Automation Companies in UAE: What to Look for Before Hiring One

Technology innovation makes the UAE stand out worldwide and automation is now a key factor in helping different industries to operate more smoothly. Companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are adopting automated systems such as in their oil refineries and warehouses.

The cost to run the company could be cut by as much as 50%

• Make workplaces safe in areas that may be hazardous.

• Better how production is done and how quality is maintained.

However, because there are over 200 automation service providers in the UAE, choosing the right one requires you to consider your options well. The guide includes important factors to help you choose a plan that gives you valuable results over the long term.

1. A person’s industry-specific knowledge is key to their success.

Why Specialization Matters

Automation solutions vary dramatically across industries. A system designed for a pharmaceutical cleanroom has completely different requirements than one for a steel manufacturing plant. The best providers will have:

• Proven track records in your specific sector

• Regulatory knowledge (e.g., DEWA standards for utilities, DMT approvals for transportation)

• Custom engineering capabilities beyond cookie-cutter solutions

Key Questions to Ask:

• Can you share case studies from our industry?

• How do you approach compliance with sector-specific regulations?

• What percentage of your team has direct experience in our field?

Real-World Example: Tekzone's work on ADNOC's pipeline monitoring systems demonstrates how deep sector knowledge ensures both efficiency and regulatory compliance in the oil & gas industry.

2. Technical Capabilities: Beyond Basic Implementation

Core Competencies to Verify

Leading automation companies should offer full-spectrum services:

Control Systems

• PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)

• SCADA system integration

• DCS implementation

Smart Infrastructure

• Building Management Systems (BMS)

• HVAC automation

• Lighting control solutions

Advanced Technologies

• Industrial IoT platforms

• Machine learning for predictive maintenance

• Digital twin simulations

Implementation Process

The best providers follow a structured approach:

• Feasibility Study - Comprehensive needs assessment

• System Design - Customized architecture planning

• Installation - Certified technicians on-site

• Commissioning - Rigorous testing protocols

• Training - Hands-on knowledge transfer

3. Certifications and Compliance: Your Safety Net

Must-Have Certifications

• Quality Management: ISO 9001:2015

• Environmental: ISO 14001

• Safety: ISO 45001 (OHSAS)

• Explosive Environments: ATEX/IECEx

• Cybersecurity: IEC 62443

UAE-Specific Requirements

Emirates Authority for Standardization (ESMA) approval

• Dubai Civil Defense compliance for fire safety systems

• ADQCC certification in Abu Dhabi

Pro Tip: Always verify certificates are current - some providers display expired credentials.

4. Local Presence and Support: Reducing Downtime Risks

The Value of UAE-Based Operations

• Companies with local facilities provide:

• Faster response times (4-hour vs. 24-hour)

• Available spare parts inventory

• Better understanding of regional challenges

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Look for guarantees on:

• Emergency response times

• Mean time to repair (MTTR)

• Preventive maintenance schedules

5. Future-Proofing Your Investment

Scalability Considerations

• Modular system architecture

• Open protocol support (BACnet, Modbus)

• Cloud integration capabilities

Technology Roadmap

Ask providers about:

• Their R&D investments

• Upgrade paths for existing systems

• 5G and edge computing readiness

6. Evaluating Reputation and References

Due Diligence Checklist

• Review at least 3 client references

• Visit operational sites

• Check technology partnerships

• Search for arbitration cases (DIFC courts)

Industry Insight: Tekzone maintains long-term relationships with 80% of clients, a strong indicator of service quality.

Making the Right Choice

Selecting an automation partner is a strategic decision that impacts your operations for years. By thoroughly evaluating:

1. Industry expertise

2. Technical capabilities

3. Compliance standards

4. Local support structure

5. Future-readiness

6. Market reputation

...you position your business for successful digital transformation.

Next Steps for Decision Makers

Create a weighted scoring matrix for providers

1. Conduct site visits to shortlisted companies

2. Negotiate contracts with clear KPIs

3. Plan for phased implementation

The UAE's automation market is projected to grow at 8.7% CAGR through 2027 (Mordor Intelligence). Partnering with the right company ensures you capitalize on this growth while avoiding costly mistakes. Companies like Tekzone that combine international standards with local expertise offer particularly compelling value propositions for UAE businesses.