Falcon Shield says human bodyguards remain essential as AI expands.
Radovan Opitz, the Slovak‑born founder and chief executive of the Dubai‑based private security firm, told The National that the future of security will still rely on people on the ground. He argues that observation, prediction and rapid response require a physical presence that machines cannot replicate.
“My opinion is that the future of the security industry is purely with human beings … the observation skills, prediction and just going from seeing something to actually resolving it is not going to be possible outside the physical presence of humans,”
— Radovan Opitz, Founder and Chief Executive, Falcon Shield
Opitz, who has spent nearly two decades in private security with stints in New York and London, launched Falcon Shield in Dubai last year. The company, licensed by the emirate, offers bodyguard services, close protection and security for hospitality and events. He says the firm plans to add up to 150 personnel by the end of this year, a move aimed at meeting rising demand across the Gulf.
Human presence remains irreplaceable
According to Opitz, tools such as CCTV and AI‑driven facial‑recognition can augment security, but they cannot substitute for a guard who is physically patrolling an area. He recalls a recent assignment in London where a U.S. politician’s three‑night stay required his team to manage protests and ensure safety. “We isolated the whole incident … and everything was fine,” he said, highlighting the importance of on‑site decision‑making.
The chief executive stresses that discretion and privacy are core to the service. Whether protecting actors, singers, politicians or members of royal families, Falcon Shield’s teams aim to blend into the background while maintaining vigilance. Opitz notes that clients increasingly ask for fresh ideas and a new approach, pushing firms to combine skilled personnel with modern technology.
Growth prospects for Falcon Shield
The security sector in the Gulf is experiencing strong growth, with the overall market value estimated at about $3.4 billion last year. Opitz sees room for more players, pointing out that many established companies still manage operations through simple tools like Excel spreadsheets. He believes that improving training and communication between office staff and field operatives will boost efficiency.
New tech applications, he says, enable faster information sharing among team members, but the human element remains the decisive factor in crisis response. The article does not specify the financial investment required for Falcon Shield’s planned expansion, leaving the cost of adding 150 staff unclear.
Frequently asked questions
Why are human bodyguards still needed despite AI security systems?
According to Falcon Shield’s CEO Radovan Opitz, observation, prediction and rapid response require a physical presence that machines cannot replicate, so human guards remain essential even as AI tools expand.
Can AI replace private security guards in the UAE?
Opitz argues that AI‑driven CCTV and facial‑recognition can augment security but cannot replace the on‑site decision‑making and discretion provided by human bodyguards.
What services does Falcon Shield offer in Dubai?
The Dubai‑based firm provides bodyguard services, close protection and security for hospitality and events, blending skilled personnel with modern technology.
How many staff does Falcon Shield plan to add by year‑end?
Falcon Shield aims to add up to 150 personnel by the end of the year to meet rising demand across the Gulf.
What advantages do human security personnel have over AI surveillance?
Human guards can physically patrol, make on‑site decisions, maintain discretion and privacy, and respond instantly to incidents—capabilities that AI surveillance alone cannot provide.
