The access control industry in the Middle East is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects.
The access control industry in the Middle East is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, increasing government investment, and diversification into new sectors.
Key regional markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the charge, attracting global security solution providers to cater to growing demand for advanced, reliable, and scalable systems.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE: the epicenters of growth
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a focal point of access control investments, bolstered by the government’s Vision 2030 initiative. The plan outlines ambitious projects aimed at diversifying the economy and transforming the nation into a global investment hub.
According to Khodor Habbouche, Regional Sales Director at Gallagher Security Middle East, these developments present significant opportunities.
“We are actively working in Saudi Arabia on major projects like King Salman Park, Kadia Water Theme Park, and Al Assad Airport—massive, prestigious developments utilizing Gallagher solutions,” Habbouche said.
The UAE, too, is an essential market. Its thriving infrastructure, supported by its business-friendly policies and advanced government services, has made it an attractive destination for companies like Gallagher Security.
“In Abu Dhabi, we did Mariah Tower, one of the biggest projects,” Habbouche added.
The country is not only a key consumer of access control technology but also serves as a gateway for exports to neighboring countries.
The demand is expected to skyrocket in the coming years, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Habbouche predicts substantial growth - “We are expecting to have at least 50 to 60 percent increase, minimum over one year. It’s quite a lot because the market is booming.”
New verticals drive diversification
While infrastructure projects dominate the headlines, the Middle East’s access control industry is diversifying into other key sectors.
James Clark, Sales Director for EMEA & APAC at AMAG Technology, emphasized this trend, highlighting growing demand in utilities, transportation, and critical infrastructure.
“We see huge growth in the utility sector, a lot from an airport kind of environment, so transport and some of those facilities, but also critical infrastructure as well,” Clark explained.
Clark pointed to the financial and data center industries as long-standing strongholds, but noted an increasing appetite for access control solutions across a variety of new verticals.
“What we’re seeing is a diversification into other verticals,” Clark said. “For us, the Middle East actually has always been one of our largest markets. We see an awful lot of opportunity both from a technical standpoint and from a sales perspective.”
This diversification reflects the Middle East’s broader economic goals of reducing reliance on oil revenues and fostering innovation in high-tech industries.
The role of government in shaping demand
Governments across the Middle East have played a critical role in shaping the region’s access control landscape. In Saudi Arabia, the government’s emphasis on large-scale projects, such as the FIFA World Cup preparations and giga-projects like NEOM, has created an enormous demand for security and access control solutions.
According to Mohamed Shenawy, Managing Director of Suprema Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s upcoming developments will drive demand for at least the next decade.
“There will be numerous hotels, stadiums, residential developments, and what they refer to as giga-projects,” Shenawy said.
Suprema has built a strong presence in the government sector, which Shenawy described as a cornerstone of their success.
“When you begin with key ministries such as the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it creates visibility for our devices at the forefront of every government building. This exposure often opens the door to broader opportunities with other government entities,” Shenawy explained.
In the UAE, the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment has been instrumental in attracting companies like Suprema.
Shenawy noted that the UAE offers unparalleled ease of doing business. “The UAE is truly unique—arguably the best country for doing business. Exporting and importing documentation is straightforward, and interactions with the government are exceptionally seamless,” Shenawy said.
Long-term reliability builds client trust
Another significant driver of growth in the Middle East’s access control market is the trust companies have established with their clients through reliable and long-lasting products. Suprema, which has been operating in the region since 2005, prides itself on the durability of its solutions.
“Year after year, we see a significant increase in demand for our products,” Shenawy said. “Our clients trust us deeply, which has led to remarkable stability. In fact, some clients have been using our devices for over 10 years without ever needing to replace them,”
This longevity has enabled Suprema to foster long-term relationships with its customers, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail.
“Government and semi-government projects have been a major focus for us in Saudi Arabia, but we’ve also established a strong presence in the retail and healthcare sectors,” Shenawy added.
Investment in local expertise
One of the challenges for global companies operating in the Middle East is understanding the nuances of the local market. Industry leaders agree that having a strong regional presence is crucial for long-term success.
Clark of AMAG Technology emphasized the need for investment in local expertise. “You can’t run the Middle East from the UK,” he said. “If we are serious about the potential of this market, we have to have people on the ground who understand the market.”
AMAG is actively increasing its presence in the region, with plans to expand its team to three to six professionals specializing in application engineering and sales. This approach allows the company to better serve its clients and adapt to the unique needs of the Middle Eastern market.
Technological advancements and integration
The Middle East is rapidly adopting new technologies in the access control space, including AI-driven solutions, cloud-based platforms, and integration with other security systems.
These advancements are enabling more sophisticated and scalable solutions, which are essential for large-scale projects and critical infrastructure.
Habbouche pointed out that intelligence and innovation are key factors driving demand in the region.
“The market needs such systems, they need such technology as well,” Habbouche said. The integration of access control with video surveillance and advanced analytics is becoming increasingly common, providing end-users with comprehensive security solutions.
Challenges and future prospects
While the Middle East offers immense opportunities, the market is not without its challenges. The competition is fierce, and customers are becoming more discerning, expecting cutting-edge technology and seamless integration.
Regulatory compliance also varies across countries, requiring companies to tailor their solutions to meet local requirements.
Despite these challenges, the outlook remains highly optimistic.
Habbouche’s projection of a 50-60 percent growth in demand underscores the market’s potential, while Clark’s emphasis on investment and expansion highlights the commitment of global players to the region.
Looking ahead, the Middle East’s access control industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory, fueled by government investments, diversification into new sectors, and the adoption of advanced technologies. With Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the way, the region is poised to become a global leader in access control solutions.
As Shenawy noted, “The Middle East market is not only growing but evolving, and companies that adapt to these changes will thrive.”