AI’s Role in Security Highlighted at Intersec Saudi Arabia

As Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024 concludes, AI’s transformative potential in safety and security was a key focus, but industry experts warned of ongoing concerns. The three-day event, which ended Thursday, October 3, brought together security and safety professionals to explore the latest trends and innovations in the sector.

At the Future Security and Safety Summit, Mazyad Al Utaibi, Partner Consultant at Rawand Security Surveillance, outlined the significant positive impacts AI has on the security industry. He emphasized AI’s role in enhancing surveillance, situational awareness, predictive analytics, and resource allocation. However, Al Utaibi also raised concerns about privacy, ethics, AI reliability, job displacement, and decision-making transparency.

“AI in surveillance and data analysis raises major privacy concerns,” Al Utaibi noted, highlighting the risks of bias and discrimination in AI systems. He further warned about the potential for job losses due to automation and emphasized the ethical and legal complexities AI introduces in decision-making, particularly in areas like predictive policing.

Vision 2030 and AI Integration 

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to integrating advanced technologies, including AI, is a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 strategy. This vision has helped the Kingdom secure its place as a leader in AI innovation, with Tortoise Intelligence ranking Saudi Arabia first in its Government Strategy Index for Artificial Intelligence last year.

The Future Readiness Programme, held during the event, provided a platform for government officials and security leaders to explore strategies for navigating today’s security landscape. Sessions covered emerging security threats, talent development, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning.

Industry Leaders Reflect on Innovation 

Riham Sedik, Show Manager for Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, highlighted the event’s role in showcasing groundbreaking advancements in safety and security. “This event demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to redefining the future of safety and crisis management through pioneering technology integration,” Sedik said.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, added, “Intersec Saudi Arabia serves as a critical knowledge-sharing platform, bringing together global security professionals to foster innovation and drive the future of safer societies worldwide.”

Organized by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, the event was held in collaboration with the High Commission for Industrial Security and the General Directorate for Saudi Civil Defense.