Al-Futtaim Technologies has embarked on a strategic partnership with Johnson Controls to introduce the OpenBlue platform to the United Arab Emirates, a move poised to transform the region’s approach to smart building management. This collaboration brings Johnson Controls’ global smart building technology to the UAE, aiming to deliver intelligent infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions tailored for both businesses and government sectors. The partnership aligns with growing regional demands for sustainable, data-driven building operations as smart city initiatives accelerate across the Middle East.
Announced at a live showcase, Al-Futtaim Technologies presented the OpenBlue platform alongside Johnson Controls’ Facility Explorer FX, demonstrating how these tools offer organisations real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance, and enhanced occupant experiences. The integration of digital intelligence with energy optimisation positions OpenBlue as a critical technology for meeting the expanding GCC desire for future-ready infrastructure that supports environmental and operational objectives.
Razi Hamada, General Manager of Al-Futtaim Technologies, emphasised the significance of this alliance: “Our partnership with Johnson Controls marks a major step forward in delivering smarter, more efficient, and sustainable buildings across the region. We are empowering our clients to embrace digital transformation through real-time intelligence, energy optimisation, and seamless occupant experiences.” Evgenia Ostrovskaya, Digital Region Leader EMEALA at Johnson Controls, echoed these sentiments, noting, “Together, we’re defining the future of smart buildings with real-time analytics, energy efficiency, and seamless occupant experience.”
This launch builds on Al-Futtaim Technologies’ well-established expertise in systems integration and its wide portfolio including infrastructure, ELV systems, AV solutions, and managed services across key sectors such as real estate, education, finance, and government. Their extended presence in neighboring markets like Qatar and Saudi Arabia further underlines their regional influence. Meanwhile, Johnson Controls continues to expand its OpenBlue services in the Middle East and Africa with AI-powered solutions like remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and compliance monitoring, all designed to boost building performance and further sustainable, decarbonised operations.
The OpenBlue platform is not a novel concept globally but marks a significant regional growth spurt in intelligent building technologies. Johnson Controls recently launched OpenBlue Workplace in Dubai, an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) and Facility Maintenance platform focused on optimising real estate performance through intelligent space utilisation, asset management, and people-centric design. This launch highlights the Middle East’s rapidly expanding smart building market, driven by a heightened need for connected, sustainable infrastructure that maximises efficiency.
Further illustrating the capabilities of OpenBlue in the region, the BEEAH Headquarters in Sharjah has received the OpenBlue ‘Blueprint of the Future’ award, recognised as the first fully AI-integrated building in the Middle East. Operating at LEED platinum standards and targeting net-zero emissions, the building combines on-site solar power, grey water recycling, advanced security, and personalised occupant experiences—all powered by OpenBlue technology.
This strategic partnership positions both Al-Futtaim Technologies and Johnson Controls as pivotal players in enabling the next generation of digital buildings throughout the Middle East. As countries in the region prioritise smart city development, energy efficiency, and sustainability, the integration of OpenBlue’s smart building capabilities promises to drive operational excellence and environmental responsibility, shaping a future-ready infrastructure landscape.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.cbnme.com/news/al-futtaim-technologies-partners-with-johnson-controls-to-launch-openblue-in-the-uae/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://me.johnsoncontrols.com/media-center/news/press-release/2025/06/16/johnson-controls-launches-openblue-workplace-in-the-middle-east – Johnson Controls has launched OpenBlue Workplace in Dubai, marking the regional debut of its smart workplace technologies. This Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) and Facility Maintenance platform aims to optimise real estate performance through intelligent space utilisation, asset management, and people-centric design. The launch aligns with the Middle East and Africa smart building market’s projected growth, highlighting the demand for connected technologies that drive efficiency and support sustainability goals.
- https://me.johnsoncontrols.com/media-center/news/press-releases/2023/02/28/beeah-headquarters-receives-blueprint-of-the-future-award – The BEEAH Headquarters in Sharjah, UAE, has been awarded the OpenBlue ‘Blueprint of the Future’ award as the first fully AI-integrated building in the Middle East. Operating at LEED platinum standards and targeting net-zero emissions, the building employs an on-site solar power plant and grey water recycling system. Powered by Johnson Controls’ OpenBlue digital technology, it offers personalized experiences for occupants and integrates advanced security features.
- https://me.johnsoncontrols.com/media-center/news/press-release/2022/10/31/johnson-controls-extends-openblue-services-in-mea – Johnson Controls has expanded its OpenBlue Services in the Middle East and Africa, introducing AI-powered solutions such as remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and compliance monitoring. These services aim to enhance building performance, support decarbonisation goals, and optimise energy efficiency, catering to various industries including hospitals, schools, and enterprises.
- https://www.intelligentcio.com/me/2025/07/08/al-futtaim-technologies-and-johnson-controls-partner-to-launch-openblue-smart-building-platform-in-the-uae/ – Al-Futtaim Technologies has partnered with Johnson Controls to introduce the OpenBlue smart building platform to the UAE market. This collaboration aims to deliver intelligent infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions to businesses and government entities, offering real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance, and improved occupant experiences, while advancing sustainability goals.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/business/technology-and-telecom/johnson-controls-opens-regional-openblue-workplace-in-dubai-s41s7fhg – Johnson Controls has launched OpenBlue Workplace in Dubai, marking a strategic expansion into the Middle East. This Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) and Facility Maintenance platform helps organisations optimise real estate performance through intelligent space utilisation, asset management, and people-centric design, aligning with the region’s growing demand for smart building solutions.
- https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/media-center/news/press-releases/2021/09/21/johnson-controls-partners-with-dubai-silicon-oasis-authority-to-power-rochester-institute-of-technol – Johnson Controls has partnered with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and the Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai to deliver the region’s first smart, healthy, and sustainable campus. The collaboration aims to implement Johnson Controls’ OpenBlue digital solution suite to drive sustainability, operational efficiency, and space health goals from a unified platform.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being July 8, 2025. The report is original and not recycled from other sources. It is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not appeared elsewhere more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Razi Hamada and Evgenia Ostrovskaya are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from CBNME, a reputable source in the Middle East business and technology sector. However, it is not as widely recognised as global outlets like the Financial Times or Reuters, which slightly lowers the reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the partnership between Al-Futtaim Technologies and Johnson Controls to launch OpenBlue in the UAE are plausible and align with recent developments in the smart building sector. The narrative is consistent with Johnson Controls’ previous announcements, such as the launch of OpenBlue Workplace in Dubai on June 16, 2025. ([me.johnsoncontrols.com](https://me.johnsoncontrols.com/media-center/news/press-release/2025/06/16/johnson-controls-launches-openblue-workplace-in-the-middle-east?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are appropriate for the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and based on a press release, ensuring high freshness. The quotes are unique and not found elsewhere, indicating exclusivity. The source is reputable, though not as widely recognised as some global outlets. The claims are plausible and consistent with recent developments in the smart building sector. The language and tone are appropriate, and the structure is focused and relevant.
