Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on Saturday that SWS Board Technology won the Dubai-it Award for projects in the field of economy. The Crown Prince of Dubai congratulated the team and detailed how the company exemplifies bold achievement, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed highlighted the firm’s origins in Dubai and its rise to global prominence in manufacturing.
“From Dubai, entrepreneur Rainier Nouhra built one of the world’s largest board manufacturing businesses. Today, SWS Board Technology produces half the world’s kiteboards and wakeboards and one-third of its snowboards, with annual capacity exceeding 450,000 boards and more than 6 million sold worldwide,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said. The announcement noted that the boards have been used at the Winter Olympic Games and world championships. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed also commended the company for advancing sustainability in the industry.
The Dubai-it Award recognises achievements that transform ambitious ideas into measurable results with speed and excellence, according to the programme launched earlier this year under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. It spans 10 fields including economy, technology and business, with the inaugural cycle focusing on accomplishments from the past four years. SWS Board Technology’s selection underscores the economic contributions of innovative manufacturing enterprises based in Dubai.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism figures show the emirate’s gross domestic product reached AED 232 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 2.4 percent rise from the same period a year earlier. The information and communications technology sector grew 2.7 percent to AED 12.1 billion, accounting for 5.2 percent of the economy and supporting broader diversification efforts. Such awards align with the D33 agenda to position Dubai among the top three global city economies through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rainier Nouhra established the venture in Dubai, growing it into a major exporter that has delivered tangible economic impact, the announcement stated. The company maintains more than 6 million boards sold worldwide, reflecting strong international demand for its products. This scale has positioned SWS Board Technology as a leader while incorporating sustainable practices that reduce environmental footprints in production.
The award forms part of a wider initiative by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to embed a culture of decisive action and high-quality delivery across institutions, a programme description found. Nominations for the first edition closed in September, leading to recognitions that highlight both public and private sector successes. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the honour as part of ongoing efforts to celebrate projects that deliver exceptional results in record time.
