Al-Futtaim and Johnson Controls Unveil OpenBlue Smart Platform in UAE

Malaz Madani

Last updated 9-07-2025

3 min

Al-Futtaim Technologies partners with Johnson Controls to launch the OpenBlue smart building platform in UAE.

The showcase demonstrated cutting-edge systems merging data analytics with energy efficiency.

OpenBlue offers real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance, and improved occupant comfort.

This partnership aims to transition buildings into fully digitised, responsive environments.

Al-Futtaim positions itself to lead adaptive infrastructure breakthroughs in the Gulf region.

I've spent plenty of time observing the hustle of startups across the MENA region, and believe me, partnerships like this one signal something rather exciting. Al-Futtaim Technologies, known for driving digital change under the Al-Futtaim Contracting umbrella, has just teamed up with American tech giant Johnson Controls to launch their global OpenBlue smart building platform right here in the UAE. For those who've been following Arageek's journey energising startups and fuelling innovation from Egypt to the Gulf, collaboration like this hits the mark.

The announcement took place at a snazzy showcase hosted by Al-Futtaim Technologies themselves—no faffing about, they gave industry insiders a hands-on demonstration of not only the impressive OpenBlue platform but also Johnson Controls’ Facility Explorer FX. And believe it or not, guests could see firsthand how these cutting-edge systems merge data analytics with energy efficency—exactly the kind of solution smart city initiatives across the region have been craving.

Speaking of OpenBlue, this sophisticated piece of tech offers businesses real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance tools, and improved occupant comfort. It's spot on for organisations aiming to leverage data intelligence to meet sustainability targets. There's clearly growing hunger across the Gulf for smarter infrastructure, and I reckon Al-Futtaim is making a savvy move positioning OpenBlue as a cornerstone solution to address that need.

Razi Hamada, General Manager at Al-Futtaim Technologies, emphasised that partnering with Johnson Controls aligns perfectly with their goal of ushering in smarter, more efficient, and greener buildings throughout the UAE. “We empower clients to embrace digital transformation through real-time intelligence, energy optimization, and seamless occupant experiences,” Hamada stated confidently.

Evgenia Ostrovskaya, Digital Region Leader EMEALA at Johnson Controls, echoed this sentiment, adding that they're genuinely excited to join forces in defining what the future of smart building technology looks like for this region—essentially transitioning buildings from traditional static structures to fully digitised, responsive environments.

On the flip side, Al-Futtaim Technologies isn't exactly a newcomer in this sector. They've built an impressive pedigree in system integration, audio-visual solutions and managed services catering to diverse sectors including real estate, education, finance and governmental projects in markets across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and here in the UAE.

With urban development and the push for sustainability picking up momentum around the GCC, Al-Futtaim Technologies' partnership with Johnson Controls certainly puts them in good stead to lead adaptive infrastructure breakthroughs across the region. It's another solid step towards creating genuinely intelligent—but also genuinely human-friendly—cities of the future.

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