Security and History Dialogue Forum 2026 in Riyadh vital for future security, says GCC chief

Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said the Security and History Dialogue Forum plays a major role in strengthening security expertise to address future security challenges.

He made the remarks during his participation in the Security and History Dialogue Forum, held under the theme "Our History and Our Future: Security and Prosperity," and under the patronage of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Minister of Interior, on Sunday in Riyadh. The event brought together leaders, officials, experts, and academics to review historical experiences and anticipate future transformations in security and development, with more than 160 speakers from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

At the start of his address, Albudaiwi expressed his gratitude to Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif and the Ministry's staff for their significant efforts in organizing the conference. He noted that security has been a core focus since the early days of the GCC and has now reached an advanced stage of integration and joint preparedness. He stressed that the strength of the GCC system stems from the strength of its member states and their ability to work together in facing shared challenges.

Albudaiwi also pointed out that the evolving nature of crime and cross-border threats requires a shift from reacting to crimes after they occur to proactively disrupting criminal networks and cutting off their resources. He reviewed the progress made by the GCC in combating drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as the completion of a draft GCC strategy to counter cybercrimes and artificial intelligence-related crimes.

He further emphasized that artificial intelligence and modern technologies offer significant opportunities to enhance security work, but also present new challenges as they are exploited in increasingly sophisticated crimes. GCC countries are working to build their capabilities to anticipate and confront future crimes using future-ready tools, while keeping the protection of individuals, families, and society at the heart of security efforts. He highlighted the importance of joint operational readiness and the role of joint security drills—especially the "Arabian Gulf Security" exercise—in translating security integration among GCC agencies into practice, raising coordination levels, and improving responses to evolving security scenarios.

Albudaiwi added that successful experiences within GCC countries represent a shared Gulf asset whose expertise can be exchanged and built upon. He noted that the relationship between security and development has become increasingly interconnected amid major transformations in the region, with security not operating on the sidelines of development but rather safeguarding its progress and achievements. Technology, he said, now gives security greater capacity to anticipate risks and protect people.

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