Middle East biometric security market worth almost USD500 million within two years

The Gulf region is increasingly using biometric security systems for verifying the identity of individuals at corporate and government sites as well as at border points and airports, with the market expected to be worth almost $500 million within two years, according to latest industry analysis.

Daon will be demonstrating biometric identification and verification at GITEX 2005, which runs from September 25 to 29 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Visitors to the Daon stand will be able to use a combination of biometrics, smartcards and passport credentials to authenticate themselves to a range of biometric-based applications for e-passports, visas, e-gate, border management and access control.

Daon’s technology is currently deployed in international programmes such as the US e-gate programme and the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) programme, where multiple biometrics and tokens have been deployed for the secure identification and common credentialing of thousands of travellers and workers.

'Daon's technology and expertise have already played critical roles in the success of key government projects in the expanding North American biometrics market while creating strong positions in other regions around the world such as the Middle East, where emerging identity programmes are expected to drive similar market growth' commented Sapna Capoor, Industry Analyst of global growth consulting firm Frost and Sullivan.

Speaking before GITEX 2005, Daon’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Murphy, said that the willingness of the Gulf States to embrace biometric technology placed the region at the forefront of next generation security implementations. “At GITEX, we will be unveiling developments in the technology and how it is being used for enhanced security and advanced business process improvements in areas such as visitor management,” commented Murphy, “thus creating benchmarks for the future.”

Murphy’s comments come in the wake of the EU’s recent endorsement of biometrics. Earlier this month, UK Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, said that “Biometrics are the most effective way to ensure that we can prove someone’s identity”. Mr. Clarke was speaking in his role as European President for Justice and Home Affairs on the European Council.

Daon is currently involved with a number of governments across the Middle East region on a range of security initiatives, but Murphy believes that these are only the beginning in creating secure environments at a wide range of facilities.

He explained: “The common objective of all these programmes is protection: protection of assets against intrusion, theft, and fraud; protection of environments against access and damage; and protection of people from terrorism, injury, and loss.”

“The ability to positively identify individuals is key to safety and security for both corporate organisations and national governments in the drive to facilitate legitimate travel and trade across the globe,” Murphy added. “Daon is leading the way in providing products and expertise that help customers assure people’s identity as they conduct transactions and provide services, and we will be unveiling these options for the region at GITEX 2005.”