Workz: The Dubai-Based Tech Giant Revolutionizing eSIM and IoT

There are few companies that have positioned themselves as strongly as Workz, a Dubai-based technology firm specializing in eSIM, IoT, and cloud-based services, in this dynamically changing telecom landscape. With a focus on innovation and an eye toward the future, Workz has grown dramatically since its founding in 1997. Initially foray into SIM card production and personalization has now developed as a technological powerhouse that forms the game-changer for mobile connectivity throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Workz was founded in 1997 and first marked its presence in the SIM card manufacturing business. Success in early years helped open a modern, state-of-the-art production facility for scratch cards in Dubai in 2014. This increased the company’s production capabilities and its prestige throughout the region. In 2015, Workz joined the GSM Association (GSMA). Hence, it became one of the well-thought-out players in the global telecommunications industry-a pioneer at new mobile standards and security measures.

One strategic shift Workz took in 2018 was in eSIM technology. It emerged as the largest provider of GSMA-certified eSIM software in the Middle East and Africa. As embedded SIM technology’s consumer demand increased, it opened avenues for innovation for Workz while allowing it to distribute seamless eSIM experiences for the users of smartphones and IoT device manufacturers as well. Through a deal in collaboration with Arm and MTX Connect based in Luxembourg, Workz spread its wings further into the global eSIM market in the year 2018, providing far-reaching solutions for SIMs that would allow remote access for a more mobile life.

Protecting the lead in the telecoms industry being its primary intent, Workz launched the world’s first 5G SIM card in 2019, thus putting itself at the forefront of 5G technology. This sealed the company’s position as a provider of secure, quality SIM cards and eSIM solutions, putting it in a position to form partnerships with important players in the telecoms sector, such as Vodafone Qatar and Virgin Mobile MEA. By 2020, Workz had developed its IoT platform in-house, bringing a holistic suite of connectivity solutions to the market. This helped the company better respond to the growing demands of the IoT ecosystem, making it easier for businesses around the globe to manage and deploy SIM-based IoT devices.

The focus for Workz has also been on technological development, environmental accountability, and data protection. For instance, in 2021 the company launched a biodegradable SIM card which, in turn, received immediate interest from Virgin Mobile as one of the eco-friendly brands. This innovation was part of a broader mission by Workz to reduce its environmental footprint while meeting the needs of its clients. In ensuring that maximum security was in place, Workz obtained GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS), hence offering secure lifecycle management of consumer and M2M eSIMs.

Workz has been acquired by Trasna Holdings based in Ireland in September 2024 as part of a strategic acquisition. The acquisition is probably to accelerate further growth and innovation with Workz further expanding its competencies in SIM, eSIM, and SoC technologies. As it continues its expansion, the influence of the company on the global telecommunications market is expected to increase, especially in the vast emerging markets within the Middle East and Africa.