The United Arab Emirates has been named the country least likely to experience economic instability, according to the latest World Security Report. Experts say the ranking reflects the UAE’s strong reputation as one of the safest and most resilient business environments globally.
Only 29% of security leaders in the UAE believe economic instability could present a security challenge in the coming year — significantly lower than the regional average of 41% and the global average of 44%.
The findings come from a survey conducted by Allied Universal and its international arm G4S, covering 2,352 chief security officers across 31 countries. This included 58 respondents in the UAE, 232 across the Middle East, and insights from 200 global investors overseeing more than $1 trillion in assets.
UAE’s leadership in AI-powered security
The report highlights that the UAE is at the forefront of adopting AI-based security solutions:
- 59% of UAE security chiefs view AI-enabled intrusion detection and perimeter security as vital for the next two years (compared to 46% regionally and 44% globally).
- 50% consider AI threat detection and risk assessment essential (42% regional, 44% global).
- 26% are already using autonomous AI for incident response and crisis management — the highest figure in the region (regional average: 23%).
“Strengthening security, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring global competitiveness are among the pillars of the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy. These results underline the country’s robust and future-ready business environment,” said Omar Dababneh, managing director of G4S UAE. He added that the country’s focus on innovation aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, placing it in a strong position to address emerging risks.
Lower security threats than regional peers
UAE security officers foresee fewer risks of industrial espionage and sabotage than their counterparts elsewhere in the Middle East. Only 21% expect industrial espionage (vs. 27% regional average), while 17% anticipate sabotage (vs. 25% regional average).
Rising investment in security
Despite facing fewer threats, UAE organisations are increasing their security spending.
- 72% of security leaders in the country plan to expand physical security budgets within the next year — six percentage points above the global average.
- 52% cite process optimisation as their top priority, 11 points higher than global peers.
- Another 52% intend to invest in new security infrastructure and technology (47% regional and global average).
- Global investors share similar concerns: 63% believe a major physical security incident could wipe out as much as 32% of a company’s market value.
“Preparedness and innovation are defining strengths of corporate security in the Middle East. It is encouraging to see leaders placing emphasis not only on technology but also on people and integrated solutions,” said Sanjay Verma, G4S regional president for APAC and the Middle East.
