Saudi Arabia is advancing a new era of airport digital transformation through a strategic partnership that places IDEMIA Public Security at the heart of its smart aviation ambitions.
Summary
Strategic MoU to transform Saudi airports
On Dec. 1, 2025, IDEMIA Public Security, a leading provider of secure biometric-based solutions, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MATARAT Holding, the operator responsible for managing and developing 27 airports across Saudi Arabia. The agreement focuses on operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and large-scale digital transformation.
Formalized at the Dubai Airshow in Courbevoie, France, the MoU reflects the growing importance of advanced aviation technologies showcased at this major aerospace event. Moreover, the partnership is designed to support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global aviation hub by modernizing airport operations and services.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the collaboration underscores MATARAT Holding’s leadership in smart airport initiatives, backed by IDEMIA’s trusted biometric technologies. However, it also highlights a broader regional trend toward integrated, data-driven airport ecosystems aimed at increasing efficiency and traveler satisfaction across the Kingdom.
Focus areas of the IDEMIA–MATARAT collaboration
Under the MoU, the two companies will explore several key areas of cooperation to reshape airport operations. Central to this effort is the deployment of advanced biometric and digital identity systems to support frictionless travel experiences for passengers from curb to gate.
The partnership will target seamless passenger journeys by rolling out biometric and digital identity solutions that streamline check-in, security, and boarding. Moreover, these initiatives are expected to reduce bottlenecks, improve security checks, and provide a faster, more predictable travel flow for millions of passengers.
Beyond passenger processing, the agreement covers broader airport digital transformation programs aimed at boosting efficiency, security, and the overall traveler experience. That said, both parties plan to jointly develop and modernize MATARAT’s electronic platforms, supporting a more integrated aviation infrastructure across Saudi airports.
The MoU also includes the provision of technical expertise and consultation in identity verification, biometrics, and smart travel technologies. In this context, the companies will work together to foster innovation in areas such as biometric access control, automated border checks, and real-time data analytics for airport operations.
As part of this broader framework, the partners view idmia public security as a core enabler for secure digital identity services that can underpin scalable, interoperable platforms across the Kingdom’s aviation network.
Leadership comments on the partnership
Commenting on the agreement, Tim Ferris, Global Head, Travel & Transport at IDEMIA Public Security, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. He noted that the company’s commitment to building a safer world through trusted innovation “has never been stronger.”
Ferris described the partnership with MATARAT Holding as a pivotal step in advancing digital transformation and enabling a future of seamless passenger journeys across Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he underlined IDEMIA’s pride in contributing to this evolution of smarter and safer air travel in the Kingdom.
Global footprint of IDEMIA’s biometric travel solutions
IDEMIA Public Security’s biometric travel solutions are already trusted by border authorities and airport operators worldwide. These technologies help streamline border operations, enhance decision-making, and deliver personalized digital experiences for travelers in multiple jurisdictions.
By applying this global expertise in Saudi Arabia, the company aims to support MATARAT in upgrading passenger flows and security layers while maintaining high standards of privacy and data protection. However, the success of such systems will depend on careful integration with local regulations and airport infrastructure.
About IDEMIA Group
IDEMIA Group is a global technology leader employing more than 12,500 people worldwide. It operates through two market-leading divisions that deliver mission-critical solutions securing interactions in both physical and digital environments.
The first division, IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), is a leading technology provider focused on making payments and connectivity safer and easier. With deep expertise in cryptography and credential issuance, IST is trusted by over 2000 financial institutions, mobile operators, automotive manufacturers, and IoT providers worldwide. Moreover, IST secures billions of transactions every day, ensuring robust data protection and user convenience.
The second division, IDEMIA Public Security (IPS), provides government-grade biometric-based solutions to around 600 government, state, and federal agencies. With decades of experience in biometric technologies, IPS supports safer, frictionless, and fairer ways to secure travel, physical access, and citizen protection across multiple regions and use cases.
In summary, the new MoU between IDEMIA Public Security and MATARAT Holding is designed to accelerate digital transformation across Saudi Arabia’s airports, combining global biometric expertise with local infrastructure ambitions to create smarter, safer, and more efficient passenger experiences.
