UAE AI firm pitches 95% video compression for Saudi security

Neurovia AI, an Abu Dhabi firm, is entering the Saudi market with a video compression algorithm that shrinks files by up to 95%. This addresses a practical bottleneck: vast camera networks in holy cities generate massive data, straining storage and processing. By reducing file sizes, the software enables faster analysis by separate AI threat-detection systems.

The company's acquisition by Nasdaq-listed Robo.ai in a $100 million all-stock deal provides financial backing and credibility. The timing at LEAP, a major tech conference in Riyadh, signals a strategic push into Saudi Arabia's security sector, which is investing in AI for public safety. However, Neurovia has yet to secure its first Saudi contract, and its success may hinge on proving the technology meets the stringent demands of air-gapped networks used by security agencies.

The company's stated ambition to protect Mecca and Medina suggests a focus on high-profile, high-security environments, potentially setting a precedent for broader adoption in the region. But without a confirmed deal, these remain aspirations rather than achievements.