16 Jan Future-proofing Security
As economic advancement and innovation quicken their pace across the Middle East, security professionals are rethinking their strategies to tackle future challenges related to corporate, community, and commercial safeguarding.
The security landscape in the Middle East is undergoing significant transformation, driven by progressive technology and unique regional challenges. As sectors such as construction, tourism, finance, and technology continue to expand, security stakeholders are compelled to adapt rapidly. This necessity spans a range of areas, from protecting substantial investments in hospitality and securing smart infrastructures to tackling cyber threats and reimagining community safety.
Security Middle East magazine has engaged industry leaders from the region to provide insights into various aspects of security: corporate and community investigations, hospitality security, commercial safety, access control advancements, integrated systems, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Their collective expertise indicates that collaboration, innovative practices, and tailored approaches will reshape the security framework in the Middle East for years to come.
Future of Corporate and Community Investigations
“Starting in 2026, investigations will no longer function as a subordinate aspect of corporate governance; they will be central to it,” says Sameeha Assayari, Security Middle East Ambassador and Senior Manager of Security Investigations at Red Sea Global. The Middle East is on the cusp of integrating digital intelligence, ethical accountability, and community involvement into a unified capability known as proactive investigative readiness. With initiatives like Vision 2030 driving this shift, organizations in Saudi Arabia are showing notable progress in executing transparent, value-based inquiries. The real game-changers will be investigators who can constructively question assumptions and elevate truth above hierarchy, enabling proactive, meaningful investigations that build trust and resilience across communities.
Tourism and Hospitality Security in the GCC
According to Tawfeeq Alsadoon, Security Middle East Ambassador and Group Head of Security at Red Sea Global, the future of tourism security will hinge on smart integration, sustainability, and collaboration. As ambitious projects reshape the region’s tourism sector, the function of security will evolve from a reactive compartment to a proactive catalyst for guest assurance and operational success. The infusion of advanced technologies, AI analytics, biometrics, and intelligent surveillance together with culturally informed human engagement will foster seamless and secure visitor experiences.
Commercial Security in KSA: A New Paradigm
Turki Almalki, Security Middle East Ambassador and Security Facilities & Vigilance Manager at Riyadh Air, notes that commercial security is moving towards a hybrid model that combines human oversight with advanced technology. Businesses are increasingly opting for long-term outsourcing agreements, collaborating with specialized providers that offer integrated security, monitoring, and cybersecurity solutions. This transformation enhances operational effectiveness and resilience, but necessitates strong governance and national workforce training to maintain high standards. The organizations that succeed will be those striking the right balance between technology, human resources, and policy to turn security into a vital component of trust and business continuity.
The Evolution of Access Control
“A notable trend emerging across industries is the deeper integration of access control systems,” shares Roshin Roy, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at Traka. Organizations increasingly yearn for a unified platform that allows seamless management of components. This move towards consolidated systems not only simplifies operations but also grants administrators improved visibility and control, especially when managing multiple sites. The era of disconnected systems is quickly fading, with future innovations focusing on creating fully integrated access control applications that reimagine how secure operations are managed.
Security 2026: A Look Ahead
As articulated by Chady Daccache, Partner at Kearney Middle East & Africa, by 2026, security will rely less on physical barriers and more on foresight, integration, and trust. The lines between physical and digital realms will blur, transforming security into a fluid battleground where technologies like drones and data analytics coexist. Concurrently, geopolitical shifts and evolving alliances will reshape security strategies as profoundly as technological advancements. The organizations striving for success will be those that meld intelligence, operations, and leadership into adaptive systems capable of handling both human judgment and algorithmic rigor.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Boguslawa Motylska, Security Middle East Ambassador and Founder of CPTED-UK, emphasizes the growing urgency of CPTED in urban landscapes strained by rapid urbanization, crime, and climate shifts. With mass migration putting pressure on urban infrastructure, security will forge ahead as a key pillar of urban projects prioritizing green ecosystems. The success of these strategies will require collaboration across disciplines, integrating social sciences with practical execution to develop safer, inclusive communities.
Cyberthreats to Monitor by 2026
Danny Jenkins, CEO and Co-Founder of Threat Locker, warns that generative AI will heighten the urgency around cybersecurity threats by 2026. The emergence of sophisticated malware made possible by AI tools could outpace traditional defenses, necessitating a complete reassessment of cybersecurity strategies, leading organizations toward the Zero Trust model that screen all code rigorously.
Transforming Event Security
Michael Tutte, Regional Security Manager at International SOS Middle East, remarks that the evolving complexity of threats requires event organizers to take a proactive approach to security planning. Today’s events cannot afford to treat security as an ancillary function; rather, they must integrate real-time intelligence and medical preparedness into their security protocols to navigate the growing landscape of risks effectively.
Cybersecurity Strategies in the UAE for 2026
Christopher Hills, Chief Security Strategist at BeyondTrust, notes a rapid expansion in the UAE’s cloud market, particularly with the rise in neocloud infrastructure. Companies are poised to enhance their digital experiences dramatically, driven by investments from key players like G42 and Microsoft. The ensuing competition will compel businesses to adopt innovative digital solutions and streamlined performance metrics to stay competitive.
AI’s role in Physical Security
According to Andrew Long, Security Middle East Ambassador and Principal Consultant at WSP, AI is revolutionizing physical security operations. Rather than being viewed solely as a cost burden, the deployment of AI tools enriches operational efficiency, enhances risk management, and facilitates sustained business continuity. Furthermore, the integration of drone technology for surveillance and incident response is expected to see widespread adoption, enhancing situational awareness across extensive or difficult terrains.
Future Prospects for Built-Environment Security
Craig Ross, Security Middle East Ambassador and Security Strategy & Design Associate Director at Diriyah Company, emphasizes that the future of built-environment security lies in AI-driven innovations. As urban environments grow in complexity, traditional systems will struggle unless they adapt. The challenge will be to maintain flexibility while developing predictive risk management systems that can recognize potential threats early and enhance responsiveness.
This feature appeared in issue 146 of Security Middle East magazine.
