News

Areeba To Bring Biometric Payment Authentication To MENA

The service will let shoppers authenticate transactions using Face ID or fingerprints.

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2023

areeba to bring biometric payment authentication to mena

Areeba, the Middle East’s leading payment processing service provider, has introduced Out-of-Band authentication (OOB) in partnership with Swiss payment experts, Netcetera. The biometric and fingerprint-reading technology represents the most convenient method for cardholders to make secure and flawless e-commerce transactions.

Instead of entering a password or receiving confirmation via text message, cardholders can use fingerprints or facial recognition to authenticate payments, thus reducing fraud and enabling a smooth purchasing experience more aligned with modern shopping habits and lifestyles.

“Areeba is always an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies to provide its customers with the highest level of fraud protection. We are pleased to launch the OOB with Netcetera, a company that combines quality, reliability, service, and innovation,” says Maher Mikati, CEO of Areeba.

Also Read: Gen Z Spearheading Payment Innovation In The Middle East

According to Statista, in 2022, the biometric and digital identity sector was valued at 28 billion USD, and forecasted to exceed 70 billion USD by 2027.

The MENA region is a particularly strong market for the type of technology provided by Areeba, and with Netcetera’s expertise and technology, the new service is full of potential. According to Netcetera, their platform “provides continuous upgrades and updates to support all new trends and client requirements in the payment industry”, offering the best solutions to clients for improving conversion and helping to grow their fintech businesses.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

19 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.