Security Screening Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa security screening market is emerging as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions driven by the rising need for advanced security systems across airports, border checkpoints, public places, and critical infrastructure. The market demand is primarily influenced by increasing security threats, cross-border crime, terrorism, and smuggling activities which have pushed governments and private sectors to invest heavily in modern security screening technologies. The expansion of airports, construction of smart cities, and the rise of trade and logistics activities have also strengthened the adoption of advanced scanning and surveillance solutions across the region. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are leading with high investments in airport screening and border security systems due to their role as global transport hubs. Meanwhile, African nations such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are experiencing rapid growth in urban infrastructure which is creating fresh demand for effective public safety and screening solutions. The ongoing wave of urbanization is creating concentrated populations in major cities which require higher levels of surveillance and monitoring to ensure public safety. The development of megacities, modern transportation networks, and smart airports is pushing the need for faster and more efficient screening systems that can process large numbers of people without causing delays. Governments are focusing on using artificial intelligence, biometrics, and data analytics in screening systems to improve efficiency and accuracy while minimizing human error. The high rate of technological adoption in the Middle East along with growing awareness of safety among the African population has created a favorable environment for companies to introduce new and innovative screening technologies. According to the research report, "Middle East and Africa Security Screening Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Middle East and Africa Security Screening market is anticipated to add to USD 290 Million by 2025–30. The first major factor is the rise in security concerns and terrorism threats across the region which has pushed governments to enhance security systems in public and private sectors.

Airports, seaports, border checkpoints, and transportation hubs have become key focus areas for implementing advanced screening technologies. With a growing emphasis on public safety, both national and regional authorities are investing in modern X-ray scanners, metal detectors, body scanners, and explosive trace detection systems. The increase in international travel and trade through the Middle East, particularly through the major hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, has also strengthened the demand for efficient passenger and cargo screening systems. The region is witnessing a surge in urban development, with many countries focusing on smart city projects and advanced transportation networks. Governments are taking proactive steps to introduce AI-enabled surveillance, biometric access control, and automated screening technologies that can operate efficiently in high-traffic areas. The Middle East, known for its strong infrastructure investment, is integrating cutting-edge screening solutions into its smart city frameworks to ensure both safety and convenience. Africa, on the other hand, is adopting cost-effective and mobile screening systems to address the needs of growing urban populations and expanding border activities. For instance, the hosting of international expos, sports tournaments, and religious gatherings in the Middle East has highlighted the importance of efficient screening operations. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made massive investments in safety infrastructure for events such as the Hajj pilgrimage and Expo 2020 Dubai. These initiatives not only boost demand but also set examples for other nations in the region to strengthen their security frameworks..

Market Dynamic

Security ScreeningSegmentation

The personnel screening segment is growing fastest in the Middle East and Africa security screening industry due to rising concerns over internal threats and terrorism, coupled with increased deployment of advanced screening technologies in airports.

The personnel screening segment is witnessing the fastest growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) security screening industry as the region continues to strengthen its defense and security mechanisms in response to escalating threats of terrorism, illegal immigration, and cross-border crimes. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa are increasingly prioritizing human-centric security measures to protect critical infrastructure, public spaces, and transport hubs. The region’s geopolitical instability, combined with growing incidents of extremist activities and smuggling, has heightened the need for effective personnel screening systems that can detect concealed weapons, explosives, and contraband on individuals without causing inconvenience or delays. Airports, government facilities, military bases, and major public events are adopting advanced screening technologies such as full-body scanners, metal detectors, millimeter-wave imaging, and biometric authentication systems. Moreover, international collaborations in aviation security and defense have further accelerated the deployment of modern personnel screening systems across MEA. For instance, airports in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are integrating next-generation body scanners and facial recognition systems to comply with global security standards and enhance passenger throughput. The ongoing expansion of tourism and air travel in the region, especially in hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, is another key driver for personnel screening demand. Additionally, the increasing establishment of smart cities and large-scale events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar have encouraged investments in security infrastructure, where personnel screening plays a crucial role in crowd management and access control.

Terahertz and millimeter-wave detection technology is growing fastest in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) security screening industry due to its superior capability to detect concealed threats non-invasively, combined with rising adoption across airports.

The rapid growth of terahertz and millimeter-wave detection technology in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) security screening industry is primarily driven by the region’s increasing demand for advanced, contactless, and highly accurate threat detection solutions. With persistent challenges such as terrorism, smuggling, and illegal migration, MEA nations are heavily investing in state-of-the-art screening systems that ensure public safety without compromising efficiency or privacy. Terahertz and millimeter-wave technologies have emerged as key enablers in this regard, offering the ability to detect weapons, explosives, and other concealed items hidden under clothing or within luggage by using non-ionizing radiation that is safe for human exposure. Airports across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as those in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are at the forefront of adopting these systems, as they aim to meet global aviation security standards and improve passenger experience through faster, more reliable screening processes. The ability of these technologies to provide real-time imaging without physical contact aligns perfectly with the region’s post-pandemic emphasis on hygiene and touchless operations. Moreover, the high frequency and resolution capabilities of terahertz and millimeter-wave imaging make it particularly useful for detecting non-metallic threats, which traditional X-ray and metal detectors might miss. This advantage has led to growing use cases in government buildings, embassies, military installations, and large-scale public events where security risks are elevated.

People screening is the fastest-growing application in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) security screening industry due to increasing security concerns at airports, borders, and public venues.

The people screening application segment is experiencing the fastest growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) security screening industry as the region intensifies its focus on safeguarding human movement across airports, borders, public facilities, and large-scale events. The rise in terrorism threats, illegal immigration, and smuggling activities across several MEA nations has compelled governments to invest heavily in advanced people screening systems to strengthen public safety and national security. Airports in major countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are increasingly deploying sophisticated full-body scanners, metal detectors, and biometric-based systems to ensure that every individual entering restricted areas is thoroughly screened for concealed weapons, explosives, or contraband. The surge in air travel and tourism, particularly in GCC nations, has also driven the adoption of people screening solutions that can handle large passenger volumes quickly and efficiently without compromising accuracy or passenger comfort. Furthermore, regional events such as Expo 2020 Dubai, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and various religious pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia have amplified the need for enhanced crowd management and threat detection systems. People screening technologies, such as millimeter-wave scanners, infrared imaging, and biometric verification systems, are playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety of participants and visitors at these high-profile gatherings. The increasing focus on modernization and smart city development across the MEA region is further contributing to the expansion of people screening applications, as governments are integrating such systems into public infrastructure, commercial buildings, and transportation hubs. Additionally, technological advancements like AI-driven analytics, facial recognition, and contactless screening have made these systems faster, more reliable, and more hygienic key priorities in the post-pandemic era.

Security Screening Market Regional Insights

Saudi Arabia is leading the Middle East and Africa security screening industry due to its massive infrastructure modernization, strong government security mandates, and heavy investments in aviation, border protection, and smart city development under Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) security screening industry, driven by its ambitious national transformation programs and growing emphasis on public safety and critical infrastructure protection. The kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative has become the cornerstone of this growth, promoting large-scale modernization across airports, transportation networks, commercial complexes, and urban centers. With rising regional security challenges and increased global connectivity, Saudi Arabia has prioritized the deployment of advanced screening technologies to ensure the safety of citizens, travelers, and assets. Major international airports such as King Khalid International, King Abdulaziz International, and the new Red Sea International Airport have adopted state-of-the-art security systems including automated baggage scanners, explosive trace detectors, and AI-powered passenger screening solutions. The government’s consistent investment in aviation and border control infrastructure has significantly strengthened the market, positioning Saudi Arabia as the regional benchmark for security technology adoption. The country’s geographical and strategic importance as a major transit and pilgrimage hub also drives demand for sophisticated screening solutions. Millions of pilgrims visit the kingdom annually for Hajj and Umrah, leading to an ever-growing need for efficient, large-scale crowd and luggage screening operations. To manage this, Saudi authorities have implemented advanced scanning systems capable of handling high throughput while maintaining precision and reliability. Furthermore, the kingdom’s commitment to protecting its oil and energy infrastructure key pillars of its economy has led to the installation of robust screening and surveillance systems around refineries, pipelines, and industrial zones.