Saudi Arabia to be world's second largest market for homeland security
The cumulative Saudi market for homeland security, forecast to become the largest in the world after the United States, is expected to be worth around $97 billion in the 2010-18 period; areas of major expenditure are the control of both the Iraq and Yemen borders and raising of a special force to protect vital oil installations
The rapidly changing security landscape in the Middle East has placed more pressures on governments and companies to increase preparedness to be able to meet the many challenges posed by criminals and extremists.
Al Bawaba reports that this is reflected in the continued growth of the homeland security sector in the region, with Saudi Arabia leading the way. According to research, the cumulated Saudi market for homeland security, forecasted to become the largest in the world after the United States, is expected to be worth around $97 billion in the 2010-18 period.
The Kingdom boasts twenty-four separate agencies and organizations, arranged in a three-tier structure, employing more than 250,000 personnel (a number that is expected to grow by an additional 35,000 over the forecast period). Areas of major expenditure are the control of both the Iraq and Yemen borders and raising of a special force to protect vital oil installations.
“There is an increasing push among countries of the Middle East region to install the latest in security systems, surveillance mechanisms and other countermeasures,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organizers of Intersec Trade Fair and Conference, the international meeting platform for security, safety and protection.
“Intersec brings together world-leading manufacturers and suppliers of security equipment and systems, industry experts, government and homeland security professionals from around the region. Enhancing the safety and security of the region involves us all and we are glad to be playing a part in bringing the latest in security equipment and systems to the Middle East,” he added.
As the security environment around the Middle East region gets increasingly fraught, authorities are sourcing the latest in countermeasures and security systems to suit their increased threat perceptions.
Security fences, thermal scanners, monitoring and surveillance systems, biometric readers and specialized arms and hazard control equipment are high on the agenda as they step up measures to protect pipelines, oil and industrial installations and air and sea ports.
Intersec 2011, which will run from 16 to 18 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will present the entire spectrum of products and services for the homeland security market. Among the exhibitors in this sector are Eastimage, Smiths Detection, Incentive Aviation, Atis, Astrata Group, Streit, Avon Protection, Global Forensics, Zener, all departments of Dubai Police, and many more.
