Russian Delegation to Showcase FRT in Dubai

Facial recognition technology will be among the products and services that Russian delegates will pitch to the Middle Eastern business community at an event in Dubai this week. Organized by the “Russian Export Center”, the event will run at the Shangri-La Dubai from April 24th to 25th, and is expected to see attendance from Russia’s UAE Trade Representative, leaders of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and certain UAE government ministries.

The business push comes in a restrictive climate for Russian tech companies, due to various sanctions imposed in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The United States, the European Union, and other Western countries have imposed restrictions that could impact the sale of sensitive technologies like facial recognition systems, especially if they could be used in ways that may threaten their national security or contravene human rights.

It’s commonplace for the UAE, and particularly Dubai, to host international business delegations and trade missions like the one described in the press release. Dubai is a major global business hub and acts as a gateway between the East and West due to its strategic geographic location, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. The city regularly hosts a wide range of conferences, exhibitions, and business meetings across various sectors including technology, finance, real estate, and more.

Events such as the one organized by the Russian Export Center are typical, aiming to foster trade relations, attract foreign investment, and showcase innovations. Dubai’s status as a global business hub is further reinforced by its numerous free zones, which offer tax concessions, custom duty benefits, and lack of restrictions on foreign ownership.

Russia has developed a robust capability in facial recognition technology, with several leaders in its domestic field. Notable among them is NTechLab, known for facial recognition software used in security and public safety applications. Another significant player, VisionLabs, specializes in facial and object recognition technologies that serve the finance, retail, and security sectors. Speech Technology Center (STC), also known as VoiceGrid Nation, focuses on voice and facial biometric systems primarily for public security and surveillance.

Source: Emirates News Agency

–

April 22, 2024 – by Alex Perala