Tech News
Digital Identity: Enabling MEA eGoverment Entities to Enhance Experiences while Cutting Costs

By Uday Shankar Kizhepat, Vice President and General Manager- Middle East and Africa Region, WSO2
We live digitally. Much of our professional work is digital, as is much of our leisure time. Our commercial activity – shopping, service subscription, banking, and more – is digital. And our government is digital. No doubt governance itself requires the wisdom of individuals. But the transactional part – filing, requesting, registering, licensing, and so on – is digital. Governments in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) know they have an opportunity, with today’s technologies, to streamline transactional government functions while cutting costs.
One way to do this is to introduce digital identities. By allowing each citizen to be recognized by their “bytes essence,” public authorities open the door to transformative programs that use these trusted online personas to get things done reliably and rapidly. Many regional nations are acknowledging the potential of digital ID systems and have cultivated track records for themselves in areas such as boosted citizen engagement and enhanced accuracy of outcomes.
Digital IDs offer a practical means to ensure useability when new e-government services come online. Identity verification, service accessibility, and data protection are three major, long-standing challenges encountered by regional governments on their digital transformation journeys. The digital ID solves all of them. It offers an elegant solution to the verification issue, obviously, but its simplicity enhances accessibility, and its security features protect data.

The ’Guarantee’
The digital identity may look straightforward, but its elegance is built on a toolbox of advanced technologies such as biometrics, encryption, and blockchain. These building blocks come together to give a guarantee of authenticity when an individual presents their credentials to an online gatekeeper. And we should not use the word “guarantee” lightly. It lies at the core of the viability of any authentication system offered by a government. When waved through the door, verified users can access tax history and health records. They can pay bills or register with a government agency. If verification is erroneous, a host of problems can arise.
The digital ID is a holistic, citizen-centric approach that strikes a balance between security and performance and yet does not compromise either. It eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks and elevates the citizen experience without the public-sector agency ever relinquishing control of any part of the process. But how? How do digital IDs allow government services to operate at peak efficiency and grant seamless access to every citizen while not faltering when it comes to risk management? How do responsive, always-on services guarantee privacy and security? Well, the answer comes full circle, back to digital transformation.
Governments in the Arab Gulf region mention digital transformation frequently in published guidelines that map the way to economic diversification. These same guidelines apply to the government itself, which must set about transforming systems, processes, and functions to prepare for digital IDs and the world they promise – one in which a digital service provider can offer both seamless access and security. Complexities come from the scale and interconnectedness of operations, and the need for every shred of data, every machine-to-machine process, and every user session to be secure. Regulatory obligations must be juggled with budgetary constraints while technology leaders play intermediary to vying stakeholder factions within the organisation. It is easy to see how challenging it might be to maintain interoperability and data-sharing in such a fraught environment.
Of course, none of this will deter government organisations in the MEA region. They know what the hurdles are, but they also know what is to be gained – smoother services that cost less to provide while engendering greater citizen trust and in fact are leading the way in some of these digital initiatives. Remember, regional governments also know that the expectations of their citizens have, in a very real sense, undergone a digital transformation of their own.

Success Stories
If we cast our eyes around the region, we can see digital ID-centric transformation in action already. Some government organisations in the Middle East have introduced biometric facial recognition as part of digital identity phase-ins and are using the system for secure digital document storage. Also in current use are systems that allow single, mobile-based logins. In these countries, the government’s identity access management (IAM) system undergoes a sweeping overhaul that allows the unification of credentials data to provide secure digital identity.
In the Asian subcontinent, we find a government that directed its telecoms ministry to build a national information exchange layer using an API. Strict identity management was rolled out as part of this ambitious project. With digital identity in place, the government can enable slicker collaboration between its departments and enhanced efficiency in outputs. It can do all this while optimising data access and consumption, which empowers analysts to deliver more actionable insights to stakeholders across agencies and ministries.
In Africa, one country showed its peers how an integrated identity and access management solution can be used for risk-based authentication, single sign-on, multi factor authentication, and user self-service. The solution was designed to minimise the risk of identity theft, but it was also (through single sign-on) able to reduce complexity when onboarding and offboarding users.
Conflict Resolved
If digital solutions are the future of government, then digital identity is the future of public-sector cybersecurity and risk management. Governments in the region have been trying for years now to transform service delivery and engender citizen trust and engagement, but security has always been in conflict with agility. Having leveraged digital identity, authorities rid themselves of the downsides and reap rewards such as those described here. These regional successes underscore not only the profound impact digital transformation can have on society, but the indispensable role digital identity will play in delivering those efficiencies in a way that promotes trust.
Tech News
PNY Unveils PRO Elite High Endurance microSD Flash Memory Cards

PNY recently introduced the PRO Elite High Endurance microSD Flash Memory Cards, engineered for demanding recording in surveillance systems, dash cams, body cams, and other video monitoring devices. Built to deliver continuous recording capabilities and long-lasting performance under extreme conditions, these microSD cards are ideal for users who demand reliability, speed, and security. Available now for purchase through pny.com or amazon.com, with other retailer availability coming soon.
Designed for Continuous Video Recording
With storage options ranging from 64GB – 512GB, PRO Elite High Endurance microSD cards are optimized for continuous video capture – supporting up to 137,600 hours (over 15 years of recording & re-recording) of Full HD footage. A step above standard microSD cards, PRO Elite High Endurance cards are equipped with high endurance technology to adapt and better withstand the wear-and-tear of frequent writing and rewriting, ensuring that critical video footage or data is always saved and accessible. Increased durability makes these microSDs the ultimate storage solution for any video surveillance system, from security cameras, to dashcams, body cameras, doorbell cameras and more!
Supports Full HD and 4K Video
The new PRO Elite High Endurance microSDs are rated Class 10, U3, V30 and feature read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s. Users can expect flawless, continuous video capture in crystal-clear Full HD or 4K quality, and snappy data transfer speeds for smooth and easy backups.
Tested for Reliable Durability
Tested for real-world use, the PRO Elite High Endurance microSD cards are temperature-proof, waterproof, magnet-proof, and shockproof, making them able to withstand use in harsh environments – perfect for use in outdoor security camera systems, where exposure to temperature extremes and rain is a constant concern. For additional peace of mind, PNY backs these cards with their 2-year limited warranty.
Wide Compatibility
While most suited for continuous video recording applications, like security cameras or dash cams, the new PRO Elite High Endurance microSDs are compatible with just about any device that accepts a microSD card. Users will find these cards to be a fantastic, long-lasting storage solution for countless other devices, from action cameras, to drones, or even smartphones or tablets. Rated for A2 App Performance, these cards can support running mobile apps directly from the microSD with speedier app launches and better overall performance.
Tech News
Beyond screens and speakers: How AV integration is crafting unforgettable customer experiences in MENA region

By Adrian Goulder, Technical Manager at VUE Audio Visual Trading LLC (VUEAV)
The landscape of customer engagement is undergoing a profound transformation, particularly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Today’s consumers are not just seeking products or services; they are chasing experiences. We are living in the age of the ‘experience economy,’ where emotional resonance and immersive interaction are more important than the transaction itself. And at the heart of this shift lies a powerful, often underestimated catalyst: Audio-Visual (AV) integration.
For several years, AV has been viewed through a narrow, functional lens – a screen to display presentations or a sound system for announcements. But this perception is rapidly evolving. In the hands of forward-thinking businesses, AV has become a transformative tool, the medium through which compelling, multisensory experiences are crafted, and customer loyalty is deepened.
There are several instances in our daily life that showcase the exceptional use of AV to provide us with exceptional experiences. For instance, imagine walking into a retail space where digital displays shift in real-time based on your preferences, offering tailored product suggestions with vivid 3D visuals. Or maybe consider a museum where interactive projections breathe life into ancient artefacts, inviting visitors to explore history through gesture and touch. These aren’t visions of the distant future. They’re happening now, across the MENA region, thanks to the rise of integrated AV technologies.
A standout example of immersive AV integration is the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, where projection mapping transforms the space into a fully immersive 360° environment. Far from a passive visit, this installation surrounds worshippers and visitors alike in a blend of synchronised audio and visuals, delivering a multisensory experience. The entire Immersive Show was scripted, designed, and brought to life by a dedicated team of BAPS volunteers, who handled every aspect of the creative vision in-house – from concept development to execution.
VUEAV worked alongside Christie, a global visual technologies company and the BAPS technical team, to achieve this seamless fusion of form and function.
The installation features a sophisticated network of Christie projectors with a collective output of over 300 lumens per square metre, projecting over 60 million pixels onto architectural surfaces. This powerful AV system is orchestrated through Aurora’s IP-based solutions for video distribution and live system monitoring, while Pixera media servers ensure high-resolution content and pixel-perfect synchronisation across all outputs.
But it’s not just about what you see – it’s about what you hear and feel. Sennheiser microphones and Klipsch Professional Series 8-inch speakers, complemented by robust 15-inch subwoofers, deliver an acoustically rich environment. Each component is precisely calibrated and programmed to provide a unified and intuitive experience. Central to this installation is ‘The Fairy Tale,’ an immersive show that runs daily, merging storytelling with high-resolution visuals and surround sound.
In a parallel context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also leveraging AV to showcase the epic past of AlUla, an ancient Arabian oasis city. The Incense Road Experience, an immersive adventure developed through a partnership between VUEAV and The Aimes, is a project that blends live performance, interactivity and cutting-edge audiovisual technologies to reanimate the rich cultural heritage of this ancient trade route. A sophisticated array of Christie 4K laser projectors maps high-resolution, vibrant visuals onto architectural textures and theatrical spaces. Driven by Pixera media servers,the installation dynamically responds to visitor movement and interaction through a network of custom-designed motion sensors and RFID-triggered zones. As visitors travel the space, the audio-visual and lighting elements adapt in real-time.
A rich audio landscape is delivered through a premium Klipsch multi-zone sound system, enhanced with bespoke directional speakers and embedded subwoofers that allow scenes to breathe with immersive realism. Visitors can experience holographically projected historical, legendary figures and recreated ancient local environments complete with scent emitters and tactile surfaces. Furthermore, visitors can also craft their own incense blend through interactive prompts, in addition to unlocking personalised narrative paths using sensor-based interactions and gamified storytelling. At the heart of the experience is a powerful integration of hardware and creative content, blending high-resolution projection, real-time media control, interactive systems, and environmental storytelling.
So, what exactly is driving this transformation? These are not just futuristic fantasies. They are tangible realities being implemented across the MENA region, thanks to sophisticated AV integration, and their outcomes are remarkable. Among the many benefits are elevated engagement. Interactive kiosks, immersive video walls, and crystal-clear audio systems hold attention and turn passive customers into active participants. Offering personalised interactions is another benefit, as through integration with analytics, AV systems can adapt to individual preferences in real time. From digital restaurant menus that respond to dietary needs to personalised greetings displayed on screens in the experience becomes not just engaging, but personal.
Additionally, it creates immersive environments. Whether it is a showroom designed for multisensory experiences, or a collaborative workspace equipped with interactive displays and seamless video conferencing, AV is redefining physical space as dynamic hubs for engagement. AV technologies enable businesses to communicate their brand identity not just through words, but through unforgettable sensory experiences – such as stunning visuals, impactful sound design, and interactive installations – that resonate far beyond the initial interaction. Beyond the customer-facing benefits, AV integration streamlines backend operations, from wayfinding and internal communications to automating routine tasks and presentations.
For businesses in the MENA region, the opportunity is clear: those who invest in AV not as a utility, but as a strategic experience enabler, will lead the charge in redefining customer engagement.
In a market where expectations are rising and attention spans are shrinking, it is not enough to be seen or heard – brands must be felt. By embracing the full potential of AV technologies, organisations across the MENA region can move beyond the basics, crafting immersive, personalised, and memorable experiences that set them apart.
Tech News
Presight Launches Groundbreaking AI-Policing Suite at World Police Summit 2025 to Transform Law Enforcement Operations

Presight has announced its participation at the World Police Summit 2025, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As part of the event, Presight officially launched the Presight AI-Policing Suite – a home-grown, modular solution designed to transform public safety and law enforcement operations using the power of Generative AI and advanced analytics.
With rising digital crime, urban congestion, and demand for accountability, law enforcement agencies around the world face mounting complexity. The Presight AI-Policing Suite is engineered to meet these challenges head-on. By integrating automated investigation processes, evidence analysis, advanced search functions, intelligent profiling, geospatial and relationship analysis, and proactive identification of criminal suspects, it empowers officers to make faster, more accurate decisions at every stage of an investigation.
Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, said: “At Presight, we believe applied intelligence is the key to creating safer communities. The Presight AI-Policing Suite empowers law enforcement agencies with the insights and tools needed to act faster, more precisely, and more proactively across every aspect of policing – from crime prevention to investigation and response. With modularity, scalability, and built-in multilingual support, this is a future-ready solution purpose-built for the demands of modern policing.”
Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, the solution delivers real-time detection, monitoring, and incident management capabilities tailored for traffic control and public safety. It turns multi-source IoT and real time data streams into actionable insights by automatically detecting, classifying, and analyzing events at scale, utilizing behavioral pattern analysis and sophisticated algorithms to ensure unmatched accuracy and reliability.
The suite integrates 5 modules into a unified, intelligent ecosystem:
- Law Enforcement Platform – a unified, AI-powered crime investigation platform
- Detective Assistant – a transformative technology designed to function as an intelligent digital detective
- Digital Forensic Platform – accelerates digital forensic investigation process
- Traffic Control – enables real-time violation & incident detection
- IoT Intelligence – provides real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and situational awareness across urban and public place environments
Complementing Presight’s AI-Policing Suite, Presight will also feature the Presight LifeSaver Emergency Response Platform, which enhances preparedness and inter-agency coordination during crises.
Visitors to the World Police Summit can experience the AI-Policing Suite firsthand at Presight’s interactive exhibit, where company executives will also participate in live demos, media interviews, and expert panels on the future of AI in law enforcement.
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