Business

Qatar leads the charge with over 35% growth as regional appetite for AI, robotics, and STEM solutions accelerates

Centena Group, a key regional player in science, engineering, education, and technology, has announced a robust 22.5% year-on-year growth in overall business performance across the Middle East for 2024. Qatar emerged as a standout performer, recording an impressive 35% growth, underscoring the region’s increasing demand for integrated, future-ready solutions.

The Group’s education division, ATLAB, was a significant growth driver, achieving a remarkable 60% increase fueled by government-backed initiatives, a surge in STEAM education, and growing adoption of AI and robotics in classrooms.

Sanjay Raghunath, Chairman and Managing Director of Centena Group, remarked, “Our growth in 2024 reflects both the region’s appetite for innovation and Centena’s capacity to deliver transformative solutions across industries. We aim to double this momentum in the coming fiscal year through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technologies, and a strong commitment to innovation.”

Sector-Wide Expansion and Innovation

Beyond education, Centena’s growth was supported by expansion across key verticals such as marine technologies, industrial process automation, laboratory infrastructure, and biometric security.

• Industrial Process Solutions: In Qatar, Centena’s IEP division and Emphor IPS successfully deployed custom-built industrial metering and analyzer systems. These divisions are now eyeing broader expansion across high-growth MENA markets, where demand for real-time analytics and efficiency-focused solutions continues to rise.

• Laboratory Infrastructure: With GCC nations prioritizing STEM education and scientific research, Centena’s LABSPACE expanded its manufacturing facility in Umm Al Quwain in 2024, enhancing production capabilities for scalable, high-quality lab furniture tailored to educational and research institutions.

• Security & Identification: ScreenCheck, Centena’s security arm, maintained its leadership in identity management by integrating AI and biometric technologies, catering to growing needs across government and enterprise sectors.

• Marine Technology: The company’s Maritronics division secured Lloyd’s Register Type Approval for its EDGE Fibre Optic Gyro solution, boosting its global standing in precision navigation and marine safety technologies.

• Analytical & Aviation Solutions: Emphor DLAS, Centena’s life sciences and testing division, became the exclusive distributor for PerkinElmer in the UAE and Qatar, enhancing its offerings in pharma, healthcare, and food safety. The unit also expanded its aviation support services, offering predictive maintenance and regulatory compliance solutions for airlines and MROs.

Looking Ahead

With the Middle East accelerating digital transformation and sustainability efforts, Centena is positioned to play a key role in shaping a smarter, safer, and more efficient future. The Group’s focus on localisation, innovation, and strategic alliances is expected to unlock further growth in 2025 and beyond.

“From AI-driven education to advanced marine navigation, our solutions are built to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly transforming region,” Raghunath concluded. “We remain committed to enriching lives and supporting sustainable development through technology.”

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