GCC Nations Spearhead Transformation in Public Safety Centres

The nations pioneer safer societies by embracing GenAI and reshaping global public safety through technology integration

In a report unveiled at the Intersec 2024 Security Leader's Summit which concluded recently at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), PwC, one of the leading professional services firms has shed light on the pioneering strides made by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in reshaping the landscape of safety and security through cutting-edge technological adoption, specifically in GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence).

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this milestone edition of Intersec celebrates a quarter-century of innovation in security technology. It unites over 45,000 global security professionals and 1,000 exhibitors as the world's leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection industries.

The research titled ‘Reimagining Command Centres of the Future’ highlights how the conventional Command Centres (CCs), pivotal to public safety, are undergoing a transformative journey, shifting from static displays and manual decision-making to dynamic and intuitive environments. This shift, driven by technological advancements like GenAI and emerging technologies like Augmented and Virtual Realities (AR/VR), aims to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability in these critical hubs.

“As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape in public safety, the transformation of command centres through the adoption of GenAI is not just advantageous, but essential. Our report highlights the evolution of Command Centers. This transition marks a significant shift from traditional command centres to intuitive Cognitive Command Centres, enabling public safety agencies in improving decision-making, efficiently allocating resources, and proactively addressing the evolving security threats we face today." - Sharang Gupta, Director Public Safety, Technology Consulting at PwC Middle East

The envisioned Cognitive Command Centres (CogCCs) are poised to revolutionise command and control operations, moving beyond isolated hubs toward intelligence-driven decision-making. By synthesizing data from diverse sources in real-time and harnessing the power of GenAI, CogCCs will enable strategic planning and proactive crisis management, setting new standards for operational excellence.

The report finds that GCC nations, spearheading technology-driven urban developments like NEOM, Expo City, and the Red Sea project, underscore their commitment to cutting-edge innovations like AI and 5G. Emphasizing safety and security as a top priority, these countries consistently excel on global safety indices, with the UAE leading the Women, Peace, and Security Index. This reinforces the Middle East and GCC's leading role in reshaping global public safety through innovative technological integration, positioning them as GenAI pioneers ensuring safer societies.