When some Americans hear about the Middle East, they instantly think sand, deserts, and camels. Not only is that highly stereotypical, there is always more than meets the eye. When western people hear the country Saudi Arabia, they instantly think of oil. That makes sense because they are currently the world’s largest oil producer and largest exporter. (Royal Embassy) But what not a lot of people know or realize, is that Saudi Arabia is also very technically inclined, especially when concerning biometrics.
When you learn about a culture that you are unfamiliar with, you need to approach it with an open mind. Here in America, if someone were to ask me for my DNA or biometric data, I would simply reply “Get a warrant”. Saudi Arabia, however, on the other hand has a huge initiative towards collecting and using biometric data. “Fingerprints and biometrics will be taken at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia and/or upon renewal of the dependent’s Iqama.” (Relocate). Iqama, before mentioned, is a type of passport. This is very important to know before travelling to the country, because here in the United States, you need a court document to obtain something like that.
Citizens and foreigners are required to submit data in an attempt to eradicate crime. “Saudi Arabia plans to build one of the biggest biometric centers in the world, which will contain the eye, facial and finger imprints of almost 30 million people, a biometric expert told local media.” (Riyadh) This is a huge push and a great step in the right direction in order to deter crime. Since everyone’s data will be on file, there will be a much higher success rate in identifying criminals. Of course, this brings up a ton of ethical dilemmas and scenarios, but after initially being reject, the users later accepted it after realizing the benefits. (Riyadh)
In a 2014 article researchers found that “52 percent of smartphone users want to use their fingerprints instead of passwords and 48 percent are interested in using eye-recognition to unlock their screen. A total of 74 percent believe that biometric smartphones will become mainstream during 2014.” (Jeddah) When hacking is a common talked about event that happens daily, security is a must. Technologists and everyday people alike are seeing the increase need of security. Biometrics is a pretty good way at developing a new way to secure things.
Learning about a country that you plan on visiting is a great idea to familiarize and prepare yourself. Understanding cultural differences is a great step but also learning about something important like the big push of biometrics that Saudi Arabia is implementing. I could definitely understand the hesitation from westerners because this is something definitely out of the norm for us. But by knowing this beforehand, would allow us to handle the situation accordingly instead of being blindsided by it.
(Image courtesy of “http://www.secretsofthefed.com/bankers-ready-give-finger-barclays-launch-blood-flow-access-screening/”)
References
Jeddah. (2014, January 9). Top 10 tech trends for 2014 in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/digital/2014/01/09/Top-10-tech-trends-for-2014-in-Saudi-Arabia-.html
Relocate. (2015, February 23). Saudi Arabia: Dependent Visa holders subject to biometric submission. Retrieved from http://www.relocatemagazine.com/news/reeditor-02-2015-saudi-arabia-dependent-visa-holders-subject-to-biometric-submission
Riyadh. (2014, March 21). World’s largest biometric center planned | Arab News. Retrieved from http://www.arabnews.com/news/543586
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Oil. Retrieved October 11, 2015, from https://www.saudiembassy.net/about/country-information/energy/oil.aspx
I agree to this post. When your talking about the middle east, i looked at every word because im Egyptian and live in Egypt so I can relate to your post.
What is really quite accurate is the greetings. First impressions last for sure. If the first impression is off. Middle east people would not forget that moment and try to slide away.
However, if improvements are done, and small things such as gifts and outings are made. You have no idea what kind of big effect that has. They would return the favor and grade you highly. They are very welcoming people and would take you to their homes during Ramadan or whenever. So the post was quite accurate about that.
Well done
Great topic. I, as well, haven’t had too much exposure to the field of biometrics. Quite frankly, I find it a little scary. In reading your cite (Relocate) regarding dependents of Visa holders, I would be very concerned as a parent about giving my child’s DNA imprint to a foreign or domestic government. I’m not a government conspiracy nut but it really comes to a point to where you wonder how far a government will go to invade and store information regarding private or visiting citizens. And, also, what do they need or intend to use this information for other than the obvious reasons that they will tell you such as crime and population demographics.
Those concerns aside, it is a provocative question about what Saudi Arabia or other oil dependent countries in the Middle East are going to do to remain relevant long term in the world economy. According to the BBC citing a Citigroup study, Saudi Arabia will run out of oil in or about 2030. That doesn’t leave them much time to figure out their issue of long term success.
As you had mentioned the biometrics technology as being a next big wave for the Saudis, I also wonder if there are other avenues to take. A country in the middle of the quagmire that is the Middle East and also an important ally of the United States, I hope that they are able to come up with innovative solutions to the issue of oil. It’s pretty scary to think what a country with no income and nuclear weapons might do with its back against the economic wall.
Citing:
BBC (2014. November 17) “What will Saudis do when Oil Runs Out” retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30047096
Biometrics is a concept that I am not too familiar with nor was I aware that Saudi Arabia was progressing in this field. By the sounds of them building that biometric center, after gaining a couple years of experience it seems like that may come second to their booming oil industry.
Since you discussed it I have to ask, what are your thoughts on scanning your eye to unlock you phone? I think it is a bit excessive but a another fascinating creation nonetheless and a ideal way to prevent hacking.
You did a great job showcasing the country for all that it does, outside of the generalizations people typically make about it at first glance and the chart describing biometrics was helpful as well.