Ideas around the Future of Security and Modern Developments in Iraq

1. Ideas around the Future of Security and Modern Developments in Iraq Iraq is developing at a record pace, with a greater level of stability than it’s seen in two decades. With record investment and focused governance, we see a changing landscape for the Iraqi people and the companies that invest here. Stability brings the ability to modernise, build, and change, new technologies, methodologies, and a renewed sense of national sovereignty. Iraq is entering a renaissance period of rapid advancement. In this short article, we explore the technological changes that sit on the horizon for Iraq and how some of these may affect the security industry operating here, as always, at Al Zaeem we like to explore these topics to learn about how we can better serve our clients and the wonderful people of Iraq. Security Services We see an evolution of security services in Iraq, in the past, due to the high threat of terrorism and militia violence there were strict rules for international staff working within the country. In current-day Iraq, the threat of violence has decreased substantially, we see a huge reduction in the necessity for high profile, overt, armed security and a move towards a European style of executive protection, one more akin to a VIP service, whilst security focus will and should remain forefront, security companies will need to adjust towards a high class, customer-focused service capable of providing a far slicker, low profile approach such as protective surveillance and deeper risk mitigation. Security Consultancy With record investment comes a need for due diligence. International companies require highly competent risk consultancy to aid them in the setting up of business. Whilst the threat of violence is low, there are still security hurdles to navigate: The militias, regional politics, corruption and bureaucracy to name a few, navigating Iraq

2. for the first time is a tough task, you will need help, you will require a seasoned professional security team of Iraqi’s and International staff to guide you through the processes and intricacies of the country’s inner workings. Consultancy will not only be prevalent in the areas of security, but as the country embraces modernity, we will see a larger requirement for professionals in Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Crowd Management and Medical response, we can look to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to give a good indicator of the people that will be enticed into Iraq in subsequent years. Cyber Security As with the rest of the world, Cyber crime in Iraq is rising, the rise in Iraq is especially troubling as a large proportion of the population is not savvy in using computers and technology, with a recent push by the government to move away from cash and get everyone into the banking system there have already been multiple, large-scale frauds. What Iraq lacks now is a government lead campaign to educate about the threats, we take this for granted in the West, messaging around every aspect of lives to steer people in a safer direction: Wear a seat belt, use a fire alarm, don’t give personal details over the phone. This hasn’t yet happened in Iraq, so there is a large opportunity for the provision of cyber security services and the education and training of the population. The world in general remains short of cyber security experts, so in any case, pushing in this direction for security companies is a no-brainer, at Al-Zaeem cyber security is something we take seriously, and building this into scopes of work for projects to ensure clients are protected on all fronts. Drones and Counter Drone Tech The government of Iraq has been quite wary in allowing the civilian use of drones, in fact, it is illegal to buy one, even the type considered a toy in Europe, However, with the correct permits and requirements drones are used, largely by the Oil and Gas Sector for inspections and maintenance.

3. We anticipate this sector to grow over the coming decade, with Oil and Gas field exploration ever progressing drones will simply become a requirement, a cost-saving, why send an engineer when you can send a drone? As with all sectors, Oil and Gas saves money where it can, and drone technology in Iraq can be utilised for a wide range of other infrastructure projects. Counter-drone technology also has a bright future, with drones now used widely worldwide for offensive operations, the mitigation of drone attacks must be a part of a security plan, we see handheld units and radar-based detection systems being a large growth area and expect to see new companies from Asia entering the space and counter-drone tech used more by traditional risk management entities. China The march of China in Iraq is unstoppable, and no discussion about the future of Iraq is complete without mentioning the Chinese influence. The infrastructural and energy commitments from China in Iraq are part of a larger strategy, aligning with the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen Iraq becoming a significant beneficiary. Investments have not only been confined to the energy sector but also span across construction, medical centres, tourism, infrastructure and energy projects, Hospitals, Schools, Roads, offshore oil block explorations, and significant investments in the natural gas and refining sectors. We have also seen the formation of the Iraq-China Business Council in late 2023 aims to further improve trade and investment between the two countries. Al-Zaeem sees China-centric services as a growth area and a sector to cater for, as such we work hard to understand our Chinese clients to give them a higher standard of service in security provision and risk consultancy. Space

4. Iraq recently formed an official Space agency, thus far it remains to be seen the direction that Iraq is going with this, but Iraq surely has a history of looking to the stars, with records from ancient Babylonian astronomers written as early as 750 BCE. Last year we saw the first Arab space walk with Sultan Al Neyadi of the U.A.E and neighbouring Saudi Arabia has also expressed an ambition to reach for the stars. Iraq certainly had its challenges here on the ground, but with a bright future and rising oil revues perhaps Iraq entering the space race is not such a wild idea! Artificial intelligence It’s almost hard to anticipate the changes Artificial Intelligence may bring to a country like Iraq, on the one hand there is scope for a vast array of improvements to the sectors of health diagnostics and agriculture, in town planning and management of public facilities, but we also have a country with a rapidly growing young population. What may artificial intelligence do to the labour market for Iraq’s youth? Some feel A.I may only replace the jobs of those that can’t use A.I, well in Iraq as mentioned above, there are a great deal many people in rural areas that can’t, that have little grasp of modern systems. How might this change their lives? Elon Musk seems of the opinion that A.I will replace a great deal many jobs, and people won’t have to work. Perhaps in a country like Iraq, with a wealth of natural resources A.I may be a good fit, systems do the work, citizens enjoy the fruits of the Oil industry. Very interesting times. Concierge and Residential Security As wealth is generated and new, high-end urbanization proliferates we anticipate a requirement for traditional security companies to move into the space of concierge and quality residential teams, think more along the lines of the security at a country club, or at a residence in London’s Knightsbridge and Kensington, it’s a very different vibe, well paid, well educated, well-dressed security teams not only offering the

5. service of protection but able to provide concierge, assistance and advice. There are a growing number of very rich Iraq’s with a discerning eye. A Bright Future You can consider the above ideas speculative, but with a degree of professional insight on the security side, but certainly not exhaustive, an introduction, there are many areas we could cover, Renewables and Solar for one, but we’ll leave this for another day! We, as security professionals try to anticipate change, after all, predicting the future is the essence of risk mitigation, but sometimes, for fun, we can allow ourselves to think freely about how the landscape of Iraq and Security consultancy may change beyond recognition, one thing holds after all, Iraq is never boring! Source: - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ideas-around-future-security-modern-developments-iraq- al-zaeem-noi8f/