As Saudi Arabia races towards its Vision 2030 ambitions, welcoming a record 116 million visitors in 2024, the question of how to keep millions of guests safe without compromising on comfort, will be front and centre at this year’s Intersec Saudi Arabia, when the event returns to the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) from 29 September to 1 October 2025.
At the heart of the Future Security Summit sits a keynote address from Tawfeeq Alsadoon, Group Head of Security at Red Sea Global, who will outline why cutting-edge technologies like AI, drones, and biometrics are no longer optional extras, but fundamental to securing Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects.
“In KSA’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector, particularly within Vision 2030 mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Amaala, AlUla, and Diriyah, technology is not just a supporting tool but a critical enabler of proactive and intelligent security,” Alsadoon explained. “These large, high-profile developments demand a smarter, more integrated approach to physical security, and technologies such as AI, drones, biometrics, and advanced surveillance are central to this transformation.”
Security as an experience, not an obstacle
For Alsadoon, the next generation of hospitality security is about creating an invisible shield around guests, one that enhances rather than interrupts the experience.
“From AI-powered video analytics capable of detecting abnormal behaviours in real-time, to drones monitoring coastal perimeters and biometric systems securing staff and VIP access zones, technology has become a cornerstone of our security model,” he said. “These tools allow us to anticipate risks, respond faster, and reduce reliance on manpower alone.”
But he also warned against relying on technology alone. “Technology cannot protect guests. The true measure of security in hospitality is its invisibility, ensuring that people feel comfortable, welcomed, and safe without ever sensing they are under surveillance. That requires highly trained teams who understand cultural sensitivities, can de-escalate discreetly, and act with empathy while remaining vigilant.”
The future is smart, sustainable and guest-centric
Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects are expected to set new global benchmarks in guest safety, with innovations such as digital twins, integrated command centres, and predictive analytics shaping the future. These solutions will allow operators to manage risks proactively while safeguarding privacy, inclusivity, and data integrity.
Elsewhere in the Summit, the second day will turn the spotlight on other industries. Sessions will explore aviation in “Elevating National Airspace Security: Strengthening Aviation Resilience Across an Expanding Network”, and entertainment security in “Designing for Experience and Safety: Embedding Security into the DNA of Modern Entertainment Venues.” FIFA’s Andrey Reis, Director of Security Operations, will open proceedings with a keynote on security and risk management.
Running alongside will be the Fire Protection Summit, uniting regulators, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the evolving fire safety landscape in the Middle East.
A stage for global and local expertise
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, summed it up: “Intersec Saudi Arabia is where global expertise meets local ambition. This year’s Future Security Summit will showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and human-centric security models that underpin its transformation into a world-leading tourism and business destination.”
Now in its seventh edition, Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt. The 2025 show will host more than 27,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and buyers across 30,000 sqm of show floor, covering five product categories: Commercial and Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health.
As Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director – Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, noted, “Each edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia reflects the rapid pace of transformation in the country and the wider region, offering unmatched opportunities for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and business growth. We are delighted to welcome once again leading voices from across the security and fire safety spectrum, safeguarding the Kingdom’s future.”
From drones patrolling coastlines to biometric access for VIPs, Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects are redefining what hospitality security looks like. And at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025, the world will see just how Vision 2030 is combining technology, culture, and care to create safe, seamless, and world-class guest experiences.
