Dubai-based SWS Board Technology manufactures around one-third of the world’s snowboards and nearly half of its kiteboards and wakeboards. The company has an annual production capacity of more than 450,000 boards, with all its products exported to international markets.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, recognised the company’s achievements by presenting SWS Board Technology with the Dubai-it Award in the Economy category.

The award recognised the company for establishing one of the world’s largest manufacturing operations for snow and water sports equipment, drawing on its expertise in engineering and composite materials technology.

Dubai-Made Snowboards Reach the Winter Olympics

Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Who would have imagined that one of the world’s largest snowboard manufacturing centres would be established in a city that was once little more than desert? The Dubai-it Award in the Economic Projects category goes to SWS Board Technology.”

He added: “Reinier Nohra founded SWS in Dubai. Today, the company manufactures half of the world’s kiteboards and wakeboards and one-third of its snowboards, with an annual production capacity of more than 450,000 boards. Its products are sold in global markets, and it has sold more than 6 million boards to date.”

Sheikh Hamdan said: “The company has earned the trust of leading snow and water sports brands, while boards manufactured in Dubai have reached the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Winter Olympic Games.”

Reinier Nohra, the company’s founder, launched the business in Dubai by combining his passion for snow and water sports with his expertise in engineering and composite materials manufacturing.

By investing in workforce development, enhancing technical skills and leveraging research and development, he improved product quality and the efficiency of the company’s production lines.

Dubai’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure and transport and logistics networks have also played a major role in expanding the company’s international operations and establishing long-term partnerships with leading snow and water sports brands.

Advanced Technology for Manufacturing and Recycling Sports Equipment

SWS Board Technology has developed an integrated industrial value chain encompassing every stage of research and development, engineering, manufacturing, quality control and global product distribution.

The company has also developed advanced technologies for manufacturing sports boards, along with programmes to fully recycle the equipment. These initiatives allow around 95% of the materials in each board to be reused in new products.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: “Our leaders have taught us that ambition transcends geographical limitations and conventional boundaries. Presenting SWS Board Technology with the Dubai-it Award in the Economic Projects category is a celebration of that approach.”

He added: “This project began in Dubai in a field where the region previously had little presence and grew into one of the world’s largest operations, competing to the highest quality standards and earning the trust of leading international brands.”

Al Gergawi concluded: “The Dubai-it Award was launched to introduce Dubai’s working philosophy to the world—a philosophy reflected in projects and achievements across various sectors. What once seemed impossible has now become a source of pride in Dubai, achieved through bold ambition, speed of execution and excellence in performance.”