Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the UAE IT services market?
The UAE IT services market is valued at USD 20.24 billion in 2025, per Mordor Intelligence, and is forecast to reach USD 37.69 billion by 2030 at 13.24 percent CAGR, driven by cloud implementation and systems integration programmes.
What drives UAE systems integration demand?
Microsoft's USD 15.2 billion UAE commitment through 2029, AWS and e& USD 1 billion cloud infrastructure investment, sovereign-cloud mandates and 46.83 percent cloud share of UAE ICT drive UAE systems integration demand.
Does 6202.01 include supplying the hardware and software as part of the integration?
Yes. Under ISIC 6202, integrators may provide the hardware and software components as part of integrated services, or source them from third-party vendors, and typically install the system plus train and support end users after go-live.
Do I need third-party approval to open a systems integration firm?
No third-party approval is required for activity 6202.01. You still need to comply with standard UAE commercial regulations, vendor partnership agreements and any client-specific engagement or sector requirements applicable.
What does activity 6202.01 cover?
Activity 6202.01 covers planning and designing integrated computer systems combining hardware, software and communications, plus installation, user training, support and on-site management of client computer systems and data processing facilities.
Topic Summary
1. Conduct Thorough Market Research and Feasibility Analysis
Begin by analysing the current demand for integrated computer systems in the UAE, especially focusing on sectors like banking, retail, and government services. Evaluate competitors and identify gaps in the market that your business can fill. Understanding the regulatory environment and client requirements in Dubai is crucial for tailoring your services effectively.
2. Register Your Business with Meydan Free Zone Authority
Leverage the benefits of Meydan Free Zone, known for its strategic location and business-friendly policies. Submit your application for a business licence specifically tailored for technology and systems integration firms. Ensure compliance with the Free Zone’s requirements, including the submission of a detailed business plan, proof of capital, and identification documents.
3. Develop a Robust Technical Expertise and Strategic Vendor Partnerships
Assemble a team of experienced systems integrators and engineers proficient in hardware and software from multiple vendors. Establish partnerships with leading technology suppliers to secure reliable hardware and software solutions. These relationships are essential, as exemplified by the complex migration in UAE banks involving multifaceted vendor ecosystems.
4. Design Comprehensive System Integration Frameworks
Create detailed plans that encompass hardware deployment, software migration, network architecture, and end-to-end testing protocols. Your frameworks must ensure seamless interoperability among diverse systems and vendors. Focus on risk mitigation strategies to guarantee operational continuity, especially in scenarios involving critical infrastructure such as banking.
5. Implement a Strong Client Support and Maintenance Programme
Offer post-deployment support, maintenance, and system upgrades as part of your service package. This commitment builds trust and ensures long-term client satisfaction. Additionally, staying abreast of technological advancements and regulatory changes in Dubai will help your business maintain competitiveness and compliance.
How to Start a Planning and Designing of Integrated Computer Systems Business in Dubai
Go-live weekend at a UAE bank. Two hundred branches will migrate to a new core banking system by Monday morning, drawing hardware from three vendors and software from two more, with network paths rebuilt end-to-end.
When the doors open, either every ATM works or none of them do, and somebody has to have designed how all of it fits together. That role is the systems integrator, and it is one of the highest-stakes seats in UAE enterprise IT.
Mordor Intelligence¹ values the UAE IT services market at USD 20.24 billion in 2025, forecast to reach USD 37.69 billion by 2030 at 13.24% CAGR, driven by cloud implementation, systems integration and hyperscaler-region migrations.
Mordor Intelligence² values the UAE ICT market at USD 52.22 billion in 2025 rising to USD 94.02 billion by 2031 at 10.29% CAGR, with cloud capturing 46.83% of UAE ICT share and system integrators leading enterprise migration engagements.
Expert Market Research³ values the UAE ICT market at USD 43.33 billion in 2025 forecast to USD 152.38 billion by 2035 at 13.40% CAGR, with software the fastest-growing segment and integration demand rising on AI and sovereign cloud adoption.
Microsoft⁴ announced a USD 15.2 billion UAE investment commitment through 2029 in November 2025, alongside AWS and e& committing USD 1 billion in cloud infrastructure in January 2025.
Whether you are running a systems integration firm delivering end-to-end cloud migrations, an enterprise architecture consultancy planning integrated hardware and software solutions, a hybrid-cloud design firm, or a computer facilities management operation running client systems on-site, this activity covers planning and designing integrated computer systems.
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A Dubai-licensed systems integrator operates in a UAE IT services market projected to grow from USD 20.24 billion in 2025 to USD 37.69 billion by 2030 at 13.24 percent a year, with cloud capturing 46.83 percent of UAE ICT share and hyperscaler-region migrations driving enterprise programme demand.
Sources: Mordor Intelligence (2026), Mordor Intelligence (2026), Expert Market Research (2026), Microsoft via Reuters (2025)
Who is this activity for?
- ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS: You run an enterprise systems integration firm delivering end-to-end integrated systems for UAE banks, government entities, energy and hospitality clients. You plan hardware, software and communications architecture, install integrated systems, train and support users, and provide facility management for client computer systems and data processing operations.
- CLOUD MIGRATION & HYBRID ARCHITECTS: You run a cloud migration and hybrid-cloud architecture firm designing integrated systems on AWS UAE Central, Azure UAE Central and Oracle sovereign cloud. You plan hyperscaler-region migrations, hybrid connectivity, workload placement, cost optimisation and multi-cloud governance for UAE enterprise clients.
- COMPUTER FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FIRMS: You run a computer facilities management firm providing on-site management and operation of client computer systems and data processing facilities. You handle infrastructure operations, hardware refresh, integrated systems monitoring, technical support and outsourced IT service delivery under long-term managed agreements.
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6202.01 - Planning And Designing Of Computer Systems That Integrate Computer Hardware, Software And Communication Technologies
Under this activity, you can run a business planning and designing integrated computer systems that combine computer hardware, software and communication technologies. Service range covers systems integration, enterprise architecture, cloud migration planning, hybrid-cloud design, hardware and software solution planning, installation of integrated systems, user training and support, and on-site management and operation of client computer systems and data processing facilities.
This activity covers planning and designing of integrated computer systems. It does not cover separate sale of computer hardware or software (4651, 4741), separate installation of mainframe and similar computers (3320), separate installation (setting-up) of personal computers (6209) or separate software installation (6209).
In short: if you are running a systems integration, cloud migration or computer facilities management firm delivering integrated systems, this is your activity.
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Third-party approval: No third-party approval is required.
Anti-money laundering compliance: This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
Footnotes
¹ Mordor Intelligence, "UAE IT Services Market Size, Share & Trends Forecast 2030", 2026.
² Mordor Intelligence, "UAE ICT Market Report Industry Analysis Size & Growth Trends 2025-2031", February 2026.
³ Expert Market Research, "UAE ICT Market Size & Share Industry Analysis 2035", 2026.
⁴ Microsoft via Reuters, "Microsoft to Commit USD 15.2 Billion in UAE Through 2029", November 2025.
