10 Jun Navigating Security Challenges for Mega Events: Insights from the Security Middle East Conference
in News
During the recent Security Middle East Conference, a vibrant panel discussion illuminated the pressing security challenges and strategic planning necessary for executing mega events in the region. Craig Ross, an Associate Director of Safety and Security at Diriyah Company, opened the conversation by outlining an ambitious plan to significantly increase the number of events held across the Middle East. He also acknowledged the myriad risks that security professionals grapple with daily.
Positive Progress and Strategic Vision
Regina Dagueva from the Committee of Qatar expressed her excitement about the rising number of events in the Middle East. She remarked, “In my personal opinion, it’s great that the Middle East is seeing so many events these days.” Regina highlighted that successful events often rely on foundational principles, including a robust strategy and a clear vision. She underscored the importance of creating positive legacies through these gatherings, emphasizing that training and regular exercises are crucial for ensuring seamless operations. “It’s easy to feel fully prepared, but when the event actually takes place, unexpected issues can arise,” she noted, advocating for ongoing practice as essential for readiness.
Importance of Planning and Role Clarity
Planning emerged as a critical theme in Regina’s talk. She pointed to the necessity of a multi-layered governance approach during the planning phase. “Everyone involved should exit the planning stage with confidence in their specific roles and responsibilities,” she explained. Regina also stressed the need for establishing command centers during events, insisting that alignment among all teams is vital for operational success.
The Role of Technology in Security Operations
Shifting the focus to everyday security, Mohamad Saad, who serves as the Country Director for KSA at Genetec, highlighted the significance of effectively managing security operations. He emphasized the integration of security information systems, advocating for a cohesive approach that combines various components into a single, comprehensive security program. “Everyone is focusing on unification. But what comes next? We anticipate welcoming over 15 million residents and visitors—just imagine the flow of data. This is where intelligent systems become indispensable for our operations,” he remarked, illustrating the critical role of technology in modern security management.
Valuable Lessons and Perspectives
While the Security Middle East Conference itself may not have reached the scale of a mega event, the insights shared during the panel shed light on the complexities and preparations necessary to secure large-scale gatherings. A special thanks was extended to the esteemed panelists: Ahmed E Alshammari, a Security Operations Expert, along with Regina Dagueva, Mohamad Saad, and Craig Ross, for their invaluable contributions and perspectives.
For those interested in exploring the full discussion, it is available online: [Mega Event Security: Panel Discussion | Security Middle East Conference 2025 – YouTube](#).
