Empowering the Citizen: The New Era of Arab Community Security

In response to the significant changes and new security challenges facing Arab societies, a shift is needed from traditional security methods to a more comprehensive and integrated approach. This new concept of security connects the state and society within a unified national security framework. Instead of relying solely on strong security responses, this model focuses on an integrated system of prevention, community engagement, and strategic planning, empowering every individual to play a part in their own security.
 Building modern community security requires reshaping the relationship between citizens and security institutions based on trust, partnership, and transparency. Security becomes a collective responsibility shared by all parts of society and relevant agencies. The core of this strategy is the belief that prevention starts with thought, and that crime is best addressed not just with precise enforcement, but through understanding, community fortification, and early intervention.
 The Role of Media in Arab Community Security
 In today's world, where information flows freely and crimes cross borders instantly, security can no longer be a traditional shield. Emerging challenges, from transnational cybercrime to terrorism, trafficking, addiction, and violence, demand a proactive vision focused on protecting society from within.
 This is where the role of digital security media becomes a crucial strategic tool. By educating and raising awareness throughout the community, security media helps maintain stability and social cohesion.
 Ali Koman, legal expert from the Arab Office for Combating Extremism, Terrorism, and Information Technology Crimes at the Arab Interior Ministers Council, highlighted the need for specialized security departments. Speaking to a Saudi Press Agency reporter, he stressed that the rapid evolution of media and communication technology necessitates a new approach to protecting society from various threats. These threats include transnational crimes, human trafficking, addiction, and domestic violence, as well as the challenges posed by electronic and cybercrimes.
 Koman also noted the proactive role of the Arab Interior Ministers Council and its member states in addressing these issues. The council recognized the importance of security awareness early on, adopting an Arab media strategy for security awareness and crime prevention in 1996. This strategy and its subsequent plans were designed to strengthen cooperation between security agencies and other relevant parties to protect Arab societies from crime and harmful intellectual and behavioral trends.
 Koman also emphasized the council's ongoing commitment, demonstrated through its various meetings and conferences, to fostering coordination among Arab security efforts. The goal is to create comprehensive Arab plans to combat a wide range of crimes that threaten societal security.
 Koman urged media to actively participate in raising awareness about the technological revolution and its societal impact. He called on member states to adopt a scientific approach in producing educational media content and stressed the importance of using specialized electronic platforms to expose threats to security and social stability. In response, police and security agencies across Arab nations have established security media centers to promote public safety awareness.
 Koman also discussed how digital security media can enhance community security strategies. He highlighted that digital media can define and strengthen the relationship between media outlets, security institutions, and citizens. For this to work effectively, those in charge of digital security media must build trust with all parties and operate with a clear vision and objectives. This involves working within well-developed national plans and programs, and ensuring high levels of cooperation and coordination between relevant departments in the ministries of interior and all forms of media—national, civil, and private.
 According to Koman, effective security media requires a commitment to core professional values. It is essential to present facts, opinions, and trends with transparency and clarity, while avoiding generalizations, half-truths, and unverified information. The goal of this dynamic media coverage is to promote a sense of security and safety by raising public awareness and sharing accurate security information. By fostering community participation in security discussions, it helps create a unified public opinion that supports societal values.
 To improve this system, Koman stresses the need to strengthen the relationship between media and security agencies. This includes working within scientifically-backed frameworks to plan educational campaigns and enrolling digital media professionals in continuous training to keep them up-to-date with rapid digital developments and boost citizen involvement in awareness initiatives. Koman views the citizen's role as equally vital to that of a security officer, emphasizing that the media can play a crucial part in strengthening this relationship to ensure the safety and security of the nation and its people.
 The Saudi Model: A Strategic Vision for Community Security
 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's approach to community security is a pioneering model that effectively redefines and implements this concept. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, a specialized department was established, combining advanced technology, preventative thinking, and a participatory approach with citizens. This initiative goes beyond a simple administrative project; it reflects a forward-thinking vision that recognizes social stability as the foundation for development. It posits that true security is rooted in a mature society's ability to protect itself ethically and behaviorally before legal intervention is needed.
 The Saudi model highlights the importance of community security as a key pillar of state policy. This is especially effective because it is supported by clear political will, professional security institutions, and a digitally engaged population. A major focus has been on empowering citizens by creating smart and accessible digital channels. These platforms allow individuals to report incidents, provide feedback, and monitor behavioral changes in their communities, all within a secure environment that protects their privacy and encourages active participation.
 Public Security Director Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized to the Saudi Press Agency that the Kingdom prioritizes human security and dignity. He sees this as the bedrock of both stability and sustainable development.
 In an era of rapid social change, Al-Bassami stated that community security has become a strategic necessity. This is especially true for addressing modern challenges like extremism, deviance, and human trafficking, which he identifies as serious human rights violations.
 According to Al-Bassami, the Ministry of Interior has developed a comprehensive national approach centered on prevention and preemption. This is achieved through integrated security policies implemented by various sectors, with Public Security at the forefront. The goal is to create a safe social environment built on individual awareness, technological efficiency, and institutional integration.
 Al-Bassami further noted that the Kingdom's security strategy is based on an integrated, preventative concept that combines awareness-raising, efficient intervention, and collaboration with society and its institutions. He added that recent structural updates to public security are a direct reflection of the leadership's vision for building a sustainable and balanced security system.
 Al-Bassami said that self-monitoring, promoting citizenship values, and enhancing a sense of security are the key pillars of Saudi Arabia's community security system. This system was developed alongside educational and awareness programs in partnership with schools, universities, and various community entities. Training initiatives were also launched for educational staff to help them identify and monitor concerning behaviors, and field activities were used to instill discipline and a sense of responsibility. Security agencies further supported awareness content and expanded partnerships with national media to create communication messages based on accurate information to combat rumors and misinformation, thereby boosting public trust in security performance, especially in the digital realm.
 Al-Bassami credited the Kingdom's leadership with supporting this preventative approach, noting that its directives reflect a deep commitment to building a cohesive society capable of confronting intellectual and behavioral threats.
 He specifically mentioned the role of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose directives have accelerated the development of the security system. As a result of this vision, the General Directorate for Community Security and Combating Trafficking in Persons was established within Public Security in February 2025, which aims to reinforce preventive security concepts and improve the efficiency of interventions and responses.
 Al-Bassami explained that the General Directorate for Community Security and Combating Trafficking in Persons has two main objectives: to strengthen monitoring and analysis tools and to coordinate directly with relevant government agencies. This department also develops protection mechanisms for victims and applies the highest legal standards when handling cases, always considering humanitarian, psychological, and social factors.
 To further these goals, the Public Security has created advanced training programs for its personnel on monitoring, investigation, and professional victim handling, integrating international best practices. These efforts have enhanced the Kingdom's security readiness and capacity to combat crimes that cross national borders, which require both internal integration and international cooperation.
 Al-Bassami noted that this approach is a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s balanced security development model, which places people at the center of its policies. This model links community security with systematic prevention to protect human dignity, safeguard the social fabric, and strengthen national cohesion.
 Concluding his statement, Al-Bassami affirmed that the Ministry of Interior is confidently moving toward building a comprehensive security system in line with Saudi Vision 2030. This system is based on innovation and community partnership, enhancing the role of both citizens and residents in early prevention and using modern tools to combat crime.
 Koman also praised Saudi Arabia's approach to security, calling it a successful model for other Arab nations. He highlighted the Kingdom's use of comprehensive strategies that focus on communication and community participation, along with both preventive and educational programs.
 According to Koman, Saudi Arabia's experience is notable for its achievements in several key areas. The Kingdom has made significant progress in reducing criminal activity, developed and protected its digital infrastructure, and strengthened the relationship and trust between its society and security institutions.
 He emphasized that this holistic approach, which relies on awareness, participation, and technology, has enhanced the efficiency of the security system. The result is a secure and prosperous society with greater resilience and stability. Koman believes this success makes Saudi Arabia's model worthy of emulation.
 The Four Pillars of Saudi Community Security
 The Saudi model for community security is built on the integration of four key pillars: awareness, community, technology, and institutions.
 The awareness pillar focuses on cultivating a culture of intellectual security and moderation. It uses educational programs and media campaigns to promote dialogue and national identity, guiding society toward a preventative mindset.
 The community pillar involves empowering families, schools, and local neighborhoods to create an environment that supports intellectual and behavioral safety.
 The technical pillar leverages modern technology, including artificial intelligence, data analysis, and smart applications, to enhance security efforts.
 The institutional pillar ensures coordinated action between official bodies and the public in implementing community prevention initiatives.
 King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Fawzan stated that community security is crucial for a stable society and explained that the center plays a vital role by using dialogue and cultural communication to empower citizens. This approach helps people become active partners in preventing intellectual and behavioral threats, contributing to a more cohesive and resilient community.
 Al-Fawzan stated that the center was established on the principle that community security requires the integration of institutions and society. The center's mission is to spread values of moderation and tolerance, strengthen a unified national identity, and protect youth from extremism. It achieves this through scientific programs, training, and publications. He highlighted "Naseej," "ambassadors of moderation," and the interactive exhibition for cultural communication as key programs that serve as platforms for building national awareness and promoting dialogue.
 He added that the center has developed national indicators, such as the national tolerance index and the national cohesion index, to provide data that informs decision-making. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of strengthening national cohesion.
 To complement its theoretical work, the center has implemented practical training programs in partnership with Saudi universities. Programs on topics such as preparing intellectual security trainers and clarification in intellectual dialogue focus on developing critical thinking and dialogue skills among youth to help them counter isolation and extremism.
 The center's work also includes community initiatives, such as partnerships with universities and national meetings to combat extremism. It also launched the Cultural Communication Award to encourage intellectuals and civil society to contribute to community security initiatives.
 Al-Fawzan concluded by saying that the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication represents a comprehensive national model for promoting intellectual and social security through dialogue and cultural communication. This approach is in line with the leadership's directives to build a secure society where citizens actively participate in strengthening the nation's internal fabric against future challenges.
 Smart Tools for Community Security
 Technology is a central tool in modern community security, moving beyond simple support to become a critical component for monitoring, analysis, and response. Electronic applications allow citizens to easily report suspicious activities and share information with authorities, creating an integrated, interactive system. Data analysis systems analyze data to identify unusual behavioral patterns, helping to prevent crimes before they happen.
 Digital security media platforms are no longer just for broadcasting warnings. They now act as channels for building collective awareness and intellectual immunity, countering extremist messages with logical arguments.
 Scientific research is an essential pillar of community security, especially when theoretical knowledge is converted into practical, technical tools. Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Saudi Arabia is a prime example of this approach.
 In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences Vice President for External Relations Khalid Alharfash said the university is a leading institution in developing community security through scientific research, training, and innovation. Its specialized programs and research centers are directly connected to decision-makers, working to empower both institutions and society to effectively respond to emerging security challenges.
 Alharfash stated that the university's mission is to integrate scientific research with practical application. This is done by generating reliable security knowledge, developing preventative policies, and strengthening the skills of youth and security personnel to tackle modern threats. He highlighted several of the university's key centers, which serve as platforms for creating smart solutions and supporting decision-making in Arab countries, including the center for artificial intelligence in security, the center for cyber and economic crimes, and innovation lab.
 The university has also developed advanced research tools, including security threat indicators, emerging crime monitoring systems, and intelligent criminal data analysis applications, to provide accurate data for decision-makers, aligning with the security and stability goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
 The university's work goes beyond theoretical research. It includes applied initiatives like the artificial intelligence security innovation program and various workshops designed to transfer knowledge into practical tools for the security field. The university also engages in awareness campaigns and community initiatives, such as regional and international partnerships and training programs for security agencies.
 To encourage further innovation, the university offers research and incentive awards. According to Alharfash, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences represents a comprehensive model for linking scientific research with applied security, using innovation, training, and international cooperation as proactive tools. This approach aligns with the leadership's vision to build a safe, stable, and resilient society where institutions and citizens actively participate.
 Towards a Sustainable Community Security Culture
 The Saudi model for community security is designed to be sustainable by actively involving educational, cultural, and social institutions. It builds long-term partnerships to foster a culture of safety and responsibility. The Kingdom has launched a variety of initiatives aimed at students, families, and community leaders to boost awareness and encourage public participation.
 Early results from this model are very promising. Key indicators show a reduction in intellectual and behavioral transgressions, as well as faster response times to reports and more accurate proactive security analysis. This success has helped strengthen trust between citizens and security institutions, opening up new avenues for cooperation built on transparency and mutual respect. What makes this model particularly effective is its adaptability and flexibility, all guided by a vision that sees security as a shared responsibility.
 Citizen as the Core of Security
 The Saudi model for community security is a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach that can serve as an inspiration for other Arab nations. It combines technology and human involvement, prediction and response, prevention and treatment, and state and society.
 A key philosophy underpinning this model is captured by the late Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz's famous saying, "The citizen is the first line of security." This phrase highlights a fundamental shift in security strategy, making it a collective responsibility rather than just an official one. It establishes a genuine partnership between the individual and the state, emphasizing prevention over reaction.
 This philosophy means that every citizen acts as a guardian of the nation through their awareness and responsibility. They become a watchful eye, actively reporting any threats to security. This proactive approach aims to fortify society from within, making it the primary line of defense. By building security as a cultural and national project, the model ensures a stable environment for future generations and sustainable growth.