The rapid transformation of Gulf nations into smart cities has made AI and video analytics and telecom strategies essential components.
At the forefront of this movement is Smarttive, a strategic partner of Aipix, global VSaaS provider, enabling advanced video surveillance and AI-powered solutions across the GCC.
In this exclusive conversation, Alexander Baiko, Solution Architect at Aipix, speaks with Ali Shafaqat, CSO at Smarttive and one of the region’s leading voices on strategic technology implementation. They discuss the future of AI in telecom, the growth of video surveillance in public infrastructure, and the key to success in the fast-paced Middle East tech market.
Alexander: Let’s start with your perspective on the current telecom industry landscape in the GCC. What significant changes are you noticing?
Ali: Great question.The GCC telecom landscape is expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Operators have moved beyond their role as data carriers because they now function as master system integrators who deliver complete stack solutions to public safety and urban infrastructure and IoT markets. The expansion of telecoms extends beyond horizontal growth because they now integrate into smart city systems and security networks and artificial intelligence applications.
Alexander: Which telecom-driven technologies are most demanded today?
Ali: The UAE leads the way with 5G network coverage but NB-IoT technology stands out for its potential to support smart city applications through smart sensors and AI video analytics. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have adopted NB-IoT technology at a high level for security and infrastructure projects. The technology has transitioned from experimental phases to become a standard implementation in various projects.
Alexander: Speaking of security: how critical is video surveillance now?
Ali: The implementation of physical security solutions is not only essential but also required by law. The regional regulations force businesses and institutions to adopt physical security solutions which now primarily use AI-based video analytics. The “Ojun” initiative in Dubai operates as an integrated system that links thousands of public and private cameras to provide unified visibility and quick response capabilities.
The police presence is not always visible but assistance will reach you within six minutes. Real-time video monitoring and intelligent alert systems enable this response time.
Alexander: Are these systems standardized or still fragmented?
Ali: Major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh demonstrate complete integration between cameras and analytics systems and access control and cloud-based storage solutions. The current gap in smaller cities creates an opportunity for growth. New players who provide advanced AI or cloud-native surveillance solutions can establish meaningful value in developing municipalities.
Alexander: Let’s talk about cloud and data. What role do regulations play?
Ali: Data sovereignty is a huge priority. Whether it’s AI models, video footage, or personal data, it must be hosted locally. This regulatory framework, inspired by GDPR, doesn’t hinder innovation. It ensures trust. That’s why telecom providers like Etisalat and STC have invested heavily in local clouds. Azure and AWS also maintain in-country data centers to comply.
Alexander: Who are the biggest buyers of these smart surveillance and AI systems?
Ali: Without doubt they are governments. From border security to transportation hubs and smart traffic management, government entities drive most of the investment. After that, it’s the banking sector, followed by retail. But across all three, the push is for real-time video intelligence: what’s happening, where, and what needs attention.
Alexander: What’s your take on AI adoption? Are we still in early stages?
Ali: No, not at all anymore. There’s been a really strong push in AI investment across all kinds of industries. The big change lately is how widespread and advanced these systems have become.
Think about it: large-scale AI projects are now rolling out for much more than just basic facial recognition or guarding perimeters. They’re being used for sophisticated behavioral analysis, spotting unusual activity, and even predicting potential threats. What’s more, the government itself is throwing its weight behind startups that are innovating in this area, often through sovereign wealth funds. It’s a significant shift.
Alexander: With all this advancement, is there still room for new players?
Ali: The market definitely embraces innovation. Whether you’re a global OEM or a niche ISV, if your solution offers genuine value, you’ll gain traction. What’s most important is truly grasping the market’s needs and regulations, and partnering with someone already established within the ecosystem.
Alexander: That’s encouraging. Let’s talk about the competitive edge. How do GCC telecom strategies compare globally?
Ali: You’re right to point that out. GCC telcos aren’t just confined to their region anymore. Companies like Etisalat, Ooredoo, and STC are actively expanding their operations globally. TAWAL, for example, already manages around 100,000 towers and is making significant acquisitions of infrastructure worldwide. This region, from its telecom infrastructure to its investment in cutting-edge technology, isn’t simply catching up – it’s actively setting global benchmarks, particularly in areas like urban safety and digital governance.
Alexander: From a technical standpoint, what do you see coming next in video analytics?
Ali: We’re seeing a significant move from reactive to proactive surveillance. We’re focused on real-time analytics that can detect suspicious behaviors even before an incident takes place. Also, edge AI is becoming crucial. It analyzes footage locally, which helps reduce latency and makes systems more reliable. Another key area is integration: bringing together video with access control, thermal imaging, and emergency systems into single, unified platforms.
Alexander: Finally, what advice would you give to a company looking to enter the GCC smart tech or video analytics space?
Ali: My advice would be threefold. First, really delve into the specific verticals: government, tourism, banking, and something interesting to note is that agritech is booming right now. Second, don’t just chase the biggest name for a partner; seek out one with genuine local reach and connections on the ground. And finally, meticulously plan your compliance strategy around the local data laws. If you offer real value and navigate the regulatory landscape carefully, this market is poised to reward your efforts.
In conclusion, the GCC’s telecom landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving far beyond traditional connectivity providers. Driven by ambitious national visions and a proactive embrace of emerging technologies like AI and IoT, the region is not just participating in the global digital revolution, but actively leading it in key areas like smart cities and robust data governance.
For businesses willing to understand the unique market dynamics, adhere to regulations, and forge strategic local partnerships, the opportunities for innovation and growth here are truly unparalleled.
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