What Smartworld does

Smartworld (legal entity Smart Technology Services DWC LLC) is a Dubai-based master systems integrator founded in 2008 as a joint venture between Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Etisalat (now e&). The company delivers end-to-end technology services spanning consultancy, solution design, deployment, operations, and 24/7 managed support across ICT infrastructure, security, ELV (extra-low voltage), AV, smart city/IoT, AI, cloud, and blockchain domains. Its customer base is concentrated in UAE government, aviation (Dubai Airports, Emirates, Al Maktoum International, AMMROC, flydubai), real estate and hospitality (Nakheel, Jumeirah, Meraas, Emaar), education (HCT, University of Dubai, ALEF Education, ADEK), and federal government entities (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

The company's technology portfolio combines a multi-vendor integration core with selected proprietary offerings. Shahada is a blockchain-based digital credential protocol co-developed with Grape Technology and deployed at UAE universities for 155,000+ graduates. Other proprietary or co-developed platforms include an SPL Cloud Modernization platform (reducing legacy migration costs up to 30%), AI-based video analytics (emotional/behavioral/object), and an RPA offering with intelligent character recognition. Strategic technology partnerships span Cisco (Premier Partner, Expo 2020), Microsoft (Azure/O365), Honeywell (smart buildings), Vertiv (Diamond, critical infrastructure), Huawei (smart airports), Polymedia (AV), and AI specialists Sensetime, NEC, and Ipsotek. Five ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, 45001) and a 2019 Cisco EMEAR Architectural Excellence award anchor quality credentials.

The business operates a project-based enterprise sales motion with multi-year managed services contracts and quote-based pricing. Direct enterprise sales target government and large accounts, while an Etisalat channel partnership extends reach into the UAE SMB sector. CIOMajlis, a thought-leadership platform established in 2016 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, functions as a marketing and networking channel convening 180 senior IT executives. In 2022, e& enterprise (formerly Etisalat Digital) acquired 100% of Smartworld, with the company now rebranding to "e& enterprise iot & ai" as the IoT and AI vehicle for the e& group across 38 countries.

Name

Smartworld

Legal name

Smart Technology Services DWC LLC

Website

https://smartworld.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Smartworld is a UAE-based master systems integrator delivering end-to-end ICT, security, IoT, AI, cloud, and blockchain solutions to government and enterprise clients across aviation, real estate, education, and federal sectors. Founded 2008, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of e& enterprise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Systems Integration Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Smart Building Software Platforms (IWMS/CAFM Integration, Digital Twin, Command Center) (BPABAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

AI/Analytics Video Surveillance (Detection, LPR, People Counting) (HSAHACAF)

Keywords

• Systems integration services
• Master systems integrator
• ICT infrastructure solutions
• Smart city IoT solutions
• Cloud modernization services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Systems Integration Services: Consultancy, design, implementation, maintenance, and operations of advanced technology solutions covering ICT, security, ELV, AV, smart solutions, and cloud. Project-based engagements for enterprise and government clients.
2. IT Managed Services: 24/7 IT managed services including helpdesk, onsite support, system administration, asset management, warehousing, and transportation of IT assets. Ongoing service contracts with government and enterprise clients.
3. IoT Infrastructure Solutions: IoT infrastructure design and implementation for smart city planning, connecting devices for automation, remote management and data collection across government and private organizations.
4. Blockchain Credential Solutions: SaaS-based Shahada platform providing digital certificate creation, issuance, and verification on blockchain. Revenue from implementation and platform licensing for educational institutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Smartworld is a master systems integrator providing consultancy, design, implementation, maintenance, and operations of advanced technology solutions covering ICT, security, ELV, AV, smart solutions, and cloud for UAE government agencies and large enterprises. It combines hardware, software, networking, and storage products from multiple vendors under single-point accountability, with additional 24/7 IT managed services and proprietary offerings including the Shahada blockchain credential platform and AI-based video analytics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CIOMajlis: A thought leadership platform and networking hub for Senior Technology Executives initiated by Smartworld, established in 2016 under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Products and services

• Infrastructure Solutions Physical and digital infrastructure solutions for data center and enterprise environments including power systems, cooling, racks, and enclosures, leveraging Vertiv partnership for UPS, thermal management, and edge data center solutions.
• ICT Solutions Information and Communication Technology solutions including structured cabling, enterprise networks, data centers, unified collaboration, and cyber security for enterprise environments.
• Security Solutions Physical security solutions including surveillance systems (CCTV with video analytics) and access control systems for perimeter and facility protection across airports, hotels, and commercial buildings.
• ELV Solutions Extra Low Voltage systems for building automation, fire alarm, public address, master clock, and building integration for comprehensive facility management.
• AV Solutions Audio-Visual solutions including professional AV systems, command and control centers, digital office solutions, workspace collaboration, and education/hybrid auditorium systems, delivered in partnership with Polymedia.
• Smart IoT Solutions IoT solutions connecting devices and systems over the internet for automation, remote management, and data collection across smart city applications including traffic management, pollution reduction, and infrastructure optimization.
• AI-Based Video Analytics and Cameras AI-powered video analytics providing emotional analytics (sentiment detection), behavioral analytics (intruder tracing), and object analytics (virtual barrier detection) for customer experience, security, and business intelligence, with strategic AI partners including Sensetime, NEC, Ipsotek, Pulses, and Iomniscient.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) RPA solutions with intelligent character recognition (ICR) for automating document processing, language translation, and enterprise tasks via attended and unattended bot licensing with 24/7 operation, delivered in partnership with Blueprism.
• Drone Applications Drone solutions for aerial photography, videography, security surveillance, and airspace protection deployed across construction, real estate, events, and security applications.
• Contactless Solutions Touchless technology solutions including contactless payment (NFC/RFID), hologram interfaces, screen mirroring, mobile applications, and voice recognition for pathogen-free interactions across retail, hospitality, and transportation.
• Air Traffic Control Solutions Specialized airport systems including air traffic control technology for aviation industry applications.
• Self-Check-in Solutions Self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag drop systems for airports, hotels, and hospitality venues enabling contactless passenger processing and reduced waiting times.
• Robotics Solutions Robotic solutions for hospitality, service, and industrial applications including robots for customer interaction, delivery, and operational automation.
• Smart Utilities Solutions Smart utility solutions including smart metering, energy management, outage detection, and network optimization for the power and utilities sector.
• Safety and Reliability Solutions Smart electrical safety and reliability solutions for government and private establishments including monitoring systems and predictive maintenance, delivered via Manav Enterprise consortium.
• Cloud Solutions Cloud computing solutions including Microsoft Office 365, Azure Cloud Infrastructure, and SPL Cloud Modernization for workload management, business applications, remote connectivity, and cloud migration to microservice architecture.
• Cybersecurity Solutions Cybersecurity solutions providing cyber risk profiles, digital defense assessments, customized training, and threat detection and response capabilities for enterprise customers.
• Shahada Digital Certificate Protocol Digital certificate protocol built on blockchain technology that securely creates, maintains, and verifies academic credentials via web platform and mobile application, enabling tamper-proof, instantly verifiable e-credentials for graduates, developed in partnership with Grape Technology.
• IT Managed Services 24/7 IT managed services including helpdesk, onsite support, system administration, asset management, warehousing, and transportation of IT assets delivered under ongoing service contracts with government and enterprise clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100+ projects delivered since inception
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability11 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PolymediacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 November 2021Partnership agreement with multinational system integrator and distributor of AV solutions. Polymedia brings expertise in command and control centers, digital office solutions, workspace collaboration, and hybrid auditoriums with R&D resources.
• VertivcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 September 2021Diamond partnership with Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), global provider of critical digital infrastructure. Adds full range of IT channel solutions including UPS, thermal management, racks, enclosures for core and edge data centers. Focus on aviation and telco industries.
• SPL SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2021Partnership to offer modernization and migration of monolithic software applications to cloud-native microservice architecture. SPL solution automates migration process reducing cost and time. Enables cloud portfolio expansion with software insight, quality assessments, and micro-service refactoring.
• Manav EnterpriseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2020Business consortium to provide smart electrical safety and reliability solutions to government and private establishments.
• Black SageminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2019Teaming agreement to protect UAE airspace against UAS threats and regain safety and security through counter-UAS solutions.
• HoneywellcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Collaboration to enhance UAE's smart buildings in line with UAE's strategic vision for region's smartest cities. Smartworld serves as master systems integrator combining Honeywell's building solutions.
• Aruba (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Aruba announced as strategic partner for 2019. CIOMajlis initiative supported by Aruba for technology events and programs.
• CiscocoreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2018Cisco is Official Digital Network Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai. Smartworld as Cisco Premier Partner collaborated to design and implement smart network infrastructure for Expo 2020, deploying Cisco intent-based networking solutions supporting 100,000+ IoT devices.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationCloud partner providing Microsoft Office 365 and Azure Cloud Infrastructure solutions. Smartworld offers Microsoft Teams collaboration, OneDrive, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and Azure-based cloud infrastructure services.
• Grape TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to launch Shahada, digital certificate protocol built on blockchain technology. Grape Technology provides blockchain implementation expertise across financial, educational and government sectors.
• Enterprise IrelandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIrish Government's trade and innovation agency hosting CIOMajlis innovation tour to Ireland. Supports cross-border technology knowledge exchange.
• DIFC FinTech HiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst and largest financial technology accelerator in MEASA region. CIOMajlis delegation visit to explore FinTech programs and startup ecosystem. ICD is strategic sponsor of CIOMajlis.
• HuaweicoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology infrastructure partner collaborating at Dubai Airport Show. Showcasing smart airport, smart campus and digital power technologies.
• EtisalatcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorN1 Etisalat channel partner. Smartworld offers Etisalat digital services to SMB sector in UAE. Etisalat Group is now e& (formerly Etisalat).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Capgemini Engineering (formerly Altran): Global engineering and digital services firm with significant Middle East operations targeting infrastructure, smart city, and government transformation programs. Comparable to Smartworld in end-to-end systems integration and large public-sector engagements.
• Wipro: Global IT services and systems integrator with a strong Middle East presence serving government, telecom, and aviation clients. Directly comparable in master-SI, cloud, and managed services offerings targeting the same enterprise/government accounts.
• IBM Global Services: Global systems integrator and parent of GBM's partner network, delivering cloud, security, AI, and infrastructure services to UAE government and enterprise. Competes with Smartworld on mega-deals and partners with regional SIs like GBM for delivery.
• Atos: Global IT services and systems integrator with a Middle East presence serving public sector and large enterprise on digital transformation, cloud, and security. Competes with Smartworld for the same large UAE/government mega-projects at a global scale.

Others

• Huawei Enterprise (Middle East): Global ICT vendor that partners with Smartworld (e.g., Dubai Airport Show) but also competes for end-to-end smart airport, smart campus, and digital power deployments in the UAE. Adjacent comparator given overlapping smart-infrastructure solution portfolios.

Direct peers

• Gulf Business Machines (GBM): UAE-headquartered master systems integrator and IBM partner delivering end-to-end ICT, security, and managed services to government and enterprise in the Gulf. Directly comparable to Smartworld in customer profile (sovereign clients), systems integration scope, and reliance on tier-1 technology vendors.
• Injazat: UAE-based IT services and digital transformation company owned by Mubadala, providing managed services, cloud, and systems integration to government and enterprise. Closely comparable to Smartworld in geographic focus, public-sector customer base, and end-to-end integration model.
• MDS Computer: UAE systems integrator delivering enterprise IT, networking, and digital workplace solutions to regional enterprises. Similar regional SI profile, vendor-agnostic integration model, and enterprise/government customer mix.

Regional players

• STC Solutions (Solutions by stc): Enterprise and systems integration arm of Saudi Telecom Company delivering ICT, cloud, cybersecurity, and smart solutions across Saudi Arabia. Comparable to Smartworld as a telecom-owned SI in the Gulf, although primarily serving the Saudi market.
• Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du): UAE telecom operator with a growing enterprise and digital services division competing for the same government and large-enterprise ICT contracts Smartworld pursues. Overlaps with Smartworld in UAE-based enterprise/government systems integration and channel-driven GTM.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/smartworldllc
• Facebookfacebook.com/smartworldme
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smart-world

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Smartworld