As the security industry shifts from passive surveillance to intelligent, data-driven systems, Axis Communications is positioning itself at the centre of that transformation.

On the sidelines of Intersec Dubai 2026, Loubna Imenchal, MD for the Middle East, Turkey, Central Asia and Africa, discusses how the sector is evolving, what’s driving growth across the region, and why interoperability, edge intelligence and long-term system resilience are now non-negotiable.

What are you showcasing at Intersec?

At Intersec Dubai 2026, Axis Communications is showcasing how network video and sensing technologies are evolving into intelligent systems that support both security and operational decision-making.

At our stand, visitors will see the latest Axis solutions for smart traffic, stadiums and arenas, and critical infrastructure, including thermal cameras, radar technology and fusion cameras. These solutions are designed for complex environments where accuracy, reliability and fast response are essential.

We are also highlighting our expanding IP audio portfolio, including display speakers and cloud-based audio solutions, as well as our growing IoT offering, such as air quality sensors.

These smart devices demonstrate how security infrastructure can also generate valuable data that supports dashboards, analytics and more informed, real-time decisions.

What is the anticipated growth of the security industry in 2026?

The security and video surveillance market continues to grow at a strong pace globally, with the broader ecosystem expanding at an estimated 10–12 per cent CAGR through the late 2020s.

In the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region, growth is expected to outpace global averages, driven by long-term national visions extending toward 2035–2040.

Large-scale investments in smart cities, transportation, tourism and critical infrastructure are accelerating demand for intelligent, network-based and AI-enabled security systems.

Importantly, growth is shifting toward higher-value segments. Advanced surveillance solutions that combine analytics, edge processing and multiple sensor types are growing faster than traditional CCTV, reflecting a regional focus on security systems that deliver operational insight and long-term value, not just video footage.

What trends will dominate the sector this year?

Several trends are shaping the security sector in 2026. The most significant is the move away from standalone surveillance towards intelligent systems that support both security and day-to-day operations. One example of this shift is the move towards connected ecosystems rather than individual products.

Customers want solutions that work well together, are easier to manage across large environments and can grow over time. This is especially important in complex settings where systems are expected to stay in place for many years and adapt as needs change.

Another key trend is the move towards smarter processing at the edge. More analysis is happening directly in cameras and sensors, with cloud and central systems used where they add value. This allows faster response, more reliable operation and less dependence on central infrastructure.

There is also increasing demand for mobile and temporary security solutions. Better connectivity, lower power use and more capable analytics are making it easier to deploy security quickly in places where permanent infrastructure is not practical, such as construction sites, temporary venues or fast-changing environments.

Finally, there is a growing focus on technology ownership and control. Vendors are investing more in their core platforms to ensure long-term performance, built-in cybersecurity and the ability to improve systems through software updates rather than frequent hardware replacement.

Together, these trends point to a security sector that is becoming more intelligent, flexible and future-ready, where long-term value is just as important as detection capability.

What are some best practices to stay ahead of security attacks?

Staying ahead of security threats starts with choosing technology that is designed to be secure by default. This includes devices with built-in cybersecurity, secure hardware foundations, regular firmware updates and strong access control.

As security systems become more connected, protecting devices at the hardware level and managing encryption keys securely is just as important as software security.

Equally important is working with vendors that provide long-term support. Threats evolve, and security systems must be updated and adapted over time to remain effective, rather than replaced entirely.

What are your projected growth plans this year?

While Asia Pacific continues to lead globally in absolute scale and total installations, the META region is among the fastest-growing markets in percentage terms, driven by long-term structural investments rather than short-term demand.

In the Middle East, double-digit growth is being fuelled by mega-projects, smart city initiatives, national digital transformation programs and strong adoption of AI-enabled, analytics-driven cameras across sectors such as airports, critical infrastructure, retail and hospitality.

Markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are rapidly shifting from traditional CCTV to intelligent, network-based systems. Turkey is emerging as a high-growth convergence market, driven by modernisation of infrastructure, transportation and industrial security, alongside growing demand for scalable IP and AI-ready solutions.

Africa represents a strong long-term opportunity, with urbanisation and population growth accelerating adoption in transport, city surveillance, utilities and critical infrastructure. Many deployments are leapfrogging directly to IP-based and edge-enabled systems.

Overall, META stands out globally for its growth velocity and transition toward intelligent, insight-driven security systems, positioning it as one of the most strategically important regions for security cameras over the next five years.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai is set to roll out a new pilot initiative focused on school transport pooling during the first quarter of 2026.

The program aims to enhance daily mobility for students while advancing Dubai’s vision for a smart and sustainable transport system. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with Yango Group and Urban Express Transport. The announcement follows the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between RTA and the two companies, Dubai Media Office reported.

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Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, signed on behalf of RTA. Islam Abdul Karim, regional head of Yango Group, and Dr Mohammad Al Hashimi, founder and CEO of Urban Express Transport, signed on behalf of their respective companies.

Addressing growing traffic challenges around schools

Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan highlighted the motivation behind the initiative: “In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of private vehicles used to transport students, which directly affects traffic flow around school zones. Through this initiative, RTA aims to offer an alternative school transport solution at affordable rates, helping to improve traffic movement and deliver a more efficient daily mobility experience.”

He emphasised that the pilot will adhere to the highest safety and security standards for school transport and will fully comply with Dubai’s regulatory and legislative frameworks. “The initiative will incorporate smart technological solutions for trip management, vehicle tracking, and operational monitoring, ensuring efficiency and service quality for parents and students alike,” Bahrozyan added.

Pooling buses to boost efficiency

The pilot program involves operating shared buses that serve multiple schools within defined geographic zones. This approach is expected to accelerate student arrivals and reduce congestion around schools. Bahrozyan noted that the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader strategic objectives, including digital transformation and environmental sustainability.

“The initiative aims to explore innovative school transport models based on pooling, supporting better vehicle utilisation, reducing traffic congestion during peak hours, and raising safety and quality standards in student transport services,” he said. “It represents a step change in developing new models for school transport in Dubai. The pilot will allow us to assess outcomes, measure operational and societal impact, and explore the potential for a wider rollout in the future, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility solutions.”

Private partners bring data-driven innovation

Islam Abdul Karim of Yango Group highlighted the operational advantages of the partnership: “School transport is one of the most complex and congested daily mobility challenges in any city, sitting at the intersection of safety, efficiency, cost, and family routines. Through this pilot with RTA, we are introducing a data-driven school transport pooling model that groups students traveling along similar routes into shared buses operating on optimised schedules.”

He added that the initiative will improve route planning, vehicle utilisation, and real-time oversight, reducing peak-hour traffic and enhancing service reliability. “Our goal is to provide a safer, more affordable, and convenient experience for families,” Karim said.

Dr Mohammad Al Hashimi, founder & CEO of Urban Express Transport, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Urban Express Transport is proud to support this strategic school transport optimization project. By leveraging innovative approaches such as school bus pooling and flexible services, the initiative aims to reduce congestion, improve bus utilisation, and enhance the daily travel experience for students. It aligns perfectly with Dubai’s long-term transport vision, delivering safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective mobility solutions.”

The pilot program represents a significant step toward transforming school transport in Dubai, combining technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency to create smarter, safer, and more convenient travel for students and families alike.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) in UAE has officially launched the Federal Government Real Estate Assets Platform, a centralised digital system aimed at documenting, managing, and continuously updating data on federal real estate assets in line with the highest standards of transparency and operational efficiency.

The launch marks a key milestone in the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, reinforcing efforts to modernise public asset management and enhance data-driven decision-making across federal entities, a WAM report said.

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The launch event was attended by Younis Haji AlKhoori, undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Mariam Mohamed Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for the Government Financial Management Sector at the ministry. The event also brought together representatives from federal entities, government officials, and specialists in asset management and digital technologies.

As part of the programme, the event featured a panel discussion exploring the role of artificial intelligence in government asset management, alongside an interactive presentation that offered a live demonstration of the platform’s technical features and operational capabilities.

Regulatory compliance and strategic alignment

The platform was launched in compliance with Article 18 of Federal Decree-Law No. (35) of 2023 concerning Union-Owned Properties. The legislation mandates the Ministry of Finance to establish an electronic registry for federal real estate assets, ensuring unified documentation and governance at the federal level.

AlKhoori emphasised that the platform reflects the ministry’s commitment to the full digital transformation of government resource and asset management. He noted that the initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision of promoting excellence across all sectors by enhancing operational efficiency, rationalising expenditure, and automating procedures.

Enhancing governance and decision-making

According to AlKhoori, the platform is expected to deliver a paradigm shift in the organisation, governance, and management of federal real estate assets. By providing accurate, up-to-date, and reliable data, the system strengthens transparency and supports informed policymaking and strategic planning related to federal properties.

Al Amiri highlighted the platform’s role in unifying federal real estate asset data and improving its quality, while linking it to relevant financial and operational processes. She said this integration will enable faster access to information and improve efficiency in planning and expenditure across federal entities.

She added that the platform has been designed to be practical and easy to use, allowing entities to register and update asset data under unified classifications, manage leasable spaces, and process requests through automated procedures that reduce time and effort while reinforcing transparency and governance.

The platform provides federal entities with a strategic tool to register, monitor, and manage real estate assets through a structured and methodical approach. Its intuitive workflow simplifies classification and review processes while offering a comprehensive suite of digital services that enhance operational efficiency.

The launch represents a significant step toward building an integrated federal asset management system, reinforcing the UAE’s global leadership in public financial management and supporting its vision for a more sustainable and innovative government sector.

The chiefs of many of the world’s major central banks issued a joint statement in support of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday after the Trump administration threatened him with a criminal indictment.

“We stand in full solidarity with the Federal Reserve System and its Chair Jerome H. Powell,” the heads of the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and nine other institutions said.

“The independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability in the interest of the citizens that we serve,” they added.

The US administration’s criminal probe is formally about the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters but Powell called it a “pretext” to win presidential influence over interest rates.

Read: Markets look through Trump-Powell drama as momentum favours risk assets