“Mobile surveillance has the potential to redefine the meaning of security.” – Leo Levit, ONVIF

Leo Levit, Chairman, at ONVIF, has penned an op-ed, which outlines how agility, openness and mobility are shaping the future of security in the Gulf region.

If you have spent time in the Gulf lately, you have probably seen the pace of change, not just in skylines, but in how cities think about safety. From construction sites and critical locations to remote areas and busy outdoor events, there is a growing need for security systems that are flexible, fast to deploy, and ready to respond to shifting risks.

And that is exactly where mobile surveillance is making its mark.

These aren’t just cameras on wheels. Today’s mobile units combine high-definition video, analytics, and real-time connectivity into a single, self-contained platform. They are already being used in places where permanent systems are too slow or expensive to install, and more importantly, where threats don’t wait for infrastructure to catch up.

What makes them powerful isn’t just their mobility, but how easily they fit into existing systems, especially when they are built on open standards.

From fixed coverage to fluid visibility

Unlike traditional installations, mobile surveillance units bring an inherent flexibility. Built with integrated connectivity, autonomous power, and analytics-driven software, these systems can be deployed in minutes, reconfigured for different missions, and relocated as situations evolve.

They offer cities and operators a way to extend visibility without the delays or costs associated with permanent infrastructure. This adaptability is essential in a region as dynamic as the Gulf. In places where growth is rapid and priorities can shift overnight, the ability to “move the network” as needed is a clear operational advantage. However, mobility without interoperability is only half the story.

Why openness matters more than ever

The real impact of mobile surveillance comes when it operates within an open ecosystem, one that enables different technologies, platforms, and suppliers to work together.

Interoperability is a design philosophy and when surveillance units can communicate seamlessly with other systems from video management and public address and voice alarm systems (PAVA) to analytics platforms, they multiply their value. Alerts can be centralised. Data flows become consistent. Automation becomes achievable.

And just as importantly, organisations retain the freedom to evolve their tech stack without being locked into a single vendor or proprietary solution.

This approach is particularly relevant in the Gulf, where investment in surveillance infrastructure is accelerating at pace. According to recent forecasts, the video surveillance market in the GCC is expected to grow from $1.68 billion in 2024 to over $4.6 billion by 2034. That growth is not only a reflection of increased demand, but also a signal that security is being treated as a foundational pillar of national development.

Built for scale, designed for people

What makes mobile surveillance effective is not simply the presence of cameras or sensors, it’s how the technology works in support of human decision-making. These systems are designed to enhance, not replace, security personnel. Instead of relying on passive observation, mobile units deliver real-time alerts and context-aware data, allowing teams to respond with speed, precision, and confidence.

Some deployments now include features such as motion-triggered lighting, license plate recognition, remote voice intervention, and automated escalation protocols.

Others integrate directly into command centres, feeding live data into broader security operations. The result is a cohesive ecosystem where mobile units become an extension of strategic oversight, not just a standalone asset.

These units can also be used for missions beyond traditional security, for example, systems can be employed to detect health and safety issues such as the use (or not) of hard hats or alert teams to accidental spills, they can even allow operations teams to track construction progress,

In fact, when deployed effectively, these tools transform the role of surveillance from monitoring to insight generation. They allow personnel to focus on what matters most, guided by actionable intelligence rather than overwhelmed by volume. It’s a shift from coverage to clarity and it’s already making a measurable difference in many operational environments.

A behavioural signal, not just a technical tool

There is another layer to consider. The presence of visible, mobile surveillance has a psychological effect. In several global cases, the introduction of these systems has coincided with measurable reductions in theft, loitering, and other opportunistic behaviours. Unlike fixed installations, mobile units can be relocated unpredictably, which adds a further layer of deterrence. In that sense, they don’t just detect issues, they help prevent them.

Yet, as with any technology, value depends on how well it’s integrated. Mobile systems must be deployed with purpose, supported by training, and aligned with both digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Their power lies in their potential, but real-world impact requires strategic alignment.

Security that adapts to the environment and the future

In a world where threats change quickly and environments demand agility, mobile surveillance offers something unique: the ability to respond in real time without compromising on scale, integration, or intelligence. But for that potential to be realised, openness must sit at the core.

Whether it’s a logistics hub in Jeddah, a remote energy site in Oman, or a smart city rollout in Dubai, decision-makers need solutions that are future-ready, vendor-agnostic, and built for collaboration. That is the promise of open standards. They turn surveillance into an adaptable, interoperable, and human-centred system, one that grows with the needs of the people it serves.

As we look ahead, it is not just about being more secure, it is about being more connected, more responsive, and more open to the possibilities of tomorrow. And in that future, mobile intelligence has a vital role to play.