Locks have safeguarded homes for centuries, but the landscape is shifting. Traditional keys are slowly being replaced by smart locks, offering a blend of convenience, connectivity, and stronger security.
According to Grand View Research, the global smart lock market is projected to hit USD 2.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 18.6%. With demand rising in the UAE’s smart home sector, brands are racing to innovate and redefine home and business security.
This article looks back at how locks have evolved, explores the rise of smart locks, and shares the latest innovations driving adoption in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
What Are Smart Locks?
A smart lock is an electronic lock that connects to your smartphone or home network. Using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave, these devices let you lock or unlock doors remotely, assign digital keys, and integrate seamlessly with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
Unlike mechanical locks, smart locks offer:
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition)
- Remote monitoring via smartphone apps
- Tamper alerts and audit trails
- Integration with security cameras and IoT devices
This shift is why more homeowners, Airbnb hosts, and property managers in the UAE are adopting them.
Smart Lock Market Growth
The numbers tell the story:
- MarketsandMarkets projects growth from $1.2B in 2020 to $2.5B by 2025 at a 15.3% CAGR.
- Growth drivers include:
- Rising adoption of smart homes in the Middle East
- Increased awareness of home security
- Integration with voice assistants and video monitoring
Smart locks are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity for modern living.
Leading Smart Lock Brands
August
- Easy retrofit installation over existing deadbolts
- Full compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Remote access and virtual keys for guests
Schlage
- Over 100 years in lockmaking
- Strong encryption and built-in alarms
- Wide range of options from budget to premium
Yale
- Over 175 years in security
- Popular in apartments and villas across the UAE
- Offers tamper alarms, auto-locking, and remote PINs
Nest
- Integrates seamlessly with Nest cameras and thermostats
- Passcodes for family and guests
- Modern, sleek design
Ultraloq
- Multi-access: fingerprint, PIN, card, app, or smartwatch
- Weatherproof options for outdoor villas
- Customizable auto-lock/unlock
Samsung
- Trusted electronics leader with sleek smart locks
- Strong encryption technology
- Integration with other Samsung smart home devices
Igloohome
- Special Airbnb integration for rental property owners
- Offline PIN codes (no Wi-Fi needed)
- Multiple access methods
Oji Smart Locks (UAE Leader)
- Over 10,000 installations across the UAE
- Specialized in villa locks, waterproof gate locks, and cabinet locks
- Advanced features: fingerprint access, RFID, tamper alerts, and app control
- Competitive pricing without sacrificing reliability
History of Smart Locks
- 1980s – Keyless entry introduced for cars
- 1990s – Early keypad systems for homes
- 2000s – Schlage launched “Link,” one of the first app-controlled locks
- 2007 – UniKey introduced the first Bluetooth smart lock
- 2010s onward – Rapid evolution: Wi-Fi, biometrics, video integration
Today, smart locks are not just futuristic—they’re standard in modern smart homes.
Current Innovations
- Biometric access – Fingerprint and facial recognition
- Wi-Fi connectivity – Remote monitoring anywhere in the world
- Voice control – Lock/unlock via Alexa or Google Assistant
- Remote guest access – Perfect for Airbnb hosts in Dubai
- Tamper detection – Instant alerts if someone tries to break in
- Battery backup – Ensures access during power outages
Conclusion
Traditional locks had their era, but smart locks are the future. With biometric security, mobile control, and seamless integration with smart homes, they’re changing how we think about safety.
In the UAE, Oji Smart Locks has become the leading provider for homes, villas, offices, and holiday rentals, helping residents embrace a keyless future with style and confidence.