UAE businesses anticipate some of the most minimal regional threats, both internal and external, in the coming year. This projection strengthens the UAE’s standing as one of the most secure environments for commercial operations not just in the Middle East but globally.

The inaugural World Security Report, a publication by G4S, gathered insights from 1,775 Chief Security Officers (CSOs) from sizeable global entities, amassing over $20 trillion in revenue. Among these respondents, 235 hailed from the Middle East, representing countries such as UAE, KSA, Egypt, and Jordan.

For internal security concerns, CSOs from the region anticipate the lowest sabotage incidents at 13%, compared to the global and regional average of 22%. The expectation also extends to a diminished number of cases involving violence against co-workers and industrial espionage.

Externally, the forecast is equally optimistic. CSOs anticipate the lowest vandalism occurrences at 13% for the next year. There’s also a projection for reduced instances of intellectual property theft and theft of company assets, both anticipated at a 15% regional low.

Interestingly, 46% of UAE companies, higher than any other country in the region, view climate change as a potential security concern in the upcoming year. Perhaps stemming from this concern, 44% of these companies believe that embracing new technologies can enhance their business sustainability – a sentiment more widespread in the UAE than elsewhere in the region.

Technology adoption is evidently at the forefront for UAE businesses. They lead in using advanced security tech in the Middle East, with 43% already employing cutting-edge solutions. A significant 65% of these entities firmly believe that technology augments their security efficacy, surpassing the global average of 56%.

Looking forward, a notable 52% of UAE companies, more than any other regional counterparts, are keen on incorporating biometrics and facial recognition in their operations. There’s a similar inclination towards smart cities and building technologies.

Globally, only the USA surpasses the UAE in the anticipated adoption of autonomous transportation for security operations in the next five years. The UAE stands second at 43%.

Mohamed Kamal, the Regional Managing Director for G4S in the Middle East, acknowledged the UAE’s commendable standing in business competitiveness, with the World Security Report bolstering this view. The forthcoming year’s security outlook is optimistic due to both governmental and corporate vigilance, and the UAE’s proactive tech integration equips it well for future challenges.

In the same vein, Mel Brooks, the Regional CEO for G4S Africa & Middle East, commented on the economic shift observed in many Middle Eastern nations. Governments are diversifying from oil, propelling their economies to global prominence. The report underscores the amenable conditions Middle Eastern businesses enjoy, indicating a security landscape more favorable than many other places.