Saudi Arabia Security Screening Market Overview,2030

The security screening market in Saudi Arabia has advanced dramatically as part of the country’s ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, which emphasizes infrastructure modernization, smart city development, and enhanced homeland protection. The Kingdom’s adoption of modern inspection and monitoring technologies began to accelerate after the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Interior expanded their security mandates to include advanced imaging, biometric, and digital identification systems across major transportation and border points. Airports such as King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah and King Khalid International in Riyadh have implemented multi-layered screening systems integrating X-ray scanners, computed tomography for baggage inspection, and full-body imaging units aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Security screening in Saudi Arabia encompasses the use of AI-driven analytics, IoT-connected surveillance systems, and cloud-based data management to monitor high-traffic areas and critical infrastructure such as oil refineries, power plants, and logistics centers. The Saudi Customs Authority operates non-intrusive inspection systems at ports like Jeddah Islamic Port and King Fahd Industrial Port, utilizing automated cargo scanners equipped with high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray imaging for detecting contraband and explosives. Biometric integration under the Absher digital platform enables secure traveler verification at airports and border control facilities. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority is driving the incorporation of machine learning in threat detection and behavioral analytics to strengthen predictive monitoring capabilities. Portable screening and mobile command systems have been deployed at religious gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah in Mecca and Medina to ensure rapid, large-scale crowd safety screening.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia Security Screening Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Security Screening market is anticipated to add to more than USD 60 Million by 2025–30. Saudi Arabia’s security screening market is characterized by rapid technological adoption, international collaborations, and large-scale integration of intelligent systems across public and private sectors. Key global companies such as Smiths Detection, Leidos, and Rapiscan Systems have installed airport security systems incorporating computed tomography and advanced trace detection technologies across Saudi airports managed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Local defense and technology firms including Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Advanced Electronics Company work with the Ministry of Interior and the Saudi Border Guards to develop indigenous screening and surveillance platforms compatible with smart border systems at crossings like Al Batha and Arar. In partnership with Aramco, Leidos and OSI Systems provide cargo and vehicle scanning solutions at oil facilities and industrial zones, integrating AI algorithms for anomaly detection and data analytics through secure cloud platforms. The Saudi Electricity Company uses portable radiation and metal detection units supplied by Nuctech and Garrett Metal Detectors for substation and energy plant protection. The Public Investment Fund has supported projects by Elm and STC Solutions to create cloud-connected command centers that link security screening devices across transportation networks and logistics hubs. During major religious events, companies like Securitas Arabia and G4S deploy mobile and biometric-enabled screening stations that synchronize with real-time crowd management systems designed by Thales Group. The King Abdullah City for Science and Technology collaborates with international research institutes to test quantum sensing and AI-based behavioral screening for defense and border protection applications. Sustainability and efficiency are becoming new priorities, leading to the adoption of low-energy, recyclable scanners from Astrophysics Inc. and Hitachi.

In Saudi Arabia the security screening framework is managed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Saudi Customs Authority, and the Ministry of Interior which coordinate operations across airports, ports, and land borders. Baggage and cargo screening plays a central role in the kingdom’s national security infrastructure with airports such as King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah, King Khalid International in Riyadh, and King Fahd International in Dammam using advanced X-ray and computed tomography systems to detect explosives, weapons, and contraband in luggage and air freight. Cargo screening also extends to maritime trade hubs such as Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port where large-scale container scanners and radiation monitors inspect goods entering and leaving the country. Personnel screening is implemented at airports, government facilities, and public venues through walk-through metal detectors, full-body scanners, and biometric verification systems operated by trained airport and customs security staff. Enhanced personnel screening measures were deployed during large international events such as the Riyadh Season and the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah where police and security agencies used a mix of scanning equipment and digital ID systems to manage crowd safety. Vehicle screening is an essential component of border and facility protection, particularly at land crossings with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain where under-vehicle scanners, portable X-ray systems, and canine inspection units are used to detect smuggled items, explosives, and narcotics. Vehicle screening is also conducted at critical infrastructure sites including oil refineries operated by Saudi Aramco, military bases, and logistics terminals where all vehicles entering secure zones are inspected for threats. Together these layers of baggage, cargo, personnel, and vehicle screening reinforce Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive security ecosystem which supports safe travel, trade, and event management throughout the kingdom’s growing transportation network.

Saudi Arabia’s security screening systems employ a variety of detection technologies that support its aviation, customs, and defense security operations under the supervision of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Saudi Customs Authority. X-ray imaging serves as the foundation of screening at airports, ports, and government buildings providing real-time imaging for the detection of prohibited or dangerous materials within baggage and cargo. Airports like Riyadh and Jeddah use multi-energy X-ray scanners capable of differentiating organic and inorganic substances to detect explosives and narcotics efficiently. Computed tomography technology is used in major airports and customs facilities to produce high-resolution three-dimensional imaging that allows automatic identification of threats and reduces human error during inspection. Neutron sensing and detection technology is used in specialized defense and research sectors including King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology where it supports the detection of concealed explosives and chemical compounds within dense materials. Terahertz and millimeter-wave imaging technologies are applied primarily in personnel screening at airports, stadiums, and government offices where they provide safe non-invasive detection of hidden items beneath clothing without radiation exposure. Other detection technologies widely used in Saudi Arabia include explosives trace detection systems which identify trace particles of explosive materials in baggage and vehicles, radiation detection devices installed at major ports like Jeddah and Dammam to prevent illicit transport of nuclear materials, and narcotics analyzers used by customs officers at border crossings and airports. Many of these systems are integrated into digital surveillance platforms managed by the Ministry of Interior which enables real-time data exchange between airports, customs terminals, and border posts ensuring faster and more accurate threat detection across Saudi Arabia’s security infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia’s security screening network utilizes a diverse range of equipment designed to protect its transportation hubs, energy facilities, and public spaces. Walk-through metal detectors are installed at airports such as Jeddah, Riyadh, and Medina as well as in metro stations, stadiums, and government buildings to screen passengers and visitors efficiently. Hand-held metal detectors are used by customs officers and police forces for secondary searches and targeted inspections during high-security operations or public events. Full-body scanners equipped with millimeter-wave imaging are operational at airports and border checkpoints allowing detection of both metallic and non-metallic threats while preserving privacy. Explosives trace detection systems are deployed across airports, ports, and logistics hubs to identify chemical residues on luggage, cargo, or vehicles. These systems play a key role during the Hajj pilgrimage where millions of passengers pass through screening points at airports and ports. Radiation detection equipment is installed at major seaports such as Jeddah Islamic Port, Jubail Port, and Dammam Port where portal monitors and handheld detectors are used to intercept radioactive or nuclear materials. Portable and mobile screening units enhance Saudi Arabia’s flexibility in handling temporary or remote operations. These include van-mounted X-ray scanners and portable explosives detectors that are deployed by customs authorities and police units during national celebrations, large-scale construction projects, and emergency security operations. Such mobile systems were notably used during the Riyadh Season events for rapid vehicle and cargo inspection. The combined use of fixed and mobile screening equipment ensures continuous protection across Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure, airports, and public facilities while allowing rapid adaptation to evolving security challenges across the country’s diverse environments.

Security screening applications in Saudi Arabia include mail and parcel inspection, baggage scanning, cargo and vehicle inspection, people screening, and explosives and narcotics detection covering airports, ports, and border facilities. Mail and parcel screening is conducted at logistics centers managed by Saudi Post, Aramex, and DHL where X-ray scanners and trace detection systems examine letters and packages for explosives, narcotics, or hazardous substances. Baggage scanning forms a key component of airport security, with every checked and carry-on bag passing through X-ray and computed tomography systems at airports such as King Khalid International in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah. Cargo and vehicle inspection is critical for customs and trade operations at seaports such as Jeddah Islamic Port, Jubail Port, and King Abdullah Port where large-scale X-ray scanners, gamma-ray imaging systems, and radiation detectors inspect shipping containers, trucks, and freight vehicles for smuggled goods or dangerous materials. People screening is implemented not only at airports but also in public facilities, mosques, and stadiums where walk-through metal detectors, handheld scanners, and biometric identification systems ensure public safety during mass gatherings such as the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Explosives and narcotics detection is an essential focus for Saudi security agencies including the General Directorate of Narcotics Control and the Ministry of Interior which use portable analyzers, ion mobility spectrometers, and trained canine units to identify drugs and explosive substances in airports, vehicles, and industrial zones. These applications are supported by the National Center for Security Operations which coordinates real-time monitoring and response systems linking airports, ports, and border checkpoints. Through these measures Saudi Arabia maintains high standards of transportation, trade, and public security while advancing toward its Vision 2030 objectives of modernization and safety integration across national infrastructure.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Securtiy Screening Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Baggage and Cargo Screening
• Personnel Screening
• Vehicle Screening

By Detection Technology
• X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Neutron Sensing and Detection
• Terahertz and Millimeter-wave
• Other Detection Technologies

By Equipment Type
• Walk-through Metal Detectors
• Hand-held Metal Detectors
• Full-body Scanners
• Explosives Trace Detection Systems
• Radiation Detection Equipment
• Portable / Mobile Screening Units

By Application
• Mail and Parcel
• Baggage Scanning
• Cargo and Vehicle Inspection
• People Screening
• Explosives and Narcotics Detection Show more