G4S plc
G4S plc
09/30/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Middle East cements reputation as leader in cutting-edge security technologies
Drones and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled security devices are two cutting-edge technologies that will have a higher use in the Middle East than any other region, cementing its reputation as a global leader in this field.
Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled security devices and sensors is the top cutting-edge security technology classified as crucial for operations over the next two years across the region at 48% (40% global average). Meanwhile, drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will be used by 36% (26% global average).
These are key findings from the World Security Report, commissioned by Allied Universal®, the world's leading security and facility services provider and its international business, G4S.
2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) in 31 countries at medium and large, global companies with total revenue exceeding $25 trillion took part in the research. 232 security chiefs from the Middle East were surveyed who are based in Egypt, Jordan, KSA and UAE. The report also incorporates the crucial perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets.
AI is gaining traction across the region with AI-powered video surveillance and analytics, and AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security, featuring highly among the top cutting-edge security technologies companies will invest in over the next two years.
Looking specifically at autonomous AI (takes direct action with minimal human input), which is the most sophisticated kind, use is highest within incident response and emergency management (23%). Drilling down further, prevalence of this kind of AI for this type of scenario is highest across the region in Jordan and the UAE at 26% respectively.
"Preparedness and a focus on innovation are the standout features of corporate security in the Middle East, underpinned by a striving culture that emphasises continual improvement.
"It's equally pleasing to see that security leaders in the region recognise the importance of people and understand the benefits of integrated security solutions," said Sanjay Verma, G4S regional president for APAC and the Middle East.
There are a range of factors driving the adoption of new security technologies, with benefits to both employee and customer experience as much of a consideration as operational risk management. More than half (53%) of security chiefs say reducing security risks is a driver, as is improving security employee experience (52%). Enhancing security for customers and visitors is the third-biggest driver at 50% (global average 47%).
While technologies are a key focus for companies in the Middle East, people remain fundamental: more than eight in 10 (84%) agree that frontline security professionals will always be integral to keeping our organisation safe.
Looking at budgets, 70% of respondents anticipate an increase in the coming year; the top budget priority is process optimization and efficiency improvements at 48% (41% global average). This is followed by investment in new security technology and infrastructure (47%) and conducting security risk assessments and threat intelligence analysis (47%).
The importance of security to businesses is backed up by institutional investors, of which more than three-quarters say they would find a physical internal or external security incident at a company they invested in either extremely or very concerning (77% and 76% respectively).
"The ramifications of a security incident can be considerable and go beyond taking a short-term financial hit. Investors say the impact can be much more damaging and long-lasting, particularly when reputation and shareholder value is concerned. Given how high the stakes are, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that robust physical security is a corporate value driver and should be central to their corporate governance and risk management strategy," said Ashley Almanza, executive chairman of G4S, Allied Universal's international business.
Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled security devices and sensors is the top cutting-edge security technology classified as crucial for operations over the next two years across the region at 48% (40% global average). Meanwhile, drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will be used by 36% (26% global average).
These are key findings from the World Security Report, commissioned by Allied Universal®, the world's leading security and facility services provider and its international business, G4S.
2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) in 31 countries at medium and large, global companies with total revenue exceeding $25 trillion took part in the research. 232 security chiefs from the Middle East were surveyed who are based in Egypt, Jordan, KSA and UAE. The report also incorporates the crucial perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets.
AI is gaining traction across the region with AI-powered video surveillance and analytics, and AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security, featuring highly among the top cutting-edge security technologies companies will invest in over the next two years.
Looking specifically at autonomous AI (takes direct action with minimal human input), which is the most sophisticated kind, use is highest within incident response and emergency management (23%). Drilling down further, prevalence of this kind of AI for this type of scenario is highest across the region in Jordan and the UAE at 26% respectively.
"Preparedness and a focus on innovation are the standout features of corporate security in the Middle East, underpinned by a striving culture that emphasises continual improvement.
"It's equally pleasing to see that security leaders in the region recognise the importance of people and understand the benefits of integrated security solutions," said Sanjay Verma, G4S regional president for APAC and the Middle East.
There are a range of factors driving the adoption of new security technologies, with benefits to both employee and customer experience as much of a consideration as operational risk management. More than half (53%) of security chiefs say reducing security risks is a driver, as is improving security employee experience (52%). Enhancing security for customers and visitors is the third-biggest driver at 50% (global average 47%).
While technologies are a key focus for companies in the Middle East, people remain fundamental: more than eight in 10 (84%) agree that frontline security professionals will always be integral to keeping our organisation safe.
Looking at budgets, 70% of respondents anticipate an increase in the coming year; the top budget priority is process optimization and efficiency improvements at 48% (41% global average). This is followed by investment in new security technology and infrastructure (47%) and conducting security risk assessments and threat intelligence analysis (47%).
The importance of security to businesses is backed up by institutional investors, of which more than three-quarters say they would find a physical internal or external security incident at a company they invested in either extremely or very concerning (77% and 76% respectively).
"The ramifications of a security incident can be considerable and go beyond taking a short-term financial hit. Investors say the impact can be much more damaging and long-lasting, particularly when reputation and shareholder value is concerned. Given how high the stakes are, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that robust physical security is a corporate value driver and should be central to their corporate governance and risk management strategy," said Ashley Almanza, executive chairman of G4S, Allied Universal's international business.
About the 2025 World Security Report
The report is based on anonymous online survey responses of 2,352 chief security officers - or those in equivalent positions - at medium and large, global companies across 31 countries with combined annual revenue of more than $25 trillion. Research was carried out between March 21, 2025 and April 16, 2025.
The selected group of 200 global institutional investors managing more than $1 trillion of assets also took part in an anonymous online survey between April 8 and 14, 2025.
To view the report, please visit: https://worldsecurityreport.com/
Download the press release in a PDF file here.
G4S plc published this content on September 30, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 07, 2025 at 11:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]