Smartworld's expertise set to expand in Gulf

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Smartworlds expertise set to expand in Gulf
Smartworld CEO Abdulqader Obaid Ali says the company is looking at Qatar, Bahrain and Oman in 2016.

Dubai - Etisalat-Dubai South JV firm working closely with key players

By Abdul Basit

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Published: Sun 15 May 2016, 7:23 PM

Last updated: Sun 15 May 2016, 9:26 PM

Smartworld, an etisalat and Dubai South joint venture company, is expanding to three Gulf countries this year, chief executive officer Abdulqader Obaid Ali told Khaleej Times in an interview.
Established in 2008, Smartworld works closely with government entities, telecommunication operators, SMEs and large enterprises delivering them unique value using its state-of-the-art next-generation infrastructure, efficient processes and a top-notch team.
"We need to go outside. We are thinking of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman this year," Obaid Ali said.
Smartworld's range of services are designed to meet the demands of aviation industry in the present day dynamic environment. The company has successfully handled migration and phasing of solutions across some of today's leading airports.
Rising demand for smart technology will drive the global market for smart airports to reach $13 billion by 2019, according to a latest study. The growing demand presents strong opportunity for Smartworld, the chief executive said.
Smartworld has been shortlisted for the Bahrain airport expansion, he said, adding that out of 26 now only three companies have been shortlisted and Smartworld is one of them.
With global passenger numbers globally expected to rise to 7.3 billion by 2034, airports are working toward ensuring they are able to cope with the rising numbers, and, at the same time, offer seamless travel experience. Smart technologies can greatly help in delivering a hassle-free passenger experience.
"In Oman, we are looking at airport and other projects," the chief executive said. According to a latest study by Technavio, the global market for smart airports is estimated to reach $13 billion by 2019, at a combined annual growth rate of six per cent.
Smartworld's latest portfolio of services can significantly contribute to enhancing efficiencies in terms of better services as well as cost effectiveness, Obaid Ali said.
Massive investments in the region, especially the UAE, will drive the Middle East's smart airports market to cross $850 million within the next three years. Smartworld's airports technology services include airport systems programme and project management; airport systems implementations and support; airport systems architecture and design; and airport systems master integration.
The company will leverage its strategic range of state-of-the-art ICT and ELV offerings and services in strengthening the operations of airports in the region.
"We have expertise to manage more than 300 systems at airports, including access control, fibre optic, structure cabling, fire alarm system, CCTV and flight system, among others," he explained.
Talking about the UAE projects he mentioned that the company is one of the very active players at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Smartworld is also one of the partners of Dubai Parks and Resorts. The multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination inspired by Hollywood and Bollywood is scheduled to open in October this year. The Dh10.5 billion park is expected to host 6.7 million visitors in its first year of operation.
"We are responsible for infrastructure of fibre-optic cable with etisalat in the park," the chief executive explained. The company also manages the whole network of 420 schools of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, he added.
Around 85 per cent of the company staff is technical people, he said, adding: "We also have civil engineers in an ICT company to make sure the interface is smooth and customers are happy."
Smartworld's headquarters is the showcase model of the company's digital transformation and intelligent building capabilities for future developments in Dubai South, the UAE and the broader region.
Earlier this year, Smartworld had deployed the Cisco Digital Ceiling framework to create a smart, highly secure and connected indoor space at its new headquarters in Dubai South. The implementation brings together Cisco's secure IT network with an advanced LED connected lighting system from Philips Lighting to enable Smartworld to deliver a more connected, comfortable and intelligent working environment for both employees and guests.
- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com


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