SmartHomesAE

Smart Hubs

Zigbee gateways and smart hubs from Somfy, BroadLink, Orvibo, Livolo, Owon and Yale to run your devices from one app. Delivered to all 7 emirates.

Helpful guides

Smart Hubs: frequently asked questions

Do I need a hub for my smart switches or sensors?+

Zigbee devices need a gateway to connect to your Wi-Fi and app. For example, Livolo Zigbee EC touch switches use the Livolo VL-XG005 hub, Luxion Zigbee switches use the Luxion LX-ZG-HB hub, and Owon devices use the Owon SEG-X3-N hub with the SmartOWON app.

Will one Zigbee hub control every brand?+

Not always. Many hubs are brand-specific: the Orvibo VS20ZW mini hub works with Orvibo products only, and the Livolo and Luxion hubs are designed for their own Zigbee switches. Check the hub and device brands match before ordering.

Can a hub control my air conditioner and TV?+

Yes, with an IR universal remote hub. The BroadLink RM4 Pro controls TVs, air conditioners, curtains and more via IR and RF, with Alexa and Google Home support. The Orvibo Allone Pro also controls IR devices such as AC and TV, plus 433 MHz RF devices like Livolo wireless switches.

Which hub should I choose for Somfy motorised blinds or curtains?+

The Somfy TaHoma Switch supports Somfy RTS and Zigbee 3.0 and has two custom scenario buttons. The Somfy Connectivity Kit controls io and RTS motorised devices and lights via the TaHoma app, Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit.

Do these hubs work with Alexa in the UAE?+

Alexa launched officially in the UAE in December 2021, supporting English and Khaleeji Arabic. Hubs listed as working with Amazon Alexa, such as the BroadLink RM4 Pro and Somfy Connectivity Kit, can be linked to it for voice control.

How do I control a Yale smart lock remotely?+

The Yale ConnectX Wi-Fi Bridge adds remote app control, lock status checks and instant alerts for up to 4 Yale smart devices, which otherwise connect locally over Bluetooth.

Smart hubs and control units from Livolo, Sonoff, Orvibo, BroadLink, BlitzWolf and Somfy bring your connected devices together. As your smart home grows, juggling a separate app for every gadget quickly defeats the purpose of automation. A hub connects and synchronises devices from different manufacturers so you can control them from a single app, with setup usually done via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Before choosing a hub, consider what you need:

  • Voice control – many hubs work with voice assistants such as Alexa, but not all do, so check the specifications carefully.
  • Wireless protocol – make sure the hub supports the protocol your existing devices use.
  • Adaptability – some hubs suit electrical devices like switches, thermostats and sockets, while others are better for music or TV. Also check compatibility with your phone's operating system.

Browse our range and pick the hub that best fits your home.