Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East and Africa, Genetec explores the changing landscape of the Middle East, and the growth of cloud technology
Please introduce yourself and give us a brief insight into Genetec.
I’m Firas Jadalla, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at Genetec, where I have contributed to our regional operations for nearly two decades across sales and operations. Currently, I focus on enhancing our presence in the dynamic MEA markets through tailored sales strategies, talent development, and strengthening our network of certified systems integrators, ensuring we lead in unified security technology.
Genetec enhances security and operational intelligence with cloud-based solutions across government, enterprise, and transport sectors. We serve our global customer base through a robust network of resellers, integrators, and certified partners in over 159 countries.
With the prioritisation of access control upgrades becoming a critical focus, what are the key challenges and opportunities for organisations in the Middle East?
As organisations in the Middle East prioritise access control upgrades, they face both challenges and significant opportunities. A key challenge is navigating outdated systems that often lack compatibility with modern security solutions, which can hinder a unified security posture. Managing these legacy systems becomes complex and costly, especially across multiple sites. Additionally, the region’s rapid growth in digital infrastructure requires adaptable, scalable systems to meet regulatory standards.
By adopting unified access control solutions, organisations can streamline operations, reduce manual processes, and enhance situational awareness. With a centralised platform, security teams gain real-time insights into access events, enabling faster responses. Genetec supports businesses by integrating systems that accommodate both cloud and on-premises environments, making it easier to secure remote workforces while scaling efficiently. Upgrading access control enables Middle Eastern organisations to future-proof security with technology that ensures both protection and flexibility.
As hybrid-cloud solutions gain traction, how is Genetec helping Middle Eastern businesses navigate the balance between on-premises and cloud-based security systems?
Genetec is committed to helping Middle Eastern businesses effectively navigate the balance between on-premises and cloud-based security solutions. We recognise that cloud migration isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. For many of our customers, hybrid cloud solutions provide the flexibility to deploy functions in the cloud or on-premises, depending on operational needs and long-term goals. Our Genetec™ Security Center allows customers to integrate both environments seamlessly within a single, unified interface, so all cloud, and on-premises systems are accessible without any disruption to the user experience.
Our hybrid model supports businesses as they adopt the cloud at their own pace. For instance, Security Center’s latest enhancements, such as improved map and zoom features, allow operators to maintain situational awareness across large or multi-site deployments. Additionally, new authentication configuration tools simplify system setup, making it easier to scale and adapt as businesses grow. The continuous delivery model also means customers have immediate access to new features and cybersecurity updates, ensuring they stay current with the latest innovations.
How and what is technology contributing to the development of smart cities?
As smart city initiatives gain momentum, technology is becoming the backbone of sustainable and resilient urban environments. Central to this transformation is the ability to gather data from interconnected devices, including sensors, IoT devices, and surveillance systems, to enhance residents’ quality of life. The convergence of data analytics, cloud computing, and AI enables city officials to act on real-time information, making operations more responsive. Genetec’s open architecture solutions integrate security functions—video surveillance, access control, license plate recognition, and more—into a unified platform.
Our solutions support cities in improving traffic management, enhancing emergency response, and ensuring public safety. With the rise of intelligent buildings, energy efficiency and tenant satisfaction are prioritised, aligning with sustainability goals. Genetec aims to empower cities with adaptable, secure technology, supporting their evolution toward smarter, connected urban spaces….
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