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Areeba To Bring Biometric Payment Authentication To MENA
The service will let shoppers authenticate transactions using Face ID or fingerprints.
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.
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Google To Launch AI Hub In Saudi Arabia, Aiming For $71B GDP Boost
The tech giant also plans to develop local AI solutions, and train regional talent to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Google has announced plans to set up a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at accelerating technological growth and economic development across the wider gulf region. The ambitious project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative that champions technology and innovation as central to economic diversification away from the oil industry.
According to Google, the hub has the potential to contribute as much as $71 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy. The initiative will likely speed up the adoption of AI across industries such as healthcare, retail, and financial services — not only within Saudi Arabia but also throughout the wider MENA region and beyond.
Yasir Al Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), highlighted the importance of the project for the Kingdom: “This partnership demonstrates PIF’s dedication to fostering an AI-friendly environment through investments in human capital and technology, upskilling thousands with cutting-edge tools to support our sustainable and innovative infrastructure goals,” he explained. Al Rumayyan also emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s combination of sector knowledge and long-term investment strategies makes it an ideal environment for global technology partnerships.
Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East
A central aim of Google’s initiative is nurturing local talent. The AI hub will offer a range of training, research, and collaboration opportunities for developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs within Saudi Arabia. Google envisions training “millions” of people, helping to create a robust innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and ensures economic benefits reach all segments of society.
As international technology giants increasingly look to develop solutions tailored to regional needs, Google’s initiative reflects a progressive approach that leverages the strengths of local markets. With the potential to inject billions into the economy and strengthen digital capacities, Saudi Arabia could soon emerge as a prominent center for AI innovation in the Middle East.
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