UAE takes leading role in emerging technology

Heightened awareness of security issues has led to a massive rise in biometric technologies. The demand is coming from both government agencies and companies seeking higher access security, said Chris Mullinger, of the Institute for International Research in Dubai, organisers of the Middle East Biometrics Forum which takes place June 22-24 (www.biometricsme.com).

Worldwide, the biometric market is forecast to grow from US$116 million in 2000 to approaching $2 billion in 2006 and to more than $5 billion by 2010.

Soon everyone in the UAE will be issued with identity cards incorporating biometric features. Already, since October 2002 - in the world's first such system - more than 100,000 deportees from the UAE have had their irises scanned and put in a database to prevent re-entry. Dozens have been caught trying and failing to beat the system.

Iris recognition has also been piloted in Saudi Arabia as a method for keeping track of the millions making the Haj each year.

The UAE's lead in the introduction of biometric detection was recently singled out for praise by Professor John Daugman, of the UK's Cambridge University and creator of iris recognition algorithms.

"The real time search through very large databases to find any matching iris is exactly the kind of operation that I designed my algorithms to perform and I commend the UAE national authorities for seeing this application," he said.

Biometric systems are not just being installed as border controls by governments. The private sector to, particularly the financial world, is a major customer.

"Most of the leading banks have been experimenting with biometrics for use with automated teller machines as a means of combating card fraud," said Waleed Bakr, of UAE-based Noortech.

The Sagem Group of France is involved with the UAE's planned identity card system incorporating biometrics. "Biometrics is the only reliable solution for protecting the identity and the rights of individuals, because it recognises unique and unalterable features," the company said.

The Middle East Biometrics Forum 2003 will investigate the growing market for the technology in the region as well as key applications in banking, e-commerce, healthcare, digital rights management, point of sale, as well as law enforcement, border and building security.

The forum will also examine large-scale enterprise network authentication environments, smart cards, digital signatures and public key infrastructures as well as how biometrics is creating real business opportunities.

The forum is the region's only dedicated event where recognised experts in biometric technology, systems and applications discuss the major issues, developments and future plans affecting the industry in the Middle East and internationally.

The technologies that will be examined include: Facial Recognition, Fingerprint Technology, Hand Geometry, Voice Verification, Iris Recognition, Signature Verification and Retinal Scanning.