How ISS Thrives in Saudi Arabia’s Market
ISS set out on a journey towards technological advancement in parallel with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a transformative economic and social reform program. It plans to elevate the country‘s IT landscape by contributing a host of AI-driven innovations in a flourishing Middle Eastern market.
Since it first arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2020, Intelligent Security Systems (ISS), a US-based company and a leader in the field of advanced, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven analytics and third-generation smart city devices, has rapidly become a major player in providing cutting-edge solutions to large-scale turnkey projects across the Kingdom for both public and private sectors.
ISS’s Impact on Vision 2030
The company has been successful in positioning itself at the forefront of the technological innovation that is driving the country toward the goals and initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030.
By embracing local culture and collaboration, ISS forges a unique pathway to success in the Saudi market
The Saudi government has invested heavily in developing a robust IT infrastructure. Indeed, the National Transformation Program of 2020 outlines strategic plans to enhance technology adoption across different sectors such as services, healthcare, and transportation. At the top of the agenda are AI video analytics capabilities, an area in which ISS has been a pioneer and leader – in particular, as these advanced technologies have been employed in urban planning and resource management.
Unique Approach to Success in Saudi Arabia
The growth of ISS in Saudi Arabia comes from three drivers. First, ISS offers the right products and services at the right time. Second, by being constantly and institutionally innovative in the industry, ISS can adapt to meet the current and evolving needs of IT infrastructure in the Kingdom. Third, by being “local” in the market. ISS operates around the world with the understanding that local culture must be respected and catered to, and it works with local partners and consultants who have a deep understanding of the local requirements and specifications to ensure effective communication and business practices.
Innovations Shaping IT Infrastructure
ISS’s technical roots are deeply planted under a highly sophisticated and robust operating framework, called SecurOS®. The platform is available as an end-to-end solution running on ISS network video servers and can be made compatible with most third-party security systems or devices. The system, from the outset, was designed to be interoperable with other hardware and software solutions in the security universe and has constantly been updated to do exactly that.
Positioned at the forefront of innovation, ISS’s AI video analytics solutions are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s smart cities and resource management
With over 25 years of experience and continuous expansion, ISS has been fortunate to work with top clients in its specialist sectors of Smart Cities, Critical Infrastructure, and Intelligent Transportation. ISS also has excellent solutions and client relationships in Airports, Military/Diplomatic, Rail, Financial Services, Ports & Customs, and Commercial Real Estate.
ISS has heavily invested in building a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Florida – USA, retaining the best technicians with great experience whether in product development, process improvement, or technological innovation.
Strengthening the Patent Portfolio
Just for the record, ISS has acquired 25 patents over the past five years and continues to grow its portfolio. Coming to the Middle East, ISS has grown to a current team of 40 people led by Managing Director Sanjay Phatak. With offices across the Middle East including KSA, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt, ISS has successfully achieved an enviable list of achievements in acquiring large-scale projects for Dubai Police, UAE Armed Forces, Fujairah Police, Abu Dhabi Ports, ADNOC, G42, and MORO Hub (the digital arm of DEWA).
Regional Expansion: Establishing a Strong Presence
In Qatar, the ISS SecurOS™ Under Vehicle Surveillance System- UVSS -was a best seller during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar-based systems integrator Gulf Networks Security Solutions, and a large, on-site technical team, ISS installed 40 UVSS units at vehicle checkpoints for the eight World Cup stadiums in and around Doha along with three logistics areas and a fan zone to safeguard visitors and make the screening process safer, faster, and more efficient.
Delivering Excellence at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Last but not least, ISS is increasingly becoming the vendor of choice for top-tier integrators and major end users looking for cutting-edge and future-proofed solutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. KSA has been incorporated as a Key Country in ISS’s five-year strategic plan for 2022-2027. ISS Chairman Richard Burns and CEO Aluisio Figueredo have made nearly monthly visits to the Kingdom over the past two years and, as a consequence, developed strong business and personal relationships with key Saudi public and private sector leaders.
ISS’s Strategic Role in Saudi Arabia’s Growth
In particular, ISS is proud to have signed MoUs and developed special software and hardware partnerships with AEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) and an acknowledged forerunner in the design, manufacture, sales, and repair of diverse electronics and ICT products and systems; and TAHAKOM, a Saudi Technology and Security Comprehensive Control Company, a leader in the fields of safety, security, and technology.
Collaborative Success through Strategic Partnerships
On the floor of the Riyadh LEAP Conference last February 2023, ISS and AEC signed a memorandum to jointly develop business in the security and video analytics sectors, and specifically to manufacture the SecurOS® Under-Vehicle Surveillance System at AEC’s facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With a trail of success, ISS’s UVSS technology shines as a major triumph in Saudi Arabia’s security landscape
Another Memorandum of understanding was also signed with their partner TAHAKOM on the floor of GITEX Dubai 2022, covering a set of joint initiatives to offer comprehensive solutions for smart cities and public safety in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Notably, ISS’s SecurOS™ UVSS has emerged as a major success in the Kingdom. It has been adopted by ZATCA (the Saudi tax and customs authority), KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center), Alsalam Royal Palace in Jeddah, Jeddah, and Dammam Ports as major examples.
From the very compact, flat, with bright multi-zone LED lighting, and a powerful machine vision camera, to its powerful and efficient software, the SecurOS™ UVSS is a leader in security checkpoints technology and is currently being manufactured in the Kingdom via ISS’s partnership with AEC.
ISS is proud to be playing a small part in the transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the context of the 2030 VISION Plan, salutes its partners and friends, and looks forward to continuing to be of service as a local technology vendor in the coming years.Top of Form