GCC nations spearhead transformation in public safety and crisis management, PwC study reveals at Intersec

GCC nations pioneer safer societies by embracing GenAI and reshaping global public safety through technology integration

PwC research shows traditional Command Centres (CCs), pivotal to public safety, are evolving from static setups to dynamic, intuitive environments

The research was revealed at the Security Leader’s Summit taking place at Intersec 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Dubai, UAE: In a groundbreaking report unveiled at the Intersec 2024 Security Leader’s Summit taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), global professional services network PwC has shed light on the pioneering strides made by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in reshaping the landscape of safety and security through cutting-edge technological adoption, specifically in GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence).

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this milestone edition of Intersec celebrates a quarter-century of innovation in security technology. It unites over 45,000 global security professionals and 1,000 exhibitors as the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection industries.

The research titled “Reimagining Command Centres of the Future” highlights how the conventional Command Centres (CCs), pivotal to public safety, are undergoing a transformative journey, shifting from static displays and manual decision-making to dynamic and intuitive environments. This shift, driven by technological advancements like GenAI and emerging technologies like Augmented and Virtual Realities (AR/VR), aims to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability in these critical hubs.

Speaking during the conference, Sharang Gupta, Director, PwC Middle East, said: “As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape in public safety, the transformation of command centres through the adoption of GenAI is not just advantageous, but essential. Our report highlights the evolution of Command Centers. This transition marks a significant shift from traditional command centres to intuitive Cognitive Command Centres, enabling public safety agencies in improving decision-making, efficiently allocating resources, and proactively addressing the evolving security threats we face today.”

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The envisioned Cognitive Command Centres (CogCCs) are poised to revolutionise command and control operations, moving beyond isolated hubs toward intelligence-driven decision-making. By synthesizing data from diverse sources in real-time and harnessing the power of GenAI, CogCCs will enable strategic planning and proactive crisis management, setting new standards for operational excellence.

The report finds that GCC nations, spearheading technology-driven urban developments like NEOM, Expo City, and the Red Sea project, underscore their commitment to cutting-edge innovations like AI and 5G. Emphasizing safety and security as a top priority, these countries consistently excel on global safety indices, with the UAE leading the Women, Peace, and Security Index. This reinforces the Middle East and GCC’s leading role in reshaping global public safety through innovative technological integration, positioning them as GenAI pioneers ensuring safer societies.

Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Intersec 2024 plays a pivotal role in spotlighting the groundbreaking advancements and contributions of GCC nations in reshaping global public safety. The event is a testament to the UAE and GCC countries’ commitment to showcasing pioneering technology integration, particularly in GenAI, redefining the future of safety and crisis management.

“This event serves as a knowledge-sharing platform, uniting global security professionals and exhibitors, fostering innovation, and underlining how cutting-edge technologies showcased here pave the way for safer societies globally.”

Elsewhere on the agenda during the two-day Security Leader’s Summit at Intersec 2024, discussions centred around the topics and tactics required to redefine security norms, inspire bold strategies, and collectively shape a safer, more secure world. Key themes included future-proofing security, unleashing the power of human factor, geopolitical risk intelligence & security implications, and

improving climate security resilience.

Intersec 2024 focuses on tailored solutions for various sectors, including Commercial & Perimeter Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, and Cyber Security, promoting innovation and connectivity across industries.

About Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik

Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik is an esteemed expert in international security and defence sectors, recognised for her distinctive professional experience spanning various military, academic, and diplomatic roles. With over two decades as a military official specialising in international military relations, Dr Daniels has held numerous leadership and managerial positions, collaborating with key security entities in Europe, including the United Nations, NATO, OSCE, and EU. With her educational background in political science and international law, she has worked extensively on both bilateral and multilateral defence platforms with governments and academic institutions worldwide. Her outstanding contributions have earned her multiple military awards.

For more information, visit www.drdariadaniels-skodnik.com

About Intersec

Intersec is the world-leading emergency services, security, and safety event that will take place from 16-18 January 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and will be staged under the theme of ‘Innovating Security Tech for a Quarter Century.’ It will unite the global security industry and accelerate conversations to explore strategies and source technologies for the challenges faced by global security leaders and professionals promoting bilateral trade, commerce, and innovation across borders.

For more information, please visit our website.

About Messe Frankfurt

The Messe Frankfurt Group is one of the world’s leading trade fair, congress and event organisers with their own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,160 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2022 were around €454 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability

With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

About Messe Frankfurt Middle East

Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s portfolio of exhibitions includes: Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East and Paperworld Middle East. In the 2022/23 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 3,939 exhibitors from 66 countries and attracted 151,990 visitors from 116 countries.