Recent attacks across the Gulf have forced energy companies to reevaluate how they protect personnel, secure assets, and maintain operations during periods of geopolitical instability.
To explore the implications for the industry, the Energy Workforce & Technology Council’s HSE Committee, People & Culture Committee, and Middle East Chapter recently hosted a roundtable discussion featuring Brandon Martin, Executive Director of the Energy Security Council. Opening the discussion, Middle East Chapter Chair Riaz Jumabhoy, Vice President/GM Eastern Hemisphere at GD Energy Products, shared firsthand perspectives and lessons learned from operating in the region.
Martin followed with a note that recent attacks have extended beyond military targets to impact commercial facilities, transportation corridors, and critical energy infrastructure, creating challenges that many organizations had not previously planned for. While Gulf nations have largely maintained energy production, the ripple effects have been felt across supply chains, travel routes, and business operations throughout the region.
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the discussion was preparedness. Companies with established evacuation procedures, redundant communications systems, and business continuity plans were able to react more quickly as conditions changed. As a result, many organizations are now reevaluating emergency response protocols, personnel tracking capabilities, and crisis communications strategies.
The conversation also highlighted how evolving threats are reshaping security planning. The increasing use of low-cost drone technology, restricted airspace, and transportation disruptions have introduced new vulnerabilities that energy companies must consider when operating in the region.
While many experts expect current tensions to ease over time, participants agreed that the security environment has changed. For energy companies operating globally, resilience, contingency planning, and reliable communications are becoming just as critical as the physical assets they protect.
Jessica Santos, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
