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

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

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

  • Deploying in a Hybrid, Cloud Environment

    The way organizations manage access control is evolving. Traditional on-premises systems come with high IT and server requirements. At the same time, fully cloud-based solutions may not meet the needs of every facility. Read Now

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities