By His Excellency Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis, CEO & Executive Director, Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
Security is not only a response to urgent threats.
It is a long-term project built on a clear vision, precise standards and proactive planning that anticipates the event.
When I look ahead to the next 12 months, I see a broad picture of technological, social and economic transformations, all affecting the security equation.
Technology
The first thing that affects our agenda is accelerating technology, such as AI systems, smart surveillance and big data analysis. These technologies have become part of our daily life, but at the same time, they pose ethical and operational challenges.
My vision for these tools is to be at the service of humanity, enhancing – not replacing – its ability to make decisions.
We have an opportunity to create security systems capable of predicting risks before they occur, transforming security from a defensive state to a proactive mindset.
The human element
Secondly, I place the human element at the heart of this vision.
Technology, no matter how advanced, is worthless without trained, informed personnel who understand that their role extends beyond monitoring to building trust.
Over the coming year, we will enhance our qualification and training programs to be more closely linked to future skills: Analytical thinking, data handling and understanding the social dimensions of security.
In my vision, the security officer is not just a guard, but an ambassador for the values in which we believe.
Community
Thirdly, the community dimension cannot be ignored. Sustainable security is not achieved only in control rooms, but also in people’s awareness and daily behaviour.
We will launch joint initiatives that make every individual a partner in protecting their environment.
Awareness, community participation and openness to educational and media institutions will form an invisible but effective shelter belt.
On the strategic level, I believe that the coming year will witness an expansion of cybersecurity, making it an integral part of comprehensive security. Cyber-attacks are not merely a technical threat; they pose a threat to a country’s economy and the stability of its institutions.
Our goal is to develop a smart defensive and offensive system capable of protecting national data and preserving customer confidence.
A balanced security model
Finally, I believe that security in the future will not be a burden on development, but rather a partner to it.
We are moving towards environmentally friendly, less costly and more efficient security solutions that contribute to achieving the sustainability our country seeks.
My vision for the next 12 months is to build a balanced security model: Advanced technologies + informed personnel + a partnering community + comprehensive sustainability.
This model will make our institutions more prepared for any challenges and maintain our nation’s leadership position as a beacon of stability in a world of troubling transformation.
H.E. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis
H.E. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis is a distinguished leader in the security sector.
Under his leadership, SIRA plays a pivotal role in establishing Dubai as a leading safe city worldwide, through innovative initiatives.
He has a strategic vision focused on integrating smart technology with the human element, while also consolidating the concept of community partnership within the security system.
His efforts have contributed to the development of advanced policies and systems that reflect the UAE’s approach to sustainability and innovation, making him a symbol of modern security leadership.
