delivery.