{
  "id": 4850495,
  "title": "UAE AI firm pitches video compression for Saudi security",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/uae-ai-firm-pitches-video-compression-for-saudi-security",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-01T11:37:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Semafor",
    "slug": "semafor",
    "url": "https://www.semafor.com/article/09/01/2026/uae-ai-firm-pitches-video-compression-for-saudi-security"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Neurovia AI, a firm based in Abu Dhabi, is seeking to provide Saudi security agencies with software capable of compressing video files by up to 95%. This technology aims to reduce costs and alleviate processing demands from the extensive camera networks utilized to maintain the security of Islam's holy cities for pilgrims and residents. The company's algorithm shrinks videos, allowing them to remain on clients' systems, including air-gapped networks. The compressed files move swiftly through separate AI systems, enabling security personnel to identify fights, weapons, or other threats within milliseconds, according to Neurovia CEO Khalifa Mohammed Alshehhi. Neurovia, which was acquired by Nasdaq-listed Robo.ai in a $100 million all-stock deal in June, intends to introduce its software to the Saudi market during the LEAP, a tech and AI conference and exhibition in Riyadh. They have been engaging with government entities and companies but have yet to secure a Saudi contract. Alshehhi expressed a strong desire to have access to Mecca and Medina, along with potential clients such as the military, border control, and the police. Acquiring access to Saudi Arabia's most sensitive video networks would be a significant challenge for any foreign company, particularly one from Abu Dhabi. Riyadh has been encouraging UAE-based businesses to relocate to the kingdom, and recent tensions between the two nations over Yemen, Sudan, and economic competition have eased. Neurovia addresses concerns about foreign access by stating that it never retains the footage and can set up systems where data never leaves the kingdom. During a demonstration at LEAP, live camera feeds displayed original and compressed streams side by side, making it nearly impossible for most visitors to discern the differences in clarity.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi-based Neurovia AI says its software can shrink video files by up to 95% while maintaining near-original clarity.",
  "key_points": [
    "Neurovia AI aims to compress video files by up to 95% for Saudi security.",
    "Technology enables quick threat identification within milliseconds.",
    "Company intends to introduce software at LEAP conference in Riyadh."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}