Axis Communications has released its inaugural Axis Perspectives Report 2026, offering an in‑depth look at how intelligent video technologies are transforming security, operations, and smart infrastructure across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The report brings together global research, expert commentary, and practical case studies, underscoring how IP cameras once primarily used for surveillance are becoming integral to broader operational ecosystems.
While security remains the dominant priority, the report reveals a significant shift in how organizations leverage video data. Use of video for business intelligence nearly doubled in the past year, rising from 20% to 38%, while 42% of organisations now rely on video to support operational efficiency. This trend reflects a growing appreciation of video as a source of real‑time, actionable insights rather than a passive tool for incident review.
“The Middle East has become a definitive showcase for how intelligent video delivers real-time insights and measurable business value.”
— Assim Khedr, Engineering & Training Manager, Axis Communications (Middle East)
The GCC and the wider Middle East stand out as global leaders in this evolution. With major smart city projects, expanding transport networks, and large-scale mixed‑use developments, regional organizations are managing increasingly complex, high‑traffic environments. The need for unified systems, cybersecurity‑ready architecture, and cloud‑enabled scalability is driving the rapid adoption of intelligent video solutions.
The report highlights how advanced IP video is being applied across industries, including transport, logistics, and industrial manufacturing. A notable example is BMW Group’s AI‑driven quality inspection system (AIQX), which uses high-resolution Axis cameras in its iFACTORY facilities to automate inspections, enhance accuracy, and improve operational efficiency—demonstrating the expanding value of video beyond traditional security.
“GCC nations, and the Middle East region overall, have long been sites of exciting innovation where video systems are concerned,” said Assim Khedr. “The region exemplifies the shift from analogue to digital and now toward intelligent video that delivers business value. With Axis Perspectives, we can quantify that evolution and help organizations maximize the value of their technology investments.”
The 2026 report outlines several key findings, including the rising importance of cybersecurity (a priority for 44% of end customers), accelerating cloud adoption (projected to grow from 27% to 44% within two years), and strong demand for unified, integrated systems. It also introduces a five‑stage maturity model illustrating the progression from passive video systems to predictive, autonomous environments powered by AI.
Designed to guide customers and partners through emerging trends, Axis Perspectives reflects the company’s nearly 30‑year legacy in network video and its ongoing commitment to building safer, smarter, and more efficient environments across the region.
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