UAE Rated Lowest Globally for Economic Instability, Leads in AI Security

Dubai, UAE – October 1, 2025: The United Arab Emirates has once again reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s safest and most economically resilient countries, ranking lowest globally for economic instability, according to the latest World Security Report commissioned by Allied Universal® and its international arm, G4S.

Only 29 percent of security leaders in the UAE expect economic instability to pose a security-related threat in the year ahead. This is significantly lower than the regional average of 41 percent and the global average of 44 percent, underscoring the UAE’s reputation as a stable environment for global business operations.

Leadership in Advanced AI Security Technologies

The report highlights the UAE’s role as a global frontrunner in the deployment of advanced AI-driven security technologies.

• 59 percent of security chiefs in the UAE view AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security as essential within the next two years, well above the regional average of 46 percent and the global average of 44 percent.
• 50 percent of UAE security leaders prioritize AI-driven threat detection and risk assessment, compared to 42 percent regionally and 44 percent globally.
• The application of autonomous AI, systems that operate with minimal human intervention, is particularly high in the UAE, where 26 percent of leaders report using it for incident response and emergency management, compared to a regional average of 23 percent.

These findings place the UAE ahead of global counterparts in adopting next-generation technologies to safeguard businesses and communities.

Foundations of Economic Stability

The UAE’s resilience is supported by its strategic investments in energy transition and infrastructure projects, which provide insulation from global market fluctuations. Initiatives such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the country’s diversification away from oil dependence underpin its economic strength.

Complementing these efforts is the UAE’s proactive approach to cyber security frameworks, which align with international best practices. Continuous collaboration between the public and private sectors has enhanced investor confidence while minimizing vulnerabilities in key economic sectors.

The nation’s geopolitical stability and openness to global trade further reinforce its secure environment, attracting multinational corporations and financial institutions that benefit from the UAE’s central role in international supply chains.

Centennial Vision and Security Strategy

Omar Dababneh, Managing Director of G4S in the UAE, commented:

“Building a secure, cohesive and globally competitive society are key pillars of the UAE Centennial 2071; its favourable and resilient business environment is highlighted by this year’s World Security Report. The country’s forward-looking approach to security also aligns closely with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, positioning it well to navigate future risks.”

The study also found that only 21 percent of UAE security leaders anticipate industrial espionage in the year ahead, compared to 27 percent regionally, while only 17 percent expect sabotage incidents, far below the regional average of 25 percent.

Despite these low threat expectations, nearly 72 percent of UAE security chiefs expect their physical security budgets to increase over the next year, six percentage points higher than the global average.

Priorities: Preparedness and Innovation

More than half of UAE respondents (52 percent) cited process optimization and efficiency improvements as their top investment priority for the coming year, 11 percentage points higher than the global average. An equal proportion highlighted new security technology and infrastructure as a focus, outpacing regional and global averages of 47 percent.

Sanjay Verma, G4S Regional President for APAC and the Middle East, said:

“Preparedness and a focus on innovation are the standout features of corporate security in the Middle East, underpinned by a striving culture that emphasises continual improvement. It’s equally pleasing to see that security leaders in the region recognise the importance of people and understand the benefits of integrated security solutions.”

Smart Cities, AI, and Future Readiness

The UAE’s growing emphasis on smart city technologies and AI-driven security solutions supports real-time threat detection and rapid response capabilities. Blockchain adoption for supply chain transparency and secure transactions further enhances protection against cyber and economic threats.

Additionally, the government’s focus on workforce development in security and technology sectors ensures a pipeline of highly trained professionals capable of leveraging advanced tools. This human capital advantage is a cornerstone of the UAE’s long-term Centennial 2071 vision, complementing investments in technology and governance.

Global Benchmarks

The World Security Report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers across 31 countries, representing medium and large companies with combined revenues exceeding USD 25 trillion. Of these, 58 leaders were from the UAE and 232 from the Middle East. The study also included insights from 200 institutional investors managing over USD 1 trillion in assets.

The UAE’s consistently strong performance across economic resilience, technological adoption, and proactive governance reinforces its position as a global benchmark for integrated security and business stability, offering investors and corporations an unparalleled environment for growth.