ع
The Dubai Media Office reported that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council, recognised SWS Board Technology as the winner of the Dubai-it Award for projects in the field of economy. The company earned the award for developing one of the world’s largest manufacturing operations for snow and water sports boards while leveraging expertise in composite materials to create an advanced industrial ecosystem based in Dubai that serves global markets. This selection continues a series of announcements highlighting achievements across multiple sectors that reflect the emirate’s emphasis on rapid, high-quality delivery.[[1]](https://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2026/october/17-10/hamdan-bin-mohammed-offers-sws-dubai-it-award)
In the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan said, “Who would have imagined that one of the world’s largest snowboard manufacturing operations would emerge from a city that was once desert? The Dubai-it Award for Projects in the Field of Economy goes to SWS Board Technology.” He added that entrepreneur Rainier Nouhra started SWS in Dubai, where today the firm produces half of the world’s kiteboards and wakeboards and one third of its snowboards. The operation maintains an annual capacity exceeding 450,000 boards, with more than 6 million sold worldwide, according to the statement from the media office.
Sheikh Hamdan noted that SWS Board Technology has earned the trust of leading snow and water sports brands and that its Dubai-made boards have been used at the Winter Olympic Games and world championships. Coverage of the announcement indicated that the company also received recognition for advancing sustainability in the industry. The award underscores the type of industrial innovation the programme seeks to promote across economic activities.[[2]](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/sheikh-hamdan-dubai-it-award-winner-projects-in-the-field-of-economy-sws-board-technology)
Earlier on October 11, Sheikh Hamdan selected Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority as the first winner in the government institutions category for its record of completing major road, bridge and tunnel projects at twice the global benchmark for speed and efficiency while upholding quality. The authority achieved a 99.7 per cent punctuality rate on the Dubai Metro amid network expansion, alongside progress in autonomous mobility and cycling infrastructure, a Khaleej Times report stated. These sequential announcements illustrate the range of fields covered by the awards.[[3]](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/rta-wins-first-dubai-it-award-in-government-sector-sheikh-hamdan-announces)
The Dubai-it Awards encompass 10 fields that include government, real estate, economy, business, technology, health, sports, education, society and services. Each field features three categories for individuals, projects and institutions or companies, according to details released with prior winners. The programme celebrates the philosophy of achieving extraordinary outcomes in record time with excellence, inspired by the ruler of Dubai.
SWS Board Technology’s global reach with products distributed to major competitions and brands demonstrates the emirate’s growing role in specialised manufacturing. The company’s establishment in Dubai has contributed to an industrial base focused on composite materials that supports international supply chains. Such recognitions form part of ongoing efforts to highlight economic diversification successes.
