UAE Begins Initial Phase Of Largest-Ever Facial Recognition Technology Rollout

  • Aug 18, 2008

CryptoMetrics Inc., a provider of critical infrastructure and key asset protection systems, announced recently a contract with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to deploy a state-of-the-art, face recognition-based wanted person detection system at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

This installation represents the first phase of an anticipated nation-wide deployment in which CryptoMetrics is expected to implement the system at all points of entry to the UAE to proactively detect persons who are wanted or pose a threat to the state. This deployment makes the United Arab Emirates the first country to implement a proactive critical infrastructure protection and warning system using facial recognition on a comprehensive national basis. Financial terms of the contract between the UAE’s Ministry of Interior and CryptoMetrics were not disclosed.

The system was launched at Abu Dhabi International Airport July 14 by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at which time he affirmed the commitment of the UAE, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to do everything possible to maintain the country’s security.

“This is a historic development not only for the United Arab Emirates and CryptoMetrics, but also for the use of facial recognition technology,” said Robert Barra, co-founder and CEO of CryptoMetrics, “CryptoMetrics’ facial recognition technology was chosen as the superior solution from among eighteen companies who presented their biometric technology to the government of the United Arab Emirates. This will pave the way for the most heightened level of safety and security throughout the Middle East.”

Joel Shaw, chief strategy officer for CryptoMetrics

“The modus operandi of terrorism has changed to suicide terrorism and non-conventional terrorism,” said Joel Shaw, chief strategy officer for CryptoMetrics. “We scan for threatening goods and materials on a continuous basis, but the change in modus operandi dictates that we do the same for those people who pose a threat to the state.”

Officials said that the system allows critical identification checks to be performed from a distance without a person’s active participation. The system also helps inspectors at control points inside the airports to facilitate the clearance of persons without inconvenience or delay to the passengers while implementing continuous and proactive checks designed to immediately detect persons who should be denied entry or detained.

Major Fawaz Badran al Qaraeen of the Ministry of Interior stated to the local press that the system was implemented “according to instructions by General H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan -- Minister of Interior -- to enhance security procedures and detect persons who might pose a threat to the state.”

"CryptoMetrics is a pioneer in developing face recognition-based identification technology and systems, especially enabling technology required to make face recognition software work in real-world settings,” Qaraeen said. “They won convincingly in competitive trials conducted by the Ministry. The results they demonstrated were remarkable. Their system can identify persons live or from photographs. It can even identify persons while they are moving with a high degree of accuracy. Working in conjunction with the other aspects of our security apparatus, the CryptoMetrics wanted person detection system will significantly enhance the security of our citizens and the millions of people who visit the UAE each year.”

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.