Engineering Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Fractional CTO & Outsourced CTO Services in the UAE

Ryan Stevens

January 27, 2026

Best Fractional CTO & Outsourced CTO Services in the UAE

Best Fractional CTO Services & Outsourced CTO in The United Arab Emirates

As the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation, smart cities, fintech, and emerging technologies, the demand for strategic technical leadership is on the rise. Startups, scale-ups, and even large enterprises often need technology visionaries to lead their transformation efforts—but hiring a full-time Chief Technology Officer (CTO) isn’t always the most agile or cost-effective approach.

Enter the fractional and part-time CTO model: an efficient, flexible, and high-impact solution that provides executive-level technical guidance without the long-term commitment. Whether building new platforms, leading product teams, modernising infrastructure, or implementing AI, these leaders drive transformation from the top—on demand.

At Digital Reference, our mission is to improve the efficiency, transparency, and authenticity of the talent ecosystem. We’ve curated this guide to the top outsourced CTO agencies and independent experts in the UAE, based on in-depth research and a commitment to spotlighting providers delivering real value.

Our Methodology - Fractional CTO, Interim CTO, & Outsourced CTO Services in The UAE

To identify and evaluate the top providers, we looked at:

Active operations and service availability in the UAE
Leadership credentials and CTO experience
Range of services offered (advisory, team oversight, digital transformation)
Use of emerging technologies like AI and automation
Client testimonials and visibility in the local innovation ecosystem

These firms represent the best of fractional and interim CTO leadership available in the UAE.

Meet the Best Outsourced CTO & Fractional CTO Services in The United Arab Emirates

Skynet Corp Technology

What they do:
Skynet Corp Technology is a Dubai-based technology firm offering CTO-as-a-Service for high-growth businesses and enterprises undergoing digital transformation. Their work focuses on blending strategic advisory with hands-on leadership across advanced technology initiatives.

Who they work with:
Enterprises, scale-ups, and innovation-led companies looking to modernize platforms, integrate AI, or explore emerging technologies.

Operating model:
Project-based, interim, or advisory CTO engagements, often embedded within transformation programs involving cloud, data, and product modernization.

💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong emphasis on emerging technologies like AI and blockchain
⚡ CTOs experienced in enterprise systems, cloud transformation, and digital products
🎯 Focus on AI integration across customer experience, analytics, and automation
💬 Well-suited for organizations pursuing future-focused innovation

Sami Eltamawy

What he does:
Sami Eltamawy is an independent CTO, consultant, and product strategist based in the UAE. He works directly with founders and executive teams to shape technology strategy, product direction, and execution.

Who he works with:
Founder-led startups, scale-ups, and enterprises seeking personalized CTO-level guidance.

Operating model:
Freelance / fractional CTO engagements with close collaboration alongside CEOs and leadership teams.

💡 Why he stands out:
✨ 20+ years of experience across e-commerce, fintech, and B2B platforms
⚡ Works directly with CEOs on strategy, vision, and execution
🎯 Strong passion for AI applied to analytics and customer experience
💬 Highly tailored, hands-on leadership model rather than agency-style consulting

Sami Eltamawy, Fractional CTO

Sami Eltamawy is a cybersecurity and IT leader, heading security, privacy, and IT at Freetrade to protect millions of customers and safeguard critical assets. With over 15 years of experience across software development, InfoSec, and privacy, he also provides vCISO services and has co-founded multiple ventures, combining technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive resilience, innovation, and growth.

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Xcelerate

What they do:
Xcelerate is a UAE-based consultancy helping SMEs unlock strategic technology capabilities through fractional CTO services. Their focus is on digitization, modernization, and measurable ROI from technology investments.

Who they work with:
SMEs, family businesses, and legacy organizations transitioning toward digital operations.

Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements supported by structured assessments, benchmarking, and roadmap development.

💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Special focus on SMEs and traditional businesses modernizing digitally
⚡ AI-based assessments and technology maturity benchmarking
🎯 Supports ERP modernization, product digitization, and platform strategy
💬 Strong ROI-oriented approach across logistics, retail, construction, and operations-heavy sectors

Ryno Uys, Founder & CEO of Xcelerate Technologies

Ryno Uys is the Founder and CEO of Xcelerate Technologies, helping financial and professional services firms in the UAE align people, processes, and technology. With expertise in systems integration, HubSpot optimisation, and practical AI/ML applications, he delivers measurable performance improvements, streamlines operations, and enables data-driven decision-making for medium to large enterprises.

NeuNotion

What they do:
Neunotion provides interim and fractional CTO leadership as part of a broader innovation and digital consulting practice. They work with organizations across the UAE and Gulf region on scaling, reinvention, and advanced innovation initiatives.

Who they work with:
Innovation-led companies, digital health organizations, smart city initiatives, and data-driven enterprises.

Operating model:
Interim and fractional CTO engagements integrated with innovation consulting, product strategy, and transformation programs.

💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong focus on digital health, smart cities, and data innovation
⚡ Blends design thinking with technical leadership
🎯 Supports AI prototyping and emerging tech experimentation
💬 Ideal for organizations seeking CTO guidance that combines creativity, strategy, and advanced technology

Salah Al-Hidiq, Founder & CEO of Neu Notion

Salah Al-Hidiq is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Neu Notion, building scalable technology solutions and supporting founders through growth and transformation. With over 20 years of experience delivering enterprise-grade platforms, digital solutions, and high-performing teams, he helps organisations leverage web, mobile, cloud, and security technologies to drive innovation and measurable business impact.

Why UAE Companies Are Turning to Fractional CTOs

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, companies in the UAE are embracing fractional CTOs as a modern, agile solution to leadership challenges. Key drivers include:

Cost flexibility: Executive leadership without long-term commitments
Speed to market: CTOs accelerate tech launches, pivots, or product upgrades
Digital pressure: AI, data science, and automation require smarter guidance
Startup scale-ups: Fractional CTOs guide growth, hiring, and tech stack evolution
Global ambitions: UAE firms expanding internationally need leaders with cross-market experience

Fractional CTOs also help firms prepare for funding, align with investors, and ensure technical due diligence.

The Role of AI in Modern UAE CTO Leadership

Each of the providers featured here acknowledges that AI is no longer optional—it’s foundational.

These leaders help clients:

Integrate AI into digital products and backend automation
Use machine learning for personalization, fraud detection, and forecasting
Navigate ethical AI implementation and regulatory compliance

Fractional CTOs act as navigators in the AI economy, ensuring businesses deploy smart tools without compromising security, performance, or user trust.

When Should You Hire a Fractional CTO in the UAE?

You might consider a fractional CTO if:

You’re a startup or SME lacking technical leadership
You’re launching a platform or software product
You’re integrating AI, automation, or data analytics into your operations
You’re seeking funding or preparing for M&A
You’re struggling with technical debt, legacy systems, or development bottlenecks

Whether you're looking for a short-term project lead, a technical co-founder surrogate, or an embedded innovation advisor, these professionals can deliver.

Final Thoughts from Digital Reference

The UAE’s innovation economy is evolving quickly—and so are the talent models needed to sustain it. Fractional CTOs bring vision, speed, and credibility to companies of all sizes, especially those operating in fast-changing digital environments.

At Digital Reference, we spotlight the professionals and agencies who make work more authentic, efficient, and human-centric.