Albania has entered into a landmark multi-year agreement with Presight, an Abu Dhabi Exchange-listed big data analytics firm, to deploy a nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven smart nation program. The initiative, backed by a $118.5 million loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, aims to transform public services across 20 cities and 28 international border points.
Transforming Public Services with AI
The program will integrate an AI-powered smart city platform designed to digitalize and optimize essential government functions. This includes real-time operations management, enhanced traffic systems, improved emergency response coordination, and advanced command-and-control frameworks. The goal is to enhance institutional efficiency, improve citizen wellbeing, and position Albania as a leading technology-driven nation in Europe.
Key Infrastructure Deployments
The project includes the installation of thousands of smart surveillance technologies:
- 2,239 automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras
- 2,602 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras for traffic monitoring
- 3,816 body cameras for law enforcement
- 100 smart radars and 100 traffic sensors
These technologies will enable intelligent traffic management, strengthen emergency preparedness, and improve national digital capabilities.
A Model for Responsible AI Application
Albania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs views this program as a strategic investment in long-term safety, resilience, and modernization. The project draws inspiration from the UAE’s successful digital transformation of public services, seeking to establish Albania as a regional model for responsible AI implementation at scale. This initiative could encourage similar developments across Southeast Europe and the Balkans.
Strengthening UAE-Albania Ties
The agreement follows a letter of intent signed during a February state visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It signifies deepening ties between the two nations, with Albania poised to demonstrate how AI can deliver lasting benefits for institutions and citizens.
“This collaboration reinforces Albania’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation,” stated a representative from the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs. “We aim to leverage AI expertise to strengthen public services and improve the daily lives of our citizens.”
The smart nation program represents one of Europe’s most ambitious efforts to deploy AI infrastructure, demonstrating how governments can transform public services. The project’s success will likely serve as a case study for other nations seeking to modernize their infrastructure and enhance their institutional capabilities through AI.
