Expertise, digitalized approaches, localization, and diversification key issues at meeting of industrial security professionals.
ASIS Middle East held the 10th international conference of ASIS during the period Nov. 14-17, at the Dhahran Expo.
Sponsored by Aramco and His Royal Highness Prince Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Eastern Province, and supported by the High Commission for Industrial Security, the conference brought together more than 100 security companies and agencies with the goal of using and developing technologies and expertise to protect sensitive facilities, digitalize security, localize security industries and service sectors, and enable women in line with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030.
In his opening remarks, Aramco president and CEO, Amin Nasser, said, “The company has been closely associated with the conference through supporting or partnering with ASIS for 46 years, with the goal of enhancing communication channels, exchanging experience, and learning about global best practices in industrial security. At this sensitive time, when the world is experiencing serious geopolitical tensions, we should avoid laxness.”
Amin Nasser speaks about Aramco’s long-term experience working with ASIS and the continued critical nature of global industrial security in its many facets and forms.
Nasser said: “We cooperate to make security and safety a top priority. Our continued growth and success hinges on the safety of our human wealth and the security of our vital facilities.”
Industrial security is part of energy security, Nasser added, and the region will see major industrial projects and investments in which industrial security will have an important role to play.
Achieving security for industrial sectors and critical infrastructure of the crude oil, gas, chemicals, and energy fields in general is a key factor in the world’s energy supplies and promoting overall development.
“Over the past few decades, the security of vital infrastructure in the Middle East has witnessed significant progress compared to many other areas in the world,” Nasser said. Security and stability in our country and the significant efforts of all security agencies have provided security and protection for our vital facilities, and maintained the security and achievements of our country. Therefore, we thank and express appreciation to all security personnel.”
Nasser expressed his pride in the company’s support for efforts to localize cybersecurity and use drones in oil and gas operations to improve performance and safety, hailing its experience in using artificial intelligence (AI), which was recognized at the International AI Summit in Riyadh last September during which Aramco launched the “Global AI Corridor.”
“The world has become a small village that we can watch its movement thanks to the communications and information revolution and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and its applications,” Nasser said. “Targeting crossings and world transportation channels had an impact on trade and the flow of supplies around the world.”
“The human element represents the future of the Kingdom. When we found a gap in women’s work in industrial security, we took immediate action to help bridge this gap.”
— Amin Nasser
The safety and security of Aramco employees and operations is critical to fulfilling the company’s role in meeting the growing global energy demand. To help understand performance risks and solve complex problems instantly, the company uses IR 4.0 technologies. Adopting security risk management, the company is implementing cost-effective and appropriate security measures to mitigate risks to ensure business continuity.
— The Arabian Sun: November 20, 2022