Gallagher Security is reshaping its operations in the Middle East as it moves from a long-established distribution model to a directly managed regional presence. Since August 2026, the New Zealand-based security technology provider has been building a wholly owned operation in the region, marking a new phase in a market where the company has already been active for more than two decades.
A new office is being established in Dubai Silicon Oasis, including dedicated training and experience facilities. Recruitment for the regional team is already under way. In the initial phase, Gallagher intends to strengthen its position particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with the aim of providing closer support to Channel Partners and End Users while expanding technical and commercial expertise in the market.
Speaking to Security Buyer, Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President Asia Pacific, India, Middle East and Africa at Gallagher Security, described the Middle East as a priority market for the company. Gallagher has built a substantial regional base across critical infrastructure, government and commercial applications, and the new structure is intended to deepen local capabilities and customer engagement.
The transition also changes Gallagher’s established route to market. For more than 20 years, the company worked closely with Bilal Chehime in the region. According to Schutte, Chehime played an instrumental role in developing Gallagher’s regional position and building long-standing customer and partner relationships. The new direct operation is therefore being positioned as an extension of an existing business platform rather than a complete reset of the company’s Middle East activities.
APAC IMEA Accounts for Around 60 Percent of Revenue
The Middle East investment forms part of a much broader regional growth strategy. Schutte is responsible for Asia Pacific, India, the Middle East and Africa, a territory spanning 104 countries. According to Gallagher, APAC IMEA now contributes around 60 percent of Gallagher Security’s revenue.
Revenue in the region has grown by 200 percent over the past five years, while the APAC IMEA team has tripled in size during the same period. Gallagher reports more than 800 active Channel Partners and over 5,000 trained technicians across the region.
The expansion model differs according to market maturity. Australia and New Zealand remain among Gallagher’s most established markets. In Hamilton, New Zealand, where the company also manufactures its security technology, Gallagher opened a second office in 2026 to accommodate its expanding workforce. In Australia, the company officially opened its Gold Coast headquarters in late 2025. The facility includes a purpose-built training room for hands-on industry education and also serves as a base for members of the APAC and IMEA leadership team and visiting international partners.
Gallagher also sees a broader role for its systems beyond conventional access control and security functions. According to Schutte, customers are increasingly using existing Gallagher infrastructure to support wider site management and operational requirements. The company also places strategic importance on its strong New Zealand and Australian bases in the context of its role as a trusted partner within the Five Eyes environment.
Investment Continues Across Asia, India and Africa
Gallagher is also increasing its regional footprint in Asia. A second Asian office has been opened in Malaysia, providing an additional platform for future expansion. Two dedicated trainers now support Channel Partners, End Users and Consultants across the region.
Critical infrastructure, data centres and correctional facilities are among the areas currently generating growth in Asia. In India, Gallagher points to several major reference projects, including the Surat Diamond Bourse, widely recognised as the world’s largest office building by floor area, as well as both the old and new Indian Parliament buildings.
Africa is another growth market within the APAC IMEA structure. Gallagher continues to invest in local capabilities and training, with education programmes playing an important role in its engagement with Channel Partners and End Users across the continent.
The development of the Middle East business illustrates a broader shift in Gallagher Security’s international growth model. Rather than relying solely on expanding distribution networks, the company is increasingly combining regional offices, local teams, training infrastructure and closer customer relationships. The move towards direct operations in the Middle East therefore represents not simply a new market entry, but the next stage in the development of an already sizeable regional business.
Source: Security Buyer, “Gallagher Security’s Next Growth Chapter”, published 25 August 2026. Corporate figures and statements are based on comments by Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President Asia Pacific, India, Middle East and Africa at Gallagher Security.
