The rapid rollout of smart cities, mega developments and digitally enabled infrastructure across the Middle East is creating a new challenge for governments and developers alike: security gaps that often emerge at the handover stage, when responsibility shifts from construction to operations.

As buildings become more connected and complex, ensuring consistent, scalable and cloud-ready physical security is increasingly critical.

Against this backdrop, AI-powered physical security specialist Verkada has announced its expansion into the Middle East, establishing a Dubai-based office and appointing Fred Crehan as Head of Middle East. The move reflects growing regional demand for modern, cloud-based security platforms that can support smart infrastructure throughout its lifecycle, from construction and commissioning through to long-term operations.

“The Middle East is experiencing rapid urban development, large-scale infrastructure projects, and a strong focus on security and innovation,” said Eric Salava, Chief Revenue Officer at Verkada. “Verkada’s cloud-based platform aligns well with the region’s ambitions, and Fred’s deep understanding of the local landscape and proven track record of scaling high-growth businesses make him the ideal leader to bring our integrated platform to market.”

Crehan brings more than 25 years of enterprise technology experience and was most recently with Confluent, where he led the launch of its Dubai office and built a regional partner ecosystem. In his new role, he will focus on supporting organisations grappling with the operational realities of smart buildings, particularly where legacy security systems struggle to keep pace with digital transformation.

"Safety is a top priority in the Middle East, driven by a commitment to world-class tourism and the rapid development of new urban centers," said Fred Crehan, Head of Middle East at Verkada. "As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, many organizations are looking for modern solutions that can help them overcome traditional resource constraints. Verkada’s platform is uniquely positioned to support government, hospitality, retail, and logistics providers, as well as the large-scale construction and real estate sectors."

While Verkada already serves global customers with operations in the Middle East, the Dubai office marks its first dedicated regional presence. The company plans to expand its local team, with initial hires focused on sales engineering and leadership, as it deepens engagement with regional partners and end users.

Verkada’s Middle East expansion builds on strong international momentum following a recent investment from CapitalG, Alphabet’s independent growth fund, which valued the company at $5.8bn. The funding is intended to accelerate AI innovation and support its growing base of more than 30,000 customers worldwide.

As smart infrastructure continues to reshape the region’s urban landscape, Verkada is positioning its cloud-based security platform as a way to close critical gaps at handover and beyond, helping operators manage increasingly complex, connected environments with greater visibility and control.

Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has announced the activation of its final marine traffic management plan for New Year’s Eve 2026, aimed at enhancing maritime safety and ensuring smooth navigation during peak celebrations.

The plan will be in force from 22:00 on 31 December 2025 until 02:00 on 1 January 2026, and will cover high-density maritime areas including Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and Palm Jumeirah. Measures include the introduction of a one-way navigation system before and after midnight, a temporary suspension of navigation during the transition period, and the closure of marine traffic beneath the Palm Jumeirah bridges throughout the operational window.

Under the plan, vessels will be classified by size, with designated routes and mandatory time windows assigned to each category to reduce congestion and minimise the risk of collisions.

Sheikh Dr Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime Authority, said the measures reflect the Authority’s commitment to maintaining the highest maritime safety standards and ensuring navigational efficiency, in line with Dubai’s status as a global destination for major events.

He added that patrol and monitoring teams will operate continuously in coordination with relevant entities, with immediate legal action taken against violators. The plan also includes strict controls on anchoring and drifting, regulation of mooring areas, and full compliance with international regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea.

DMA emphasised that all vessel owners, maritime agents, marinas, yacht clubs and recreational boat operators must fully comply with the approved instructions to ensure a safe and organised maritime environment during the celebrations.

The Authority also advised marine users to closely monitor weather conditions, noting the potential for unstable conditions during New Year’s Eve.

In preparation for the festivities, DMA held a coordination workshop with strategic partners and marina operators to review operational readiness. Discussions covered vessel movement schedules, patrol arrangements, anchoring rules, emergency procedures and compliance mechanisms, ensuring integrated action and the smooth flow of marine traffic during the New Year 2026 celebrations.

In an era where artificial intelligence commands global attention, industrial giants like Emerson are redefining how businesses adapt, operate, and grow.

In a recent discussion, Emerson executives delved into their journey with industrial AI, particularly highlighting the transformative impact of acquiring AspenTech and the proactive embrace of AI in the Middle East.

Industrial AI, as Emerson’s vice president & general manager at Emerson for UAE, Oman, Yemen, and Lebanon, Widad Haddad explains, isn’t a new concept, although its potential has soared through technological advances and strategic alliances.

“If you look back, there’s a lot of technology that has been deployed and used in the past that is very similar to AI. It’s actually AI, but just not called AI,” Haddad reflects, referencing Emerson’s early use of advanced process control (APC).

The recent acquisition of AspenTech, an industry leader in advanced control systems and machine learning, has expanded Emerson’s AI capabilities, allowing for integrated solutions that enhance everything from field sensing to cloud-based analytics.

The tangible benefits of this shift are significant: greater operational efficiency, smarter decision-making, and rapid upskilling through digital twin technology.

“Redeployment of manpower is a huge advantage of AI, (as is) validation of information before decision making.

Decision making is done, is also a huge advantage of AI and also for education and training,” Haddad affirms.

She cites digital twin platforms (a blend of simulation and machine learning) which enable parallel workforce training even before a plant goes online, drastically reducing timelines and costs.

Crucially, Emerson’s AI journey isn’t just about technology, it’s about trust and meaningful business change.

Haddad notes, “The trust factor has to be there, right? We have to trust the technology to make sure we’re leveraging its power.” Mere adoption isn’t enough; success depends on rethinking workforce roles, processes, and trust in AI-driven insights.

Nowhere is the appetite for innovation more apparent than in the Middle East, says Haddad, with the UAE leading efforts to “go after things that they know will bring value towards their vision.”

Emerson’s regional footprint, from UAE headquarters to manufacturing in Saudi Arabia and a center of excellence in Qatar, enables the company to foster local talent, boost university partnerships, and ensure automation technology keeps pace with industry needs.

As industrial AI continues to reshape industries, Emerson’s story stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, regional innovation, and the drive to turn technology from buzzword to business advantage.

Smart cleaning innovation elevates QAIA passenger experience. (Image source: Queen Alia International Airport)

Queen Alia International Airport, operated by Airport International Group, has been honoured by Airports Council International with the Best Innovation in Airport Technology Award for its Smart Cleaning System

The award recognises a fully integrated, real time operational model developed under AIG’s leadership and implemented on site through its cleaning services partner, MENA Facilities Management, using the MIMS platform created by Arrow Labs.

The recognition highlights AIG’s long term strategy to modernise airport operations through digital innovation, data driven decision making and real time operational control. Within this framework, MENA Facilities Management is responsible for the daily execution of the Smart Cleaning System, applying the MIMS platform as part of the performance structure and operational standards defined by AIG.

The system brings together multiple data sources, including passenger movement patterns, flight schedules, IoT sensors, Building Management Systems and live feedback tools. This integration enables MENA FM to plan cleaning activities dynamically, respond quickly to changing operational demands and maintain consistent service levels throughout the terminal. Both AIG’s oversight teams and MENA FM’s operational staff benefit from improved visibility, coordination and responsiveness across airport facilities.

Since implementation, QAIA has recorded tangible operational gains, such as quicker response times, more efficient workforce deployment, improved transparency and higher levels of passenger satisfaction. The project demonstrates how AIG’s strategic direction, supported by specialised execution partners, can convert operational data into practical outcomes that enhance the overall airport experience.

“QAIA’s success reflects the strength of AIG’s visionary leadership, brought to life through close collaboration between a high-performing service provider and world-class technology,” said Rami Darwish, CEO, Arrow Labs.

He continued, “We are honored that our MIMS platform played a central role in this transformation. MENA Facilities Management’s commitment to service excellence and digital enablement was crucial in translating real-time operational intelligence into measurable performance outcomes. This award demonstrates what strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and continuous innovation can achieve.”

MENA Facilities Management plays a central role in turning digital insights into on ground execution, ensuring that the system delivers consistent performance across all airport areas.

“AIG’s dedication to digital innovation has been the true catalyst behind this milestone, and we are proud to have contributed as an integral operational partner. By adopting Arrow Labs’ MIMS platform, MENA FM has been able to enhance service delivery, optimise resources, and reinforce airport-wide coordination. This recognition is a clear testament to what aligned vision, advanced technology, and committed teams can deliver,” stated Aboud Abu Gharbieh, CEO, MENA FM.

As Jordan’s main international gateway, Queen Alia International Airport continues to strengthen operational excellence and digital transformation under AIG’s management. These efforts reinforce its standing among the region’s leading airports while supporting a smoother, more efficient travel experience for millions of passengers each year.