Arab security leaders call for AI-powered border systems
Regional security authorities are pushing for greater use of integrated surveillance, secure communications and artificial intelligence across land borders, airports and seaports.
The recommendations were issued at the conclusion of the 18th Arab Conference for Heads of Borders, Airports and Port Security, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. The meeting brought together security officials from Arab states as well as representatives from Frontex and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences.
The conference called on member states to develop integrated and secure electronic systems linking land, sea and air border crossings to enable faster information exchange and coordination between authorities.
Recommendations included expanding the use of fiber-optic networks and secure wireless communications and connecting security cameras directly to command-and-control centers for real-time monitoring and faster response to security incidents.
Security authorities were also encouraged to develop interoperable systems and backup infrastructure to maintain communications and security services. The conference specifically called for greater use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies for data analysis, border communications and the early detection of risks and cross-border criminal threats.
Building more resilient border systems
Another recommendation focused on improving coordination between national border security operations rooms. Member states were asked to designate liaison officers, while countries without centralized border security operations rooms were encouraged to establish them to accelerate information sharing.
The conference also reviewed Qatar’s experience in securing borders, airports and ports during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and recommended sharing the experience with other member states.
Participants also discussed preparations for the third Euro-Arab Border Security Conference, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 25-26, 2026.
