Latest news with #IDEMIA
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
SAB partners with IDEMIA to launch innovative card activation solution
Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Kingdom to implement IDEMIA Secure Transactions' 'Tap to Activate' solution. This initiative is part of SAB's commitment to enhancing customer transactions and providing a seamless and secure banking experience. The 'Tap to Activate' solution will integrate both physical and digital payment experiences, allowing their customers to efficiently activate new payment cards by simply tapping on their smartphone. The service's robust authentication protocols allow for a secure, convenient, and hassle-free process that ensures that only the customer can activate their card, eliminating the need for ATMs or phone banking. Bandar Al-Gheshayan, chief wealth and personal banking officer at SAB, said: 'SAB is proud to launch the innovative 'Tap to Activate' solution in the Kingdom, reaffirming our commitment to secure and seamless banking experiences. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and our longstanding partnership with IDEMIA Secure Transactions, we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This initiative enhances convenience, supports the Kingdom's broader digital transformation goals, and sets new standards in customer experience.' Serigne Dia, vice president of payment services, Middle East and Africa, IDEMIA Secure Transactions, said: 'We are excited to strengthen our partnership with SAB through the launch of the innovative 'Tap to Activate' solution. In today's era of convenience, simplifying the user experience has never been more crucial. SAB's keen understanding of evolving consumer needs and market trends exemplifies their customer-centric and forward-thinking approach. By moving beyond the physical card and entrusting IDEMIA Secure Transactions with a digital solution, SAB affirms the high-quality standards that we are trusted to deliver.' SAB and IST share a longstanding partnership, having previously collaborated on eco-friendly rPVC payment cards for the bank's customers and exclusive premium metal cards for its high-net-worth clients. This latest venture underscores their shared commitment to innovation and customer-centric financial solutions. SAB remains at the forefront of driving innovation and advancing digital infrastructure, fully aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of building a robust and secure digital economy. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies and introducing pioneering secure banking solutions, SAB continues to play a vital role in transforming the financial sector.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Powering a cashless economy through fintech revolution
In a world rapidly shifting toward digitisation, the UAE has emerged as a regional — and global — trailblazer in the race to build a cashless economy. With an ambitious vision anchored in innovation, the country is redefining the future of finance, commerce, and customer experience. Leading this transformation is Dubai's strategic push to eliminate cash dependency, paving the way for a smarter, faster, and more secure financial ecosystem. At the heart of this evolution is the Dubai Cashless Strategy, a bold initiative launched by Digital Dubai with the goal of ensuring that 90% of all transactions are digital by 2026. This move aligns with Dubai's wider ambition to become one of the top digital cities in the world. By accelerating digital payments and financial innovation, the strategy is expected to inject more than Dh8 billion ($2.17 billion) into the economy annually. AI and machine learning technologies are being integrated into payment systems to enable real-time fraud detection, personalized financial services, and smarter decision-making across financial touchpoints. A Progressive Yet Balanced Ecosystem 'The UAE's digital payment ecosystem in 2025 is both highly progressive and uniquely balanced,' says Hennie Du Plessis, Senior Vice President – Financial Institutions, Middle East & Africa at IDEMIA. Citing findings from IDEMIA Secure Transactions' 2024 global survey on consumer payment trends, he notes that over 50% of UAE residents now regularly opt for cashless transactions. Interestingly, 67% still carry two or more physical cards — an insight that underscores the duality of consumer behaviour in the region. 'This tells us that while the digital infrastructure is accelerating rapidly, consumer trust in physical cards remains deeply rooted,' Du Plessis explains. 'The dual preference reflects a mature ecosystem that seamlessly integrates both digital innovation and physical reliability.' This coexistence of digital and traditional payment methods signals a nuanced and sophisticated market, where consumers are empowered with choice and confidence, and businesses are equipped to meet evolving expectations. At the heart of this transformation lies robust government policy. The UAE's leadership has played an instrumental role in driving the nation towards a cashless economy through strategic frameworks and future-focused initiatives. 'Government policy has been a driving force,' affirms Du Plessis. 'Programmes like the UAE Central Bank's Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) strategy and broader smart government initiatives are setting a foundation for secure, real-time digital transactions.' The FIT programme, in particular, is designed to enhance interoperability, boost financial inclusion, and create an environment conducive to fintech innovation. These efforts ensure that regulatory frameworks evolve in tandem with technological advancements, allowing both consumers and financial institutions to adopt digital solutions with confidence. Key Milestones According to Du Plessis, the nation has already achieved several significant milestones that reflect its digital maturity. 'Key milestones include the rise in contactless payments, mainstream adoption of digital wallets, and the launch of innovative smart cards with state-of-the-art designs — like metal and illuminated cards — and functionalities such as biometric payment options,' he says. Biometric technology, in particular, is emerging as a key enabler of secure, frictionless payments. ' Biometric payments readiness is especially high, with 98% of UAE consumers open to using at least one biometric method to pay, and 69% expressing specific interest in fingerprint-based transactions,' Du Plessis adds. Looking ahead, the next wave of innovation will focus on enhancing payment accessibility and experience. Du Plessis outlines the future roadmap: 'The next steps lie in expanding wearable payment technologies and blockchain-based platforms, while ensuring inclusive access across all age and income segments.' As the market matures, specific innovations within the digital payment space are gaining strong traction. QR code payments and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are witnessing rapid adoption, especially in dynamic sectors like e-commerce, food & beverage, and urban mobility. 'The UAE consumers are increasingly opting for frictionless checkouts and contactless retail experiences,' Du Plessis observes. 'This is being enabled through wallet integration, tokenisation, and one-click transactions offered by solutions like Tap To Pay.' An Ecosystem Built on Collaboration Unlike fragmented global markets where banks and fintechs often operate in silos, the UAE has created an environment of strategic cooperation. According to Du Plessis, this synergy is driving the nation's fintech revolution. 'In contrast to more fragmented markets, the UAE's ecosystem is uniquely collaborative,' says Du Plessis. 'Fintechs here benefit from regulatory sandboxes, investor access, and a supportive public sector.' This collaborative environment is compelling traditional banks to modernise and innovate at pace. 'Traditional banks are responding by launching digital-first services, while neobanks and tech players are pushing the boundaries of seamless UX,' he adds. The result is a dynamic, healthy competition where innovation is accelerated — but not at the expense of consumer trust. Security as the Cornerstone of Innovation As digital payments become the norm, security has emerged as the foundation upon which user trust is built. In the UAE, where 84% of residents identify online fraud as a primary concern, financial institutions are doubling down on safeguarding every transaction. 'Security is front and center in every payment conversation,' Du Plessis notes. 'Technologies such as chip-level encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication are now widely adopted to safeguard transactions end to end.' These advanced security layers not only protect against present-day cyber threats but also ensure that user-facing innovation — like seamless mobile payments or biometric card transactions — is meaningful and reliable. The industry's next major frontier in security lies in anticipating and mitigating the threat of quantum computing. As the potential for cryptographic vulnerabilities grows, financial institutions must adopt next-generation security standards to stay ahead. 'With quantum computing advancing, the threat of cryptographic vulnerabilities is no longer theoretical,' Du Plessis warns. 'This is driving a global shift toward post-quantum cryptographic standards and the deployment of next-generation secure chipsets embedded in cards, devices, and payment terminals.' These emerging technologies are designed to resist future quantum attacks and preserve the integrity of financial transactions well into the future. The UAE, with its progressive policies and appetite for innovation, is in a strong position to lead this transformation. 'We expect post-quantum-ready encryption to become a defining benchmark for compliance, trust, and operational resilience — not only for financial institutions, but across the broader payments and digital identity ecosystem. The future of secure payments will depend on the industry's ability to stay ahead of emerging threats by investing in resilient technologies that ensure transactions remain safe, trusted, and future-ready,' Du Plessis adds. While the UAE is clearly embracing digital payments at an unprecedented scale, the future may not completely eliminate cash. Instead, it will shift to a smart-payment-first economy where cash is relegated to niche or legacy use cases. 'The UAE is clearly on a trajectory toward a predominantly cashless economy, but not necessarily a cash-free one,' says Du Plessis. 'Cash might be reserved for specific use cases, while most transactions will be driven by digital channels — powered by smart cards, wearables, mobile wallets, and embedded payment technologies.' Interestingly, despite the rise of digital wallets and contactless solutions, physical payment cards are expected to maintain — and even increase their relevance. 'Physical payment cards will still play a central role, particularly among premium segments where tangibility and brand experience continue to matter,' Du Plessis adds. Shaping the Future of Financial Intelligence The role of AI and machine learning in banking and payments will evolve from operational support to strategic enablers of hyper-personalisation and proactive security. According to Du Plessis, these technologies will 'drive hyper-personalized banking, fraud detection, and predictive risk analysis.' Consumers can expect AI to not only offer tailored financial products based on real-time behaviors and preferences but also act as a frontline defense against increasingly sophisticated fraud threats. 'Blockchain will streamline everything from real-time cross-border payments to digital identity verification,' Du Plessis explains. Tokenised assets are gaining traction as consumers and businesses look for faster, more transparent ways to manage and transfer value. IDEMIA, for instance, is leading the charge with secure hardware wallets like which empower users to manage crypto assets with enhanced security and user control. As the UAE looks ahead, the convergence of AI, blockchain, and advanced payment infrastructure is setting the stage for a resilient financial ecosystem built on intelligence, speed, and trust. 'These technologies will define a new era of secure, intelligent financial infrastructure in the UAE,' Du Plessis affirms.
Hi Dubai
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Airport Show 2025 Unveils Cutting-Edge Technologies Shaping the Future of Aviation
The 24th edition of the Airport Show, held recently, spotlighted the latest advancements in airport technology aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, passenger experience, and safety. With over 30 countries represented, the event highlighted key innovations in artificial intelligence, digital identity, and predictive control technologies. Leading the showcase, Smiths Detection introduced its Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model-S computed tomography scanners, designed to improve security and passenger flow. The technology promises not only enhanced security but also operational efficiency by streamlining the screening process. DroneShield demonstrated its cutting-edge AI-driven counter-drone technology, emphasizing the growing need for airports to address the security threat posed by unauthorized drones. The company's SensorFusion AI and RF detection systems aim to safeguard critical airport infrastructure and public safety. IDEMIA revealed advanced biometric identity solutions, including facial and iris recognition systems, paired with AI-powered baggage handling to accelerate airport security processes. These innovations are part of IDEMIA's vision to transform airports into smarter, smoother environments that reduce congestion without compromising security. Barco presented integrated control room solutions, including the CTRL unified management platform, which provides airport operations teams with real-time situational awareness for enhanced decision-making and operational agility. Forbo Movement Systems introduced eco-friendly innovations such as the Amp Miser conveyor belt, which reduces energy consumption by up to 50%, and EcoFiber, made from recycled PET, contributing to sustainable airport operations. Additionally, Delta Dassault showcased the POLARIS and VISTA airfield lighting systems, offering portable and advanced solutions for emergency and tactical aviation operations. The Airport Show reinforced the industry's commitment to creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable airport environments to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving global aviation landscape. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IATA's directory simplifies airline access to biometrics
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its Contactless Travel Directory to help quickly scale and increase adoption of contactless travel solutions. The Directory will power a matchmaking service to help airlines identify and offer contactless travel at specific airports, including with their partner airlines. Contactless travel uses interoperable biometric solutions to enable travellers to move through the travel process without relying on paper documentation such as passports or boarding passes. Parts of the travel process that could be made more efficient with contactless travel include bag drop, lounge access, security access, security screening and boarding. Key features of the Contactless Travel Directory include: A single reference point for airlines to determine the availability of biometric travel touchpoints across their network. Traveller eligibility information by location, so airlines know which travellers (nationality, passport compatibility, and age) will be eligible for contactless services using biometric identification. Technical protocols airlines need to connect with other airline or airport biometric touchpoints. 'The release of the Contactless Travel Directory will make it easier for airlines to expand biometric service opportunities for their customers. As travelers expect ever greater efficiency, biometric recognition technology is taking on a growing role in facilitating travel. This Directory, along with IATA's One ID initiative, aims to accelerate that transition with critical data and global standards,' said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security. Digital services provider Airware, together with identity management providers IDEMIA and iPassport, will be the first to demonstrate the use of the Directory. At this year's Passenger Terminal Expo, taking place in Madrid this week, delegates will be able to enrol during check in for fictitious flights between the UK and Spain using the WorldJet Airline App, then pass through the biometric touchpoints at both Airware's and IDEMIA's booths, as one would in a real airport. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
07-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
IATA's directory simplifies airline access to biometrics
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its Contactless Travel Directory to help quickly scale and increase adoption of contactless travel solutions. The Directory will power a matchmaking service to help airlines identify and offer contactless travel at specific airports, including with their partner airlines. Contactless travel uses interoperable biometric solutions to enable travellers to move through the travel process without relying on paper documentation such as passports or boarding passes. Parts of the travel process that could be made more efficient with contactless travel include bag drop, lounge access, security access, security screening and boarding. Key features of the Contactless Travel Directory include: A single reference point for airlines to determine the availability of biometric travel touchpoints across their network. Traveller eligibility information by location, so airlines know which travellers (nationality, passport compatibility, and age) will be eligible for contactless services using biometric identification. Technical protocols airlines need to connect with other airline or airport biometric touchpoints. 'The release of the Contactless Travel Directory will make it easier for airlines to expand biometric service opportunities for their customers. As travelers expect ever greater efficiency, biometric recognition technology is taking on a growing role in facilitating travel. This Directory, along with IATA's One ID initiative, aims to accelerate that transition with critical data and global standards,' said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security. Digital services provider Airware, together with identity management providers IDEMIA and iPassport, will be the first to demonstrate the use of the Directory. At this year's Passenger Terminal Expo, taking place in Madrid this week, delegates will be able to enrol during check in for fictitious flights between the UK and Spain using the WorldJet Airline App, then pass through the biometric touchpoints at both Airware's and IDEMIA's booths, as one would in a real airport.
