Genetec: Saudi Arabia Must Focus on Practical AI in Security

Saudi organisations should focus on practical, measurable applications of artificial intelligence rather than adopting the technology simply because of growing market interest, according to Genetec.

The company says the Kingdom’s rapid investment in infrastructure is increasing the volume of video, sensor, alarm and incident data that security teams must manage, making AI an increasingly valuable tool for improving operational efficiency and decision-making.

The recommendation comes as AI continues to gain momentum across the physical security industry. In Genetec’s 2026 State of Physical Security Report, based on responses from more than 7,300 security professionals worldwide, AI ranked among the industry’s top priorities alongside video surveillance and access control. At the same time, 70% of end users said they remain concerned about how AI systems are designed and implemented, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability and trusted deployment.

“AI has the potential to support security teams in meaningful ways, but its value depends on how responsibly and practically it is applied.”

– Mohamad Saad, Country Manager for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at Genetec

Saudi Arabia stands out as one of the region’s fastest-growing physical security markets. According to the report, 43% of Saudi organisations increased their physical security budgets in 2025, almost twice the EMEA average of 24%. The Kingdom also recorded the highest adoption of cloud-based physical security systems in the region, with 13% of respondents already using cloud deployments compared with the EMEA average of 7%.

“AI has the potential to support security teams in meaningful ways, but its value depends on how responsibly and practically it is applied,” said Mohamad Saad, Country Manager for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at Genetec. He added that organisations should focus on solving operational challenges, improving response times and supporting better decision-making while keeping people in control of critical security processes.

Genetec argues that AI delivers the greatest value when integrated into connected security platforms. Combining video surveillance, access control, sensors and communications allows operators to reduce nuisance alarms, accelerate investigations and gain better situational awareness without sacrificing flexibility or control.

The company also stressed that AI should complement, rather than replace, human expertise. While intelligent automation can process large volumes of information and identify relevant events more quickly, final operational decisions should remain with trained security personnel.