NGS and Al Thuraya Consultancy are both well respected providers of travel security services. Specializing in point-of-incident response, medical/security emergencies and evacuations, they have partnered up to offer a robust package for their clients. As the football world turns its attention to the 2018 World Cup, thousands of international travelers are descending into 11 Russian cities. With expertise from these two companies, along with Al Thuraya Consultancy’s sister intelligence company ICESERVE24, we have created a list of recommendations for fans to consider before the football begins.

London, UK -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/15/2018 -- Security Advice

Tips before you travel:

- A visa for Russia is not required for visitors who obtained a FanID (http://www.fan-id.ru/ and http://www.welcome2018.com)

- FanID holders are permitted to stay in Russia from June 4 to July 25, 2018

- Visitors should have a valid passport for a minimum period of six months after the expiry date of their visa or FanID

- Upon arrival, visitors should sign an electronically produced migration card at passport control

- Visitors should keep the signed migration card as it should be presented to passport control upon exiting Russia

Mandatory requirements after arrival in Russia:

- Visitors should register in every host city visited within 24 hours of arrival. Registration can be done by hotels or guest houses; however, it is the responsibility of the visitor to ensure this process is completed.

- Visitors are advised to carry their passport and all accompanying relevant information on themselves at all times, as Russian police have the authority to carry out random identification checks

- Arrive early to matches to allow enough time for bag searches, screening areas and delayed traffic

- Expect additional wait time to clear security checks and passport control at airports, and security checks at railway stations and border crossings

Personal security advice:

- Trust your instincts and pay attention to abnormal changes in people's behaviours and the environment surrounding them

- Maintain heightened situational awareness and exercise caution and discretion in public places

- Establish baselines of the "normal" environment and be prepared to run or hide in the event of a threat

- Remain attentive to increases in security presence and/or activities in crowded areas

- Only eat and drink at respected establishments; avoid accepting drinks, food or drugs from strangers

- Implement a "buddy system" with other members of your travel group, including periodic check-ins

- Beware of using local mobile phone networks, wifi or communal hotspots due to the risk of cyber compromise by intelligence services. Even people who believe they are not important remain vulnerable to hackers.

Behavioural awareness considerations:

- Avoid engaging in political, religious or cultural debates, including topics about the Syrian civil war, Ukraine, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights and Russian geopolitical affairs; also, avoid acting in a manner that attracts suspicions or heightened response from security forces. Police are more likely to arrest for minor offences.

- Maintain a low profile and avoid clothing with flags, regalia, insignia or local football club jerseys

- Cooperate with security forces in the event of identification checks

Cultural and social awareness:

- Russia is well known for vodka and "samohonka", the home-distilled alcohol. Beware of the home-made bottles and try to stick to officially labels of alcohol. If you want to control your level of alcohol, do not leave your glass empty. In Russia, this is considered a call for a refill.

- Never accept friendly invitations to bars by locals, drugging and robbing travellers have been reported repeatedly.

- Despite many Russian girls being undoubtedly pretty, a dating service or an interest of a local girl towards a stranger might be a sign of fraud or blackmailing later. Stay polite, friendly, your actions could have consequences.

- Beware of scamming. Foreigners are often dragged into street lost-cash situation or they are requested a polite service like watching a bag for a while. These might end up in stealing money, hassle, or police involved. Politely deny, walk away, keep occupied with your own business and do not get distracted.

- Tap water is not recommended for drinking, yet bottled mineral waters are easy to access.

- Do not change money by street vendors, use banks, hotels or official kiosks. Payments by USD or EUR in cash are not allowed.

- Although smiling at strangers is considered a polite thing in some countries, in Russia the saying goes "smiling without a reason is a sign of a fool". Which is why Russians keep smiles for being with friends, relatives and generally for "important things".

If you or your employees of close relatives or friends are facing questions, doubts about the country security landscape, travel security issues, training and awareness on how to best deal with a major or "mass" security event, do not hesitate to approach our Global Security and Operations Center at ICESERVE24.

To get the full version of ICESERVE24's recommendations, including recommendations in the event of violence, civil unrest or terrorist attacks, as well as cyber security recommendations, contact us at info@iceserve24.com.

Further Services Available:

- Al Thuraya Consultancy clients have Global Security and Operations Center support available 24/7 by calling +421 44 563 0987.

- To receive time updates on incidents happening to your proximity, download ICEALERTS App on iTunes or Google Play

- To have your movements monitored 24/7 by Global Security and Operations Center, download ICETRACK app on iTunes or Google Play

- For additional information and advice, including a detailed 50-page white paper by Activity Based Intelligence unit on 2018 Russia World Cup, email info@iceserve24.com.

For more information visit:
http://www.althurayainc.com
http://www.northcottglobalsolutions.com
http://www.iceserve24.com

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Al Thuraya Holdings today announced that one of its companies, Al Thuraya Consultancy LLC of Egypt, has appointed Ms. Nahed Sakr a Partner of Al Thuraya Consultancy LLC Egypt. At the same time, she was appointed a Global HR Director position for the group of companies under Al Thuraya brand.

Cairo, Egypt -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/16/2018 -- Nahed comes to Al Thuraya with extensive experience spanning over 25 years in a variety of positions in international non-governmental organizations, the oil and gas and the export and import industry. Her new responsibilities in Al Thuraya include leading a multidisciplinary team that provides support and external counsel on complex risks facing multinational companies working with the Al Thuraya Holdings. Areas of support include human resources, business intelligence and analysis, information security and crisis management advice.

Michael J. Padilla Pagan Payano, Global Chief Executive, Al Thuraya Holdings, said:

"The appointment of Nahed Sakr to the role of Global HR director and a partner of Al Thuraya Consultancy LLC Egypt demonstrates the importance of Egypt to the development of our global business. Nahed's knowledge and extensive experience of working within the global oil and gas industry will be invaluable as we look to grow our practice.

Nahed Sakr, Global HR director and a partner at Al Thuraya Consultancy LLC, Egypt, said:

"I am honored to be the first female partner of Al Thuraya Consultancy LLC, Egypt and to take a role in a globally growing company in its overall HR policies. I look forward to working with my talented colleagues around the world to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality advice wherever they may be located."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

By this acquisition, the holding is strengthening its position on the British market in order to support UK based companies who have a presence in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Nicosia, Cyprus -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/28/2018 -- Al Thuraya Holdings has recently acquired UK security company Ejsmont Security, LTD.

The transaction brings together its new UK office with the brand of Al Thuraya Holdings, under the consolidation of its companies. The acquisition allows clients to rely on a single partner and project experience that spans the globe. With a global offices and resources, next generation technology platforms and local, in-depth market expertise, group of companies under Al Thuraya brand deliver tailored, cost-effective solutions to support rapidly changing and emerging client needs. Currently, holdings' companies operate in over 35 countries in some of the world's most challenging and well as calm environments.

About Al Thuraya Holdings
Al Thuraya Holdings is a holding company that gives resources, freedom, and focus to ambitious projects to come to fruition. Al Thuraya Holdings companies represent industries like Construction, Media, Energy, Transportation, Water, Cyber Solutions, Environment & Infrastructure, Homeland, Logistics and Security.

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Nicosia, Cyprus -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/22/2015 -- Al Thuraya Holdings (http://www.althurayaholdings.com) and EventPro Slovakia s.r.o. (http://www.eventpro.sk) announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Al Thuraya Holdings will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of EventPro. The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

Marianna Padilla-Pagan, Vice president of Al Thuraya Holdings, said: "EventPro has a rich history, a commitment to event planning and media, and a dedication to informing and being active member in the communities it serves. Our merger will combine the best of each of our organizations to create a value to our customer base as well as it will strengthen our position in the Eastern Europe. The merger will develop an investor-focused company which will provide substantial value to the shareholders of both companies. This transaction is an excellent first step in the industry consolidation strategy we have communicated to our shareholders and is a good example of the value-creating opportunities we believe are available."

"We would also like to welcome the outstanding leadership, sales staff and employees of EventPro to the Al Thuraya Holdings family. Our combined company will be an industry leader, dedicated to the local communities we serve, committed to generating value for shareholders and empowering communities to connect, act and thrive," Marianna concluded.

"This transaction marks a critical next step in the transformation of our industry as we build local media and event brands that matter at a time when operational scale is a competitive advantage," said Martina Kaliska, president and chief executive officer of EventPro. "Both EventPro and the entire Al Thuraya Holdings group companies are guided by a vision of strengthening lives and communities, and we'll be better stewards in our local markets by sharing ideas, content and best practices among our new and larger family."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nicosia, Cyprus -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/12/2015 -- With grand opening of the Suez Canal Expansion Project, Al Thuraya Holdings has listed via its Subsidiary Al Thuraya Consultancy has yet another successful security risk mitigation mission done in its history. And the company has evolved since the project beginning too.

It was in mid-January this year, when Al Thuraya Holdings (ATH) announced that its subsidiary company Al Thuraya Consultancy was awarded a contract on security services at the project for several multinational companies working on dredging the new lane in Suez Canal, expanding this vital lifeline of global economy to its double capacity. Half a year later, the final jobs are done, new lane is open and ATC is moving forwards.

"It is a high-profile construction project. Our client was concerned about a variety of risks ranging from terrorism through organized crime to conventional criminality and was keen to incorporate defenses against such problems into the project design. Our assessment commenced with a detailed examination of the threats to the project emanating both from the general environment in the Egypt and surrounding region and from the specific nature of the project itself," says Lubomir Cech, Director of Consulting Services at the Al Thuraya Consultancy.

ATC's requirement was to coordinate and integrate the security operations of national and local security agencies. A comprehensive gap analysis to determine the capabilities and functional requirements to support the security master plan was undertaken. A strategic master-plan was developed that addressed the formation of a dedicated security force which ATC provided as well as the command and control requirements which was handled by ATC's subsidiary, ICESERVE24. This paved the way for the security forces to prepare the expansion of the Suez Canal lane.

Subsequent phases of the project included site security surveys, security design recommendations of security-based architectural designs of the project and the development, implementation and stress-testing of best practice security and crisis management protocols for the project. This involved producing the functional and key technical specifications. Throughout this complex task, sound project management processes and practices were implemented that ensured the clients were constantly aware of all developments in their projects. Risk and issues were identified in a timely manner and addressed using appropriate mitigation strategies.

To make this all work in real life and not just the paper, big projects require big thinking. And big opportunities to implement new technologies and systems into place. "We grabbed the opportunity and fully implemented the instant information updates by our mobile application, introduced new journey management software, new HSE policy and many other tools that will our existing and potential customers benefit from now and in the future. So to evaluate – we made a big step forwards, feel confident at what we do and we are ready for the challenges to come," summarizes Lubomir Cech.

About Al Thuraya Holdings
Al Thuraya Holdings is a privately held holding company for Management, Investment and Acquisition. Its core investments focus on following areas: Risk Mitigation (Security risk Management, Security Consulting, Operational Security Services, and Security Design.), Intelligence (Identity Intelligence, Counterintelligence Operations Support, HUMINT Operations Support, Ant-Terrorism, Diplomatic Security Support, and Consultancy and Policy Development), C5ISR Solutions Command, Control, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Signal Intercept, Electronic Intelligence, Communications Intelligence, Geospatial Intelligence, Threat Warning Systems and Countermeasures, Communications Reconnaissance) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, UAV, military, humanitarian, NGO, Safety and Police).

Visit us at http://www.althurayaholdings.com

About Al Thuraya Consultancy Inc.
With operations in more than 100 countries, Al Thuraya Consultancy Inc. is known as the leading regional provider of risk mitigation and security solutions in austere and complex environments across the Middle East and North Africa. ATC offers customized, comprehensive solutions to support government agencies, multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations. Services include support of clients by providing strategic consultancy, expert analysis, highly skilled protection solutions and in-depth investigations through to handling sensitive political issues and providing practical on the ground protection and support.

Visit us at http://www.althurayainc.com

ICESERVE24 delivers actual ground truth and actionable intelligence obtainable only from front line sources. We are a virtual HUMINT source who filters, analyze and reports only on information that can impact our client's decision making. We specialize in actionable, real-time/near-time geopolitical and business information and analysis. Our international coverage includes reports on political developments, ethics tensions, kidnapping incidents, and other incidents and activities that may affect operational and travel security. Our success on over 1500 projects in nearly 120 countries is a result of unique assets we have developed.

Visit us at http://www.iceserve24.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Nicosia, Cyprus -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/19/2015 -- A consortium consisting of subsidiary companies of the Al Thuraya Consultancy Holding (Al Thuraya Consultancy Inc, Al Thuraya Security Services Egypt and ICESERVE24 s.r.o) has acquired a contract to perform security operations and risk mitigation services for several multinational firms who will be operating in the Suez Canal Expansion Project.

The 'new' Suez Canal will partially run in parallel to the current waterway and entails widening and deepening of existing parts thereof. The contract includes the construction of the parallel section of the canal with a length of approximately 50 kilometers to allow ships to simultaneously transit in two directions as well as the widening and deepening of a number of existing sections to a depth of 24 meters. The majority of the dredging activities for the canal expansion will be executed with 17 cutter suction dredgers. The project has commenced in 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2015.

"It is a significant project on the global map and providing security and risk mitigation services on a construction site of this size requires a full onset of all involved", says Michael Padilla Pagan Payano, chairman of the Al Thuraya Consultancy. Security and risk mitigation services include risk analyses and reports, providing real-time information, assessments of threats and limitations, advisory on actions and assistance of providing security on-site, which is a 24/7 job.

About Al Thuraya Consultancy Cyprus Limited
a privately held Holding for Management, Investment and Acquisition. Its core investments focus on following areas: Risk Mitigation (Security risk Management, Security Consulting, Operational Security Services, and Security Design.), Intelligence (Identity Intelligence, Counterintelligence Operations Support, HUMINT Operations Support, Ant-Terrorism, Diplomatic Security Support, and Consultancy and Policy Development), C5ISR Solutions Command, Control, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance ( Signal Intercept, Electronic Intelligence, Communications Intelligence, Geospatial Intelligence, Threat Warning Systems and Countermeasures, Communications Reconnaissance) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, UAV, military, humanitarian, NGO, Safety and Police).

Visit us at http://www.althurayaholdings.com

Al Thuraya Consultancy Inc.
Operations in more than 100 countries, Al Thuraya Consultancy Inc. is known as the leading regional provider of risk mitigation and security solutions in austere and complex environments across the Middle East, Africa and Baltic Countries. ATC offers customized, comprehensive solutions to support government agencies, multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations in environments across the Middle East, Africa and Baltic Countries. Services include support of clients by providing strategic consultancy, expert analysis, highly skilled protection solutions and in-depth investigations through to handling sensitive political issues and providing practical on the ground protection and support.

Visit us at http://www.althurayainc.com

ICESERVE24
Delivers actual ground truth and actionable intelligence obtainable only from front line sources. We are a virtual HUMINT source who filters, analyze and reports only on information that can impact our client's decision making. We specialize in actionable, real-time/near-time geopolitical and business information and analysis. Our international coverage includes reports on political developments, ethics tensions, kidnapping incidents, and other incidents and activities that may affect operational and travel security. Our success on over 1500 projects in nearly 120 countries is a result of unique assets we have developed.

Visit us at http://www.iceserve24.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm