The Middle East’s biometric and access control markets are rapidly evolving with increased adoption of facial and palm authentification technologies, driven by the need for touchless, efficient security solutions. One company that has established a strong presence in this market is ZKTeco.
The Middle East physical security market is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological advancements and evolving security needs. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 13.8 percent from 2022 to 2027.
Access control systems account for a significant portion of this market, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are rapidly upgrading their infrastructure and enhancing security measures. One company that has established a strong presence in this sector is ZKTeco.
"The Middle East’s biometric and access control markets are rapidly evolving with increased adoption of facial and palm authentification technologies, driven by the need for touchless, efficient security solutions," said Steven Gao, GM of ZKTeco Middle East Business Group.
Catering to shifting consumer behavior
Several factors are fueling the demand for advanced security solutions in the Middle East. One of the most significant among them is the rapid adoption of facial authentication systems.
Initially driven by the need to reduce physical contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, facial authentification technology quickly gained popularity due to its numerous benefits, including efficiency and reliability.
“The key factor driving the success of our facial authentification technology is its ability to provide accurate and rapid identification even in challenging environments,” said Gao. “The Middle East, with its high temperatures and varying lighting conditions, poses unique challenges for biometric systems. Our advanced algorithms and high-quality hardware components ensure that our facial authentification systems perform reliably under these conditions, providing seamless and secure access control.”
Demand for fingerprint and palm authentification systems is also still significant. Gao pointed out that while facial authentification has been the most impactful, fingerprint authentification technology continues to remain in use due to familiarity and ease of use.
“Palm authentification, though still emerging, is gaining traction for its high accuracy and ease of use, especially in sectors like retail and transportation,” Gao added.
ZKTeco has also expanded its product portfolio to include multi-modal systems that combine multiple biometric modalities for enhanced security. “Multi-modal biometric systems are particularly valuable in high-security environments, such as government facilities and financial institutions, where robust and fool-proof identification is crucial,” said Gao.
Expanding reach to meet evolving needs
ZKTeco’s growth in the Middle East has been propelled by a strategic focus on meeting customer requirements, according to Junais Ibrahim, Vice GM for ZKTeco Dubai and Head of ZKTeco Middle East Integrated Solutions Department. Over the years, the company has expanded its presence across key markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, and East Africa.
“Our growth strategy is centered on deepening our market presence and enhancing our support infrastructure,” Junais said. “To achieve this, we have established strategically located regional support centers that provide localized assistance and training to our clients.”
Another strategic priority is to address emerging security challenges and adapt to the evolving demands of the market. The Middle East, as a dynamic region, presents unique needs that extend beyond security. Factors such as environmental sustainability are also crucial and must be integrated into the strategy to ensure comprehensive and adaptive solutions.
“By staying attuned to the latest trends and advancements in the security industry, we are able to anticipate and respond to the changing needs of our clients,” Junais added. “Our efforts in this area include implementing sustainable practices in our operations, supporting local initiatives, and promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization.”
Competition and regulatory requirements
Navigating competition and regulatory requirements in the Middle East presents a complex challenge, with each country imposing its own set of rules governing the use of biometric data and security systems.
To address this, ZKTeco has established a dedicated compliance team that closely monitors regulatory developments, ensuring their products consistently meet all relevant standards.
“Our commitment to compliance extends to data privacy and security,” Gao said. “We understand the importance of protecting personal data and have implemented robust measures to safeguard the information collected by our biometric systems. Our solutions are designed to comply with international data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, as well as local laws in the Middle East.”
Furthermore, ZKTeco actively seeks strategic partnerships to enhance its capabilities and expand its market reach. By collaborating with leading technology companies and industry experts, the company leverages their expertise and resources to develop more advanced and comprehensive solutions.
“These partnerships also enable us to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and innovations, allowing us to continuously improve our offerings and stay ahead of the competition,” Gao added.
Looking ahead
In the next 3-5 years, technological advancements such as palm authentification technology are expected to significantly impact the Middle East's biometric and access control markets. Sectors such as retail, healthcare, and transportation could find it especially suitable.
Cloud-based systems are also poised to revolutionize the industry, providing enhanced performance, scalability, and flexibility. ZKTeco, in collaboration with AWS Cloud technologies, aims to develop state-of-the-art cloud solutions, ensuring their systems can grow with clients' needs.
“Additionally, closer integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to enhance the speed, performance, and accuracy of biometric systems,” Gao said. “AI-powered systems offer real-time data analysis, improve decision-making processes, and enhance security measures through anomaly detection and response.” Most of the biometric algorithms are now trained using deep learning technology, adopting both convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer technology.
The development of multi-modal biometric systems, Cloud and AI, along with a focus on user privacy and data protection, will drive future advancements. Initiatives in these areas position ZKTeco as a leader in the industry, according to Gao and Junais.
“Our strategic priorities focus on advancing our technological capabilities, broadening our product offerings, and addressing emerging security challenges,” Gao and Junais emphasized. “By continuing to invest in research and development, building strong partnerships, and maintaining a proactive approach to market trends, we are well-positioned to sustain our growth and reinforce our leadership position in the region.”