28 Aug Genetec Expands Strategic Focus in Saudi Arabia
In an insightful discussion with Security Middle East magazine, Mohamad Saad, the Country Manager for Genetec, elaborates on the company’s enhanced commitment to the rapidly changing security landscape in Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East is undergoing a significant transformation driven by digital innovation and ambitious national projects. In this environment, advanced security measures are vital for ensuring the safety and integrity of both urban and industrial settings.
Saad outlines Genetec’s roadmap for contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 while navigating the complexities of physical and cybersecurity. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the company aims to future-proof its security infrastructures in a region on the brink of substantial expansion.
Deepening Commitment to Saudi Arabia
Can you share how Genetec is solidifying its presence in the Saudi market?
With nearly a decade of experience operating within Saudi Arabia, Genetec has invested significantly in local talent, infrastructure, and partnerships. Our understanding of the local market is comprehensive; thus, we have established a dedicated in-country team that offers specialized technical support and consulting services tailored to the Kingdom’s unique security requirements.
Moreover, we have reinforced partnerships with local channel partners to ensure effective scaling and localized service. Over the next five years, we anticipate expanding our footprint through collaborative efforts in national-scale projects tied to Vision 2030, focusing particularly on sectors such as transportation, public safety, and critical infrastructure—areas where unified security and data intelligence are paramount. Part of our plans also includes investing in local training programs and innovation hubs to better align with workforce development initiatives within the Kingdom.
Innovative Technology Supporting Digital Transformation
How is Genetec’s technology contributing to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey?
Genetec is integral to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation by providing unified security platforms that seamlessly integrate video surveillance, access control, and advanced analytics. Our open-architecture solutions facilitate easy integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, positioning them perfectly for smart city initiatives.
Our systems have been implemented in both commercial zones and critical infrastructure across the Kingdom, thus ensuring that they are equipped for the future. For instance, we’re collaborating with public sector entities to develop traffic monitoring systems that combine video analytics with license plate recognition to enhance urban mobility. This enables organizations to make timely, data-driven decisions by leveraging AI-powered dashboards, providing not just security but also deep operational insights that drive digital efficiency.
Supporting Vision 2030 Through Comprehensive Solutions
In what ways do Genetec’s security solutions align with the key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030?
Genetec’s security solutions resonate deeply with the foundational pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, extending beyond traditional surveillance practices. Our platforms offer enhanced public safety through comprehensive situational awareness and facilitate smart mobility by optimizing traffic flow and incident response in real-time.
In emerging sectors, we aim to enhance operational efficiency by integrating physical security data with business processes, promoting predictive maintenance and risk management. For example, in critical infrastructure and developing industrial areas, Genetec enables centralized monitoring and collaborative data-sharing among stakeholders, fostering enhanced responsiveness and regulatory compliance.
Collaborative Strategies with Government and Private Sectors
What collaborative initiatives is Genetec pursuing with government agencies and private industry partners?
Collaboration stands at the core of Genetec’s strategy in Saudi Arabia. We closely collaborate with government agencies, law enforcement, and key operators in critical infrastructure to co-design security frameworks that align with national priorities.
Our partnerships with industry leaders in sectors like oil and gas, logistics, and real estate have facilitated the implementation of scalable, intelligent security ecosystems. These strategic alliances not only ensure localized relevance and quicker deployment but also enhance our capacity for innovation within the Kingdom. By aligning our solutions with Saudi Arabia’s digital and security objectives, we contribute toward building a safer, more resilient, and technologically adept nation.
Current Trends Shaping the Security Sector in the Middle East
What major trends are influencing the physical and converged security sector across the Middle East?
Currently, the physical security sector in the Middle East is evolving into a phase of strategic maturity. Organizations are shifting their focus from merely adopting the latest technologies to maximizing the potential of existing infrastructures while introducing innovations in practical, results-oriented ways. Hybrid deployments that combine on-premises, cloud, and edge solutions are increasingly common, allowing for cost-effective modernization without discarding previous investments.
AI represents a critical trend, with nearly half of professionals in the industry considering its implementation imminently. However, the key to successful deployments lies in addressing real-world operational challenges using responsible, interpretable AI that enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it.
Additionally, data privacy and compliance issues have emerged as vital concerns, especially with growing regulatory pressures and the financial ramifications of security breaches. Our research highlights a rising demand for scalable, secure solutions that deliver verifiable outcomes. Furthermore, integrated tools that serve diverse functions—encompassing IT, facilities management, and human resources—are poised to define the future of smart, converged security.
The Critical Nature of Converged Security
How mature is the convergence of physical and cybersecurity in the Middle East?
The integration of physical and cybersecurity has become essential rather than optional. In the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, there is an increasing awareness of this convergence, but the level of maturity varies significantly across organizations. Many still operate under the misconception that physical and cyber systems can exist in isolation, despite the fact that any IP-enabled device, from surveillance cameras to access control systems, can represent a vulnerability.
At Genetec, we prioritize cybersecurity in the design of our solutions. Our dedicated cybersecurity team keeps a vigilant watch over industry threats, applying best practices and making necessary adjustments quickly. As regional organizations transition to more interconnected, IoT-centric security frameworks, it’s vital that they adopt a unified strategy, treating all aspects of security—especially access control—with the same diligence as surveillance, while adhering to global cybersecurity standards.
