Intersec Saudi Arabia, the leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection in the country, has highlighted the growing career opportunities within the Middle East’s security sector.
During the opening day of the event, part of the Future Security and Safety Summit, industry expert Meshal Al Johani, who has over 16 years of experience in the security field—primarily with Aramco—discussed the prospects for the next generation of security professionals and the essential skills needed in his session titled “Roadmap to a Successful Security Career.”
“The Middle East’s dynamic and rapidly evolving security sector is on an upward trajectory,” he noted. “The demand for industry professionals who can adapt to emerging technologies, address new threats, and protect assets, individuals, and organizations is generating numerous opportunities for those interested in the field.”
Numerous Opportunities Ahead
Al Johani emphasized that young professionals can find various career advancement opportunities in the security sector. Entry-level positions in corporate security, consulting, and other specialized areas can quickly lead to managerial or executive roles with the right training, certification, and ongoing development.
Saudi Arabia is modernizing and diversifying its economy under Vision 2030, aiming to decrease oil dependency and develop key public sectors. The growth of the security services sector is a critical component of this transformation, driven by expanding urban centers, the need for critical infrastructure protection, and a diversifying economy.
According to Astute Analytica, the Saudi security services market is expected to reach USD 14.59 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% from 2024 to 2032.
Al Johani underscored the importance of a commitment to continuous learning to ensure security professionals can address new challenges and seize emerging opportunities in the industry.
“Ongoing education is vital to remaining competitive in the ever-evolving security landscape. As new technologies, risks, and practices emerge, professionals must stay informed through certifications, conferences, formal education, self-study, and membership in professional security associations like ASIS International,” he added.
Security Strategies Discussed
The packed agenda for the Future Security and Safety Summit on the opening day addressed various topics, including integrated security strategies for mega events in Saudi Arabia. Insights were shared by Helmut Spahn, Director of Safety, Security & Access at FIFA, and Ammar Almubayedh from NEOM Security.
Riham Sedik, Show Manager of Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, commented, “The security industry in the Middle East is evolving rapidly, presenting tremendous career progression opportunities for professionals at all levels. With significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and cybersecurity, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia, there is a growing demand for skilled individuals across various security sectors. Whether in digital security, fire protection, or perimeter defense, professionals can leverage these growth areas to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact on the region’s security landscape.”
Running concurrently with the Future Security and Safety Summit is the Fire Protection and Technology Summit. The summit commenced with a keynote address by Major General Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense, who highlighted the latest strategies and technologies employed for national safety through preventive awareness measures aimed at creating a safe society free from risks.
Tomorrow’s presentations will feature experts discussing topics such as “Promoting a Diverse and Inclusive Culture for the Security Workforce,” “AI in the Security and Safety Industry: Impact and Concerns,” “Physical Security vs. Cybersecurity,” and “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED),” among others.
Focus on Fire Detection
The Fire Protection and Technology Summit will lead discussions on “Effectiveness of Deployed Technologies in Fire Detection,” “Harnessing the Potential of IoT in Early Fire Detection,” and “Fire Safety of Health Facilities.”
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, stated, “With the 2024 edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia expected to be the largest to date, welcoming 17,000 visitors, the next two days promise to be a game-changer for the industry in Saudi Arabia.”
