John Kim
Economic growth statistics for the Gulf states paint a clear picture: trade is booming in the region. Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), growth hit 3.2% in 2025, with that figure projected to reach 4.4% in 2026.
A PwC report reviewing the GCC economy identifies the key reasons the region will experience such growth. The most outstanding points were increased involvement in global and regional trade corridors. They expanded partnerships with economic powerhouses, such as China and the European Union. As a result, Gulf ports will become crucial hubs for the transport of critical minerals, which are in high demand for technology development projects worldwide.
Both the growth statistics and drivers highlight why Gulf gateways will be vital assets to the GCC economies. However, global security risks and threats to supply chain infrastructure are growing in number and sophistication. Regional leaders must consider proactive mitigation strategies to help ensure the protection of their trade growth.
Risks and threats
The GCC states have an admirable record on security, with incident rates considerably lower than those in other global transport hubs. However, even the Gulf gateways must be aware of the rising physical risks and threats to the supply chain, especially as the region becomes a key player in global trade corridors.
Economic uncertainty and social and political unrest are more common, leaving theft, vandalism and terrorism as primary concerns for transport and logistics centres. Environmental factors, such as extreme weather events, have also increased, potentially compromising crucial areas of the supply chain.
Furthermore, human trafficking and stowaways on ships and containers have also become more frequent. While incidents are limited in the GCC region, the risk of such scenarios has risen in parallel with global concerns.
Proactive paradigm shift
In response to the growing and evolving risks and threats facing ports, GCC states have committed funds to defence sectors to improve transport security. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has entered into deals with local entities to secure logistics hubs and support trade growth, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals of becoming a global trade centre.
The move supports the idea that Gulf gateways are changing their security strategies to become more preventative rather than reactive. Investing in measures to mitigate these risks and threats, rather than taking retrospective action, can help bolster port security and reduce the damage and disruption caused by incidents.
Industry leaders will need to leverage advanced technologies to implement a more proactive physical security strategy. Incorporating hardware and software that can scale and adapt to the unique needs and growth potential of Gulf gateways can help align with the ever-changing global supply chain concerns.
Upgrading physical security
Events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian conflict, have created significant supply chain bottlenecks in recent years, impacting the Gulf region. However, GCC states have invested in technologies to create more resilient supply chains. They won't hesitate to do the same to enhance physical security.
Given the continuously evolving security risks and threats, Gulf gateways will need to implement tailored, comprehensive physical security solutions that enable fast, accurate detection and response. Upgrades to security cameras, smart sensors and access control can help deliver the necessary proactive strategy.
Advanced hardware can help create an integrated maritime port security system that not only enhances security teams' situational awareness but also provides deep insight into current security conditions, enabling administrators to improve infrastructure continuously.
Protecting trade growth
GCC states are among other trade players that will share some of the world's fastest economic growth, largely due to the region's expanding influence in trade corridors and strategic partnerships. As the region becomes more crucial to the global supply chain, protecting Gulf gateways becomes a more considerable part of the GCC's economic objectives.
The global economic, social and political landscape can be volatile, affecting ports and shipping lanes worldwide. The Gulf region is no exception to the risks and threats it faces. Leaders will need to implement a proactive security strategy to mitigate potential incidents.
Technologies that scale and adapt to needs can be vital in protecting trade growth against a rapidly changing physical security landscape. As Gulf gateways are poised to become some of the world's most critical supply chain hubs, leaders may need to upgrade their infrastructure to help ensure they stay ahead of evolving risks and threats.
* John Kim brings over 15 years of experience in product development and design, specialising in physical security solutions. As Senior Director of Product and Design for Avigilon at Motorola Solutions, his expertise lies in driving innovative hardware development and implementing agile best practices to deliver cutting-edge products. John also possesses a keen understanding of cloud security, AI and emerging technology trends, leveraging them to shape the future of security solutions.