Albanian capital city Tirana and nineteen other cities in the country are going to become Smart Cities following a deal between Albania’s Interior Ministry and United Arab Emirates company Presight AI.

The deal between the Albanian Government and Presight AI was signed by then-Interior Minister Taulant Bala. After signing the agreement, Bala said “This project is not just an investment in technology, but an investment in the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Under the deal, Presight AI, a part of the G42 Group, will install surveillance cameras throughout Tirana and other major Albanian cities, as well as establish command and control centres.

In a response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the Albanian Interior Ministry reported that the Smart City project was the result of a cooperation agreement between Tirana and Abu Dhabi to combat organised crime and on security-related issues.

The deal has aroused opposition within Albania and among human rights group who claim the deal will result in mass surveillance of Albanian citizens.