In The Spotlight
The evolution of video security in the smart city era
As nations across the globe search for reliable, efficient and cost-effective ways to meet the needs of growing populations, interest in the development of smart cities continues to grow.
Nations like the UAE are pioneering the use of smart technologies and artificial intelligence to address energy concerns, optimise transit and improve public safety, leveraging real-time data from smart sensors and cameras to make informed decisions about city management.
Existing smart cities like Dubai demonstrate the potential for intelligent technologies to help streamline traffic investigations, cut energy waste and reduce crime, laying a foundation for emerging projects like Neom to develop innovative and forward-thinking safety infrastructure.
While many aspects of smart cities differ by project, all developments share a single central component. Video security systems provide the insights required to achieve smart city goals, meaning as projects become more ambitious, the features of video security systems evolve.
The role of video security in smart cities
Most major cities use video security systems to help deter crime, inform investigations and improve public safety, but the role of video security in smart cities is typically more involved as cameras become yet another sensor to leverage.
Traditional video security systems support passive workflows that rely on human operators continuously observing feeds and reviewing information to plan effective incident responses.
In smart cities, advanced technologies like data analytics and AI are used to enhance video security operations, helping operators to proactively address events with less mental strain.
The addition of smart technologies that can autonomously review video data, identify people and objects and inform real-time responses enables smart video security systems to support more advanced operations, ranging from traffic and waste management to law enforcement.
Examples of roles enhanced by video security systems in smart cities include:
- Traffic management: Solutions like Dubai’s Intelligent Traffic System use AI-driven cameras to automatically detect, record and warn law enforcement of road accidents.
- Waste management: AI cameras fixed to waste collection vehicles scan waste bins and roads to detect missed refuse and collect data used to improve collection routes.
- Disaster response: AI-informed sensors and cameras analyse real-time data to help detect and prevent disasters, one example being Dubai’s smart fire detection system.
- Law enforcement: Solutions like Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Eye system leverage insights from thousands of smart cameras to inform police of unfolding incidents in real-time.
The impact of smart city security technologies
Smart cities demonstrate the potential for intelligent technologies to transform the way safety and security incidents are addressed in modern society; data published by McKinsey reveals existing solutions can improve some quality-of-life indicators for citizens by as much as 30%.
In the same report, researchers suggest cities that leverage smart technologies could reduce fatalities by up to 10% and violent crimes by as much as 40%, with wider reports from Dubai revealing AI-informed security systems have already helped to reduce serious crime by 25%.
The growth of smart cities has seen video security transition away from resource-intensive, passive monitoring operations towards more proactive workflows, with leaders prioritising systems that help operators not only respond to incidents in real-time, but also anticipate potential threats.
As smart city developments become more ambitious, this theme is being expanded, with the advent of advanced GenAI-powered solutions driving new evolutions in smart video security.
The future of video security in the smart city era
To further enhance the capabilities of smart city video security solutions, new technologies are leveraging cutting-edge AI to streamline complex workflows and address unique threats.
The smart analytics solution Avigilon Unity Visual Alerts, for example, helps users overcome the limitations of existing tools that can often only detect simple objects like people and cars.
Through tools like Focus of Attention, powerful AI-based search and customisable AI-based Visual Alerts, users can set rules to alert for custom threats using natural language, enabling operators to receive real-time notifications for potential security events and then quickly find related video of specific events without manually combing through footage.
In a smart city context, these advanced AI analytic capabilities can alert operators to unusual activity, such as signs of a crowd forming, safety risks such as flooding or fire, or traffic at specific times and locations.
Solutions like Visual Alerts represent the natural evolution of smart video security as a tool to help prevent security, safety and environmental threats as well as respond more quickly to them. Informed by data-rich, specific security alerts sent to handheld devices, responders across the city can make fast, well-informed decisions.
The Middle East is a global leader in smart city infrastructure, with existing smart cities like Dubai and emerging projects like Neom paving the way for the future of urban development.
Of all the technologies that power smart cities, video security systems stand among the most important, providing required insight into most major aspects of day-to-day city management.
As smart cities become more advanced, video security technologies evolve, with emerging AI-powered solutions helping officials take a more proactive approach to creating safer cities.
Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems. (Image source: Hitachi Rail)
Hitachi Rail to modernise Alexandria Raml Tram
Hitachi Rail has secured a major contract from the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture to modernise and upgrade the historic Alexandria Raml Tram, transforming it into a modern, efficient and digitally connected transport system.
Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems designed to enhance safety, reliability and operational performance. These include state-of-the-art signalling and communications technologies (both fixed and wireless), an Operational Control Centre, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, security solutions with CCTV and access control, as well as passenger information and on-board equipment.
This comprehensive modernisation aims to bring Alexandria’s tram system in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development by significantly improving efficiency, reducing emissions and enhancing passenger comfort.
The Alexandria El Raml Tram, the oldest in both the Middle East and Africa, first began operations in 1863 and was last upgraded in the 1960s. Despite its age, it remains one of the few tramways in the world that still operates double-deck trams in regular service.
The current rehabilitation project will include the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Once completed, the upgraded line is expected to reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double the operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and decrease headway from nine minutes to just three. Passenger capacity will also triple from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction, easing congestion and contributing to a greener, more efficient public transport network across Alexandria.
The Alexandria El Raml Tram Rehabilitation marks a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail, further solidifying its position in the region’s growing metro and railway markets. The project follows a contract signed earlier this year between Hassan Allam Construction, Arab Contractors JV, and the National Authority for Tunnels for the tram’s rehabilitation.
Investing in digital innovation
Hitachi Rail continues to deepen its presence in Egypt through strategic localisation and technological investment. The company has developed local teams across engineering, finance, legal, and other disciplines to deliver projects and support customers effectively. Its Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems now include local Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification (IVVQ) activities, while its Automated Fare Collection (AFC) initiatives are creating high-tech jobs and promoting workforce diversity. These efforts align with Egypt’s national development strategy and strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for rail innovation.
Through its digital solutions, Hitachi Rail is focused on improving the passenger journey by integrating public information systems and AFC platforms that facilitate seamless travel across metro, LRT, and monorail networks. In Alexandria, the Abu Qir Metro will feature Hitachi’s TRANSCITY AFC technology, enabling multiple payment options such as QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Joaquim Santos, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) OPPS – ICS, said, “Hitachi Rail has a long-standing presence in Egypt, built on trust, collaboration and shared ambition. Our commitment goes beyond delivering advanced technologies—we are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals.”
Carlo Piacenza, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) MEA Regional Director, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam joint venture and The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) to modernise and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. This contract marks an important milestone, showing the capacity of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernisation of tramway systems.”
Sujay Nair, executive director of Penta Global. (Image source: Penta Global)
Penta Global champions mental health awareness in construction
Penta Global, a leading player in the energy and construction sectors based in Abu Dhabi, is taking a pioneering stance on the mental health and well-being of blue-collar workers, an area that has long been overlooked in the industry.
Under the stewardship of executive director Sujay Nair, the company has made decisive moves to place people at the heart of its operations, urging the broader sector to move beyond compliance into genuine care for workforce welfare.
Traditionally, the focus within construction has been on health, safety, and environmental compliance, which are essentials for industry accreditation and operational soundness.
However, as Nair notes, there is still a considerable gap when it comes to mental well-being.
Sparked by thought leadership at a British Safety Council event, Nair and his team recognised this imbalance and responded by commissioning a comprehensive report on mental health in the construction sector, particularly concerning blue-collar workers.
The research process was revealing. Penta Global discovered significant data concerning the mental health of workers in the UAE, which were mostly collected via major firms and government-driven initiatives.
Over the past three years, the UAE government has enacted policies specifically focused on mental health, providing a strong foundation, but there remains much to build upon.
To bring attention to their findings and to inspire collaborative industry action, Penta Global hosted a roundtable during ADIPEC this year.
The session brought together stakeholders from leading organisations, government entities, and multinational firms.
Surprisingly, it emerged that while individual companies were implementing well-being programmes, there was little cross-industry communication or centralisation of best practices.
“We haven’t got that communication to have a centralised kind of policy which addresses these issues,” Nair observed, underscoring the need for a coordinated approach.
A collaborative approach
Beyond research and dialogue, Penta Global brought creativity to advocacy through their event booth, which featured a punching bag competition.
For every punch, the company pledged a donation to a local mental health initiative, blending fun physical activity with vital fundraising and awareness.
This approach speaks to the company’s ethos of focusing not only on compliance but also on positive engagement and long-term change.
Physical activity, notes Nair, is well-proven to enhance mental well-being, and this tie-in made the abstract more accessible and actionable.
The challenges are multifaceted. There are deeply rooted stigmas, language barriers, and fears of job security that deter workers from voicing concerns.
Nair stresses the need for education and open conversations, suggesting that integrating mental health into routine “toolbox talks” could be one practical step forward.
“If we can come together as an industry,” Nair asserts, “we can really drive meaningful change. And I think that’s the most important thing that came out [from the roundtable discussion].”
Looking ahead, Penta Global plans to share the outcomes of their roundtable widely and continue engaging with both industry leaders and social enterprises.
The goal is to drive policy toward preventative approaches rather than reactive ones, making mental health a shared responsibility.
By leading these efforts, Penta Global not only enhances its own culture but also sets a precedent for the entire sector to follow.
The panel emphasised the need for small modular reactors
Nuclear innovations driving decarbonisation in the region
As the urgency to reach net zero emissions by 2050 intensifies, nuclear energy has emerged as a crucial pillar in the global transition away from fossil fuels.
At a panel during ADIPEC 2025 titled "Nuclear Energy Opportunities" in the UAE, experts from regulatory, industry, and technology backgrounds explored how advanced nuclear solutions, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fusion technology—can accelerate progress while addressing perennial challenges.
Christa Victorsson, director general of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), emphasised early engagement with industry and global collaboration as vital for regulatory efficiency and innovation. “Early engagement is very, very essential,” Victorsson encouraged. “Approach us. Come to us if you have any ideas or needs in this topic...Collaboration is the new currency.”
Veteran energy policy expert Nobuo Tanaka, CEO of Tanaka Global and former executive director of the International Energy Agency, spoke to the complex public perception issues nuclear must overcome, especially after events like Fukushima. Tanaka highlighted, “There are three major conditions for deploying new technologies: safety or risk minimisation, waste management, and addressing proliferation risks.” He stressed that public trust depends on transparent communication about how new reactor designs can make nuclear power safer and more sustainable.
Enhancing energy security
On the frontier of clean energy technology, Hideki Yoshino, CEO of Clean Planet in Japan, introduced the promise of solid-state fusion, which his company is working to commercialise. “Our type of fusion makes abundant scalable energy, with no CO2 and no radiation,” Yoshino explained. He envisions this technology eventually being deployed everywhere from homes to schools and industries, supporting both decarbonisation and energy security.
Providing a strategic industry perspective, Giovanni Sale, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Business Strategy at MAIRE, outlined the enormous energy demand driven by decarbonisation goals, automation, and the rise of data infrastructure. “SMR in the future, the advanced nuclear reactor, definitely, they need to take a place, because otherwise we cannot match the inspiration that nowadays we can read in any newspaper,” Sale stated. He stressed that SMRs have the flexibility to serve private investors, data centres, and heavy industry alike.
Beyond technical and commercial considerations, the panellists all agreed that robust regulation, international cooperation, and transparent communication with the public are critical to building trust and ensuring proliferation resistance. Victorsson described the UAE’s journey explaining, “Transparency was principle number one. Security, safety, non-proliferation, and long-term sustainability. These are very important principles.”
As the panel concluded, the path forward for nuclear energy became clear: work together globally, communicate benefits and risks openly, and continue developing game-changing technologies like SMRs and fusion. Only then can nuclear fully realise its promise as a safe, scalable tool for a sustainable energy future.
Read more:
Leaders from the energy and technology sectors gathered to discuss the critical intersection of AI and energy efficiency
AI and energy leaders unite to drive digital sustainability
At this year’s ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, leaders from the energy and technology sectors gathered to discuss the critical intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and energy efficiency, focusing on how digital innovation can drive sustainability in the global energy landscape.
Kicking off the conversation, Walid Sheta, president, Middle East and Africa for Schneider Electric, spoke candidly about the fundamental role of decarbonisation, stating, “Sustainable development is based on decarbonisation. Decarbonisation requires electrification, and electrification requires digitalisation.”
He emphasised the evolving efficiency of electric transmission but warned that “electrification, just for electrification, doesn’t fly. You need to use the efficiency of it... to do that, you need digitalisation.”
Sheta highlighted AI’s transformative potential with real-world examples. “You can predict the leakages of water pipes in a city by using AI without having sensors and pipes everywhere, and even predicting the failures and preventing them, hence reducing what you are using of power as desalination,” he said.
Growing demand
However, Sheta also sounded a note of caution regarding energy demand, adding “AI is consuming a lot of energy because of the nature of the data centres… today 1% of the energy that is consumed on the planet [is by data centres]. It's planned to reach 3% and 4%...”
Chinmoy Baruah, Founder and CEO of CHIPX Group, underscored the industry’s advancements in efficiency. “We at Chip X are delivering the most energy efficient semiconductor chips for the global industry... We can reduce energy consumption by more than 50% and deliver the same amount of work done running the whole GPUs that NVIDIA and AMD are using currently.”
On the issue of energy access, Esam Al Murawwi, chief projects officer for TAQA Transmission, commented, “We could utilise the AI learning mechanism to support us close that gap. But currently, it’s widening that gap.”
Jens Madrian, acting CEO of ENOWA, shared insights on system-wide AI integration, “You have the kind of standard, no-brainer cases, like detecting water leakage... ROI of these projects are fantastic.” Beyond maintenance, he envisioned a broader future, saying, “We apply AI on a total system basis... our control center doesn’t look like one of these screens you’re looking at here with all those lines... for us, it's almost like a container on site, managed and dispatched instantly.”
As showcased at ADIPEC, the dialogue confirmed the immense challenges and opportunities in aligning AI and energy. Panelists agreed that proactive innovation and cross-sector collaboration will be vital in creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy systems for the future.
Read more:
ADIPEC 2025 calls for AI-driven energy growth
SNOC, Siemens partner to explore natural hydrogen
Al Masaood brings Instagrid’s emission-free portable power to UAE
EMSTEEL launches private 5G network. (Image source: EMSTEEL)
EMSTEEL launches UAE’s first private 5g network in manufacturing
EMSTEEL Group has successfully piloted a private 5G network, in collaboration with e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&.
The initiative represents a major milestone in EMSTEEL’s Industry 4.0 journey and supports the UAE’s national strategy for industry, Operation 300bn, by enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across its production facilities.
The private 5G network delivers high-speed, reliable coverage throughout EMSTEEL’s extensive and complex industrial environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional connectivity solutions. With data securely managed on EMSTEEL’s on-premise infrastructure, the network enables the integration of advanced technology projects, including the Asset Insight platform.
The Asset Insight application was the first to be demonstrated on the network. Using industry-grade tablets, workers can scan QR codes on equipment to access real-time documentation, maintenance history, and sensor data. The app also allows staff to generate maintenance requests instantly, helping to minimise downtime and repair costs while improving efficiency and safety.
Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Our partnership with e& UAE to launch the World’s first private 5G network in manufacturing represents a landmark achievement in EMSTEEL’s digital transformation journey. It is more than a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how we operate, innovate, and ensure the safety of our people and assets. The Asset Insight platform is a powerful example of how we are translating Industry 4.0 principles into tangible operational benefits. This pilot launch reinforces our commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, setting a new benchmark for the industrial sector both regionally and globally.”
“This transformative private 5G deployment with EMSTEEL exemplifies our vision of enabling the industries of tomorrow through cutting-edge connectivity. By delivering enterprise-grade network infrastructure tailored for demanding manufacturing environments, we are unlocking possibilities for smart factories, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven operations. At e&, we are committed to partnering with industry leaders like EMSTEEL to co-create solutions that don’t just connect devices, but fundamentally reimagine how industries operate and contribute to a more sustainable future,” added Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE.
The successful pilot underscores EMSTEEL’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies that enhance operational performance while strengthening its position as a global leader in low-carbon steel production and sustainable building materials. This technology strategy extends beyond manufacturing, with potential applications in commercial operations, customer experience, health and safety, sustainability, data utility, research and development, and more.
OEG secures three multi-year Qatar contracts, investing in new equipment and expanding operations across the Middle East. (Image source: OEG)
OEG strengthens Middle East market presence
OEG has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with three multi-year contract awards and renewals in Qatar, reinforcing the company’s long-standing partnerships and commitment to sustainable regional growth
The agreements cover the rental of nearly 700 units, including technical and lifting assets, cementing long-term collaboration with a leading oilfield services company, another major service provider, and a prominent E&P organisation.
To support these operations, OEG has invested around US$6mn in approximately 650 new pieces of advanced equipment, specifically designed for the challenging conditions of the Middle East. This investment enhances OEG’s market position and customer retention across Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and is projected to generate up to US$2.8mn in year-on-year growth while strengthening its regional operational footprint.
The company has also expanded its team, adding 10 employees across industrial gases, HSEQ, finance, and operations. In the UAE, this includes Peter Steyn as Regional Sales Manager, Abdulhalim Khamis as Senior HSEQ Manager, and Suresh Shanmugam as Industrial Gas Specialist.
With 35,000 m² of yard and office space across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, OEG’s 40-strong regional team now operates one of the most advanced hubs for high-volume unit handling in the region.
The largest of the new contracts covers more than 550 assets, including enhanced oil recovery, and introduces OEG’s technical innovation: IMDG-certified nitrogen quads mated with a DNV-certified lifting frame. This solution allows higher-pressure gas delivery without additional boosting equipment, improving safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility.
The second agreement, executed through OEG’s local partner Venture Gulf Engineering, a subsidiary of Al Nasar Holdings, involves around 120 cargo container units (CCUs) and continues the companies’ long-standing partnership.
The third is a contract extension until next June, building on a collaboration established in 2019, which now utilises over 2,000 OEG assets.
Chris Kleinhans, OEG regional director for the Middle East, said, “We’re very proud to continue the momentum for our business in Qatar through this trio of contracts. They reflect the strength of the relationships we’ve built across the region and the confidence our clients have in our integrated, full-service capability to deliver a rapid and reliable response.
“Our One Energy Group model is creating real value and positioning us for sustainable growth, both regionally and globally, as we diversify into new industrial markets. For example, one of the Qatar contract extensions expands our existing scope with the client by around 40%. It also opens opportunities in adjacent sectors for our new nitrogen quad transportation solution — including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture — where demand for industrial gases continues to rise. Together, these achievements further anchor OEG for its next phase of growth across traditional and emerging energy sectors in the region.”