IDIS MEA: Mitigating risks in the oil and gas sector

From better AI analytics to higher-performance hardware, advances in video technology are improving protection in risk-critical oil and gas complexes, writes Dennis Choi, General Manager, IDIS Middle East & Africa.

The region’s oil, gas and petrochemical industries face unique, multi-layered security challenges.

The Middle East has long been a critical hub for energy production and distribution – and businesses here are also used to dealing with the unpredictable consequences of conflict and shifting geopolitics.  

However, as we move into 2025, these challenges look more urgent than ever, meaning that security must remain top of the risk register.

Video surveillance systems are a key measure for protecting personnel, assets and facilities; it should come as no surprise that the sector has remained at the forefront of using the latest tools and capabilities. 

As video technology has improved in recent years, so too have the solutions deployed in oil and gas applications.

It’s not just a question of compliance. With today’s increasingly powerful surveillance solutions for remote monitoring, inspection and evaluation, security and safety risks can be mitigated more surely and cost-effectively. 

AI video is a game-changer 

AI, of course, is the most impactful game-changer.

We are seeing remarkable transformations in reliability and accuracy across the full spectrum of video analysis functions – from line-cross, loitering, fall, intruder and motion detection to automated tracking – and that is allowing security and health and safety departments to force-multiply their operations, to increase their surveillance reach and consistency of vigilance and to do more with less.  

The use of advanced video analytics and intelligent monitoring capabilities is becoming important.

By leveraging technologies such as facial recognition, object detection and behavioural analytics, organisations are enhancing their ability to identify security threats, monitor employee safety compliance and optimise operational efficiency through real-time insights derived from video data.  

In the complex, extensive and often harsh locations where oil and gas complexes operate – including refineries, pipelines, storage facilities and production areas – AI-enabled efficiency gains are key. 

Better hardware and components 

Hardware and system components matter too.

By deploying networks of high-definition cameras equipped with advanced features such as night vision, thermal imaging and pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, security departments can monitor extensive areas more effectively and thereby detect potential security threats and safety hazards more quickly in real-time. 

To protect against intrusion and threats to vulnerable physical infrastructure from would-be saboteurs, today’s video surveillance systems are being used to strengthen coverage of areas such as access points, perimeters and restricted higher-security internal zones.  

For these locations, seamless integration with access control systems and perimeter intrusion detection technologies is crucial.

AI-enhanced analytics, a new generation of mobile apps and push-to-talk communications devices are also making a difference. 

Improved accuracy and coordinated responses 

Between them, all these technological advances are improving the accuracy of alerts to control rooms, strengthening communications and allowing faster-coordinated responses by patrol and gatehouse staff and other security personnel on the ground. 

Compliance with local regulations and industry standards is paramount when implementing video surveillance solutions for critical infrastructure sites in the Middle East.

Companies operating in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors must adhere to specific guidelines set forth by regulatory authorities and industry associations to address security concerns and protect critical assets.  

Requirements are varied and, not surprisingly, among the most stringent in the types of environments. They include rules relating to camera placement, video storage, data privacy and accessibility of surveillance footage for investigative purposes. 

IDIS is currently supplying advanced systems for several oil and gas and petrochemical sites across the region, working with specialist integration partners to ensure compliance and deliver the benefits of improved tech performance, equipment durability and long-term solution value.  

This includes the assurance of continual focus on forward compatibility when it comes to emerging functions and features – so that systems remain scalable and flexible well into the future – and a strong focus on cybersecurity.

The risk of cyber-attacks has grown over recent years and seems certain to increase further as international tensions remain high and cyber-warfare tactics continue to be used by hostile states.  

Multi-layered cyber defences 

Against this background, having attack-tested, multi-layered cyber defences to protect against unauthorised access, data breaches and cyber-attacks is essential.

These defences are needed not only to safeguard sensitive video footage but to prevent potentially catastrophic disruption to critical operations. 

Another vital consideration for video surveillance in these mission-critical settings is the need for resilience and redundancy to ensure continuous monitoring and recording.

This involves implementing backup power systems, redundant network connectivity and failover mechanisms to ensure the uninterrupted operation of surveillance cameras, particularly in remote locations where infrastructure may be more vulnerable. 

Continuous operations are at risk from deliberate attacks, natural causes, infrastructure failures and accidents.

Chemicals stored and processed in these sectors are highly flammable and explosive and processes including gas flaring, pressure stabilising and gas release have inherent risks.

Using explosion-proof cameras and robust devices, be they fisheyes, PTZs, domes, bullets, video intercoms and NVRs, is non-negotiable.  

High performance in harsh environments 

The same robust units should be designed to cope well with harsh environmental conditions – including extreme temperatures and varying humidity – and to be protected against dust and moisture ingress.

It goes without saying that they should also provide high-definition or ultra-HD image capture in all lighting conditions, just as the latest camera tech does in less challenging conditions. 

Integrating video surveillance with other security technologies, such as perimeter intrusion detection systems, intruder alarms and emergency response systems, creates a unified security ecosystem that enables proactive threat mitigation and coordinated incident response across diverse environments within the hydrocarbon and petrochemical industries. 

Looking ahead, new video surveillance capabilities will match evolving threats in the sector. Technological innovation and more flexible deployment options will address the need for physical infrastructure protection, regulatory compliance, resilience, cybersecurity and integration with other security systems.

This will allow companies operating in these sectors to mitigate risks, protect critical assets and maintain a secure environment for their operations.