Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves of petroleum in the world (26% of the proved total), ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 75% of budget revenues, 40% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. About 35% of GDP comes from the private sector. The country has upcoming infrastructure and oil industry projects that will increase demand for all types of safety and security products and services

Upgraded security
A heightened awareness of security issues has led Saudi Arabian Government and private sector entities to re-evaluate and upgrade all security at all major sites. A sizeable portion of the country's current fiscal surplus has been allocated to increase the security budgets for all government departments

High demand for security systems
Imports of security equipment and systems were estimated at $261 million in 2003. The latest terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia have forced many institutions and companies to re-evaluate their security needs. Excellent potential exist for various equipment and systems across the board, but mainly, for access control, identification equipment, closed circuit television, and scanning equipment.
The market for security equipment in Saudi Arabia is now developing rapidly, with safety concerns fueling the expansion. Imports for 2004 were estimated at $339.6 M, with a 40 percent increase in 2005. Since 2003 the country has been rocked by a series of terrorist attacks on residential compounds, Saudi Arabian Government locations, and individuals (Saudis and Westerners). There have been numerous gun battles between terrorists and Saudi security forces in various parts of the country, and seizures of a worrying assortment of explosives, weapons and documented plans to attack public and private buildings, installations, residences and individuals.
Throughout Saudi, public and major private organizations continue to assess and upgrade security. Particular attention is paid to Access Control, Identification (ID), Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Scanning (x-ray, metal and explosives detection), Road-Blockers, and Tire Killers - sales of these items grew by an estimated 60 percent in 2003, 50 percent in 2004, and a further 25 percent increase in 2005. Current projects providing market growth are: the possibility of providing ID cards for approximately 3 million pilgrims annually; possible fingerprinting of all visitors arriving in the country; Traffic Department (MOI) is implementing a project to install a vehicle identification and traffic management system with cameras, national database, etc.; a project for high-tech border security is under discussion; port security is being upgraded; plans to construct a new oil refinery have been given the go ahead; and safety and security equipment at airports is under review.
American security equipment is holding an estimated 64 percent market share in Saudi Arabia.