Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The Middle East market for security, safety, and fire protection is on track for double-digit growth over the next four years, as regional governments and the private sector look for improved technologies to better protect assets, people, businesses, and borders.

Led by UAE and Saudi Arabia, the regional countries are making rapid strides to upgrade infrastructure and secure their countries, with research from analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S) highlighting the tremendous potential that remains to be unlocked in the region.

Research firm 6W Research forecast the Middle East’s commercial security market will grow 16 per cent a year until 2025 to reach US$8.4 billion, while the region’s fire and safety sector will advance 7.5 per cent annually to reach $16.76b by 2026.

Ali Ayoub, who was instrumental in organising the renowned World Police Summit of Dubai Police in Dubai last year, touched upon how tech-enabled policing and a whole-of-society approach characterise the UAE’s competitiveness in national security.

Ali Ayoub.

Ali’s first-hand experience is owed to his time in NAFFCO, Intersec, and Messe Frankfurt ME, among other companies in the event management and security industries. “There are a few key pillars — fire and rescue, policing, administrative security, and cybersecurity — under the national security umbrella. Today, foolproof national security requires the effective integration of related people, processes and technologies.”

“Events such as the World Police Summit, as ideal avenues for R&D collaborations, knowledge flows and transnational partnerships, are consequential in that regard,” opined Ali.

Channelling his extensive industry experience, Ali is currently setting the stage for the Abu Dhabi edition of one of the most important national security events in the world. The event, scheduled to be held in 2024, is expected to draw security experts and regional stakeholders in droves.