Walid Lahoud, the Head of Operations MENA at ATERMES, says the company plans to enter new markets in Africa and Central Asia in 2025

How did the industry and your company fare in 2024, and what were the key highlights?
2024 was a transformative year for the industry, driven by increasing demand for AI-powered surveillance and border security technologies. For ATERMES, it was a year of significant achievements. We successfully introduced SURICATE in key markets across the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. Notable milestones included showcasing SURICATE in the UAE and achieving a breakthrough in Iraq, where we demonstrated its capabilities and secured our first success in a critical border protection project. These accomplishments solidified our position as a leader in cutting-edge security solutions and expanded our global footprint.

What opportunities do you foresee for 2025, and how do you plan to leverage them?
In 2025, we see immense opportunities in expanding the adoption of AI-driven, multispectral surveillance systems. Governments and organizations in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe are increasingly prioritizing border security and infrastructure protection. To capitalize on these opportunities, we plan to build on our recent successes by strengthening partnerships, providing tailored solutions to meet specific regional needs, and conducting live demonstrations to showcase SURICATE’s unique capabilities. With the establishment of our new branch in the UAE, ATERMES is now better positioned to continue expanding and supporting projects across these regions, ensuring a permanent presence to sustain the momentum we have built.

What major challenges did you encounter in 2024, and how did you address them?
One of the major challenges in 2024 was navigating the complexities of export regulations while ensuring the timely delivery of our solutions. We addressed this by enhancing our internal compliance processes and working closely with local partners and authorities. Another challenge was standing out in a competitive market. We successfully differentiated ourselves by emphasizing SURICATE’s advanced AI capabilities, such as real-time object classification and adaptability to specific operational environments. These features gave us a competitive edge and resonated with end-users.

Which emerging technologies do you believe will be in high demand in 2025, and why?
AI-powered edge computing and autonomous detection systems will be in high demand in 2025, as organizations seek solutions that provide real-time analysis and operational efficiency. Integrated systems that combine drones, aerostats, and multispectral sensors will also gain traction due to their versatility in surveillance and security applications. These technologies address critical needs for situational awareness and rapid response, especially in areas like border protection, infrastructure security, and wildlife management.

What will be your primary focus areas and strategic priorities for 2025?
Our primary focus for 2025 will be on expanding our market presence in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, successfully delivering on existing projects, and continuing to innovate with AI-integrated solutions. Strategic priorities include deepening partnerships with local integrators, enhancing customer engagement through tailored solutions, and investing in R&D to maintain our technological leadership. We also aim to build on our successes in Iraq and the UAE, replicating these achievements in other key markets to further solidify our leadership in the industry.

Are there plans to explore new markets or introduce new products/applications to your portfolio in 2025?
We plan to enter new markets in Africa and Central Asia in 2025, where there is growing interest in AI-enhanced security solutions. In addition, we aim to expand our portfolio by integrating SURICATE with drones, some of which we plan to partially manufacture in-house, leveraging ATERMES’ extensive manufacturing capabilities. These efforts align with our strategy to offer complete, end-to-end solutions for surveillance and security. ATERMES is not only a leader in intelligent sensors but also a major manufacturer with the capacity to produce and support complex systems. These developments will further position us as a one-stop solution provider for cutting-edge surveillance technologies.