Giesecke+Devrient Celebrates 25 Years in the UAE
A Milestone in Partnership
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a prominent player in the global security technology sector, is proudly marking a quarter-century of operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant achievement highlights the company’s robust relationships with local governments, central banks, and businesses.
Since the establishment of its Dubai office in 1999, G+D has transformed from a niche security technology supplier into a key regional partner. Today, it operates across various domains, including secure payments, currency technology, identity management, connectivity, and digital infrastructure in over 60 countries in the Middle East and Africa. With a dedicated workforce of around 200 employees in the UAE, G+D’s global competence center is strategically located at Dubai Digital Park within Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Celebrating Success with Community Leaders
The anniversary celebration was led by Claudio Sgarlata, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. The event attracted notable guests such as His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Executive Chairman for Investments & Partnerships at DIEZ, and Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, among other esteemed officials.
Sgarlata noted, “For 25 years, G+D’s presence in Dubai has mirrored the region’s commitment to digital security and innovation in payment and identity systems. We see the UAE as a vital investment hub and are eager to contribute to its exceptional growth narrative, enhancing digital transformation while offering innovative solutions that empower both businesses and communities.”
Revolutionizing Currency Management
One of G+D’s central focuses has been modernizing cash management and central banking operations. In Egypt, the company partnered with the Central Bank of Egypt to launch a new Currency Hub in the New Administrative Capital, a facility designed to produce and process the majority of the nation’s banknotes. In Angola, G+D established the Casa do Kwanza cash center for the central bank. Rwanda also benefited from G+D’s innovative capabilities, being the first country in Africa to implement a fully automated vault system, significantly increasing its national storage capacity.
In addition to traditional currency operations, G+D is engaged in next-generation currency initiatives. Their Filia platform supports the Bank of Ghana’s pilot for the eCedi, Africa’s first general-purpose retail Central Bank Digital Currency. The company is also collaborating with the Central Bank of Mauritania to explore a digital version of the Ouguiya.
Supporting the UAE’s Digital Ambitions
G+D has established itself as a trusted partner in mobile security by providing SIM, eSIM, and SIM-management solutions to leading telecom operators in the UAE, including longstanding collaborations with du and Virgin Mobile UAE. These alliances facilitate secure digital onboarding and enhance customer connectivity, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a digital-first society.
Their IoT connectivity platform is another asset, allowing businesses to securely manage and connect extensive networks of devices from a unified system, enhancing operational efficiency and oversight.
Innovations in Identity Management and Payment Solutions
Through its joint venture with Bundesdruckerei, Veridos, G+D has extended its services to border control and identity management technologies worldwide, supporting the UAE’s initiatives to enhance its digital identity framework and secure travel systems. Moreover, G+D is involved in providing card-issuance and e-commerce security solutions that meet the stringent standards of the UAE market, catering to significant regional payment providers. As Dubai continues to bolster its status as a PayTech hub, the demand for digital payment solutions is growing, boosted by innovations like secure online authentication systems.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth
G+D’s regional efforts directly align with the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 and the General Framework for Sustainable Digital Transformation. These initiatives emphasize digital identity, secure infrastructure, and the reduction of paper use through digital services.
Additionally, G+D is actively contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. By implementing eco-friendly products and digital processes, they aim to lower paper consumption and energy use across banking, telecommunications, and government operations, fostering sustainable growth in the region.
