His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), has laid the foundation stone for Silicon Park, the first integrated smart city project taking shape at the hi-tech park.
The AED 1.3bn ($354mn) landmark development will span 150,000 square meters when complete in Q4 2018. It will comprise 71,000 square meters of office space, 25,000 square meters of commercial space, 46,000 square meters of residential area and the 115-key business hotel Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: With the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 in mind, the integrated smart city project reflects global trends for smart cities and incorporates most of the KPIs of the UAE National Agenda, including cohesive society, safe public and sustainable environment. We are confident Silicon Park will offer a modern holistic lifestyle for residents, workers and visitors.
Silicon Park will feature intelligent solutions from charging docks for smart devices on the streets to smart pop-up furniture and digital play tables, as well as optimally designed bus shelters, piazza shading and other public amenities.
Furthermore, its residential units will boast sophisticated remote-controlled systems that can regulate lighting, air conditioning and electrical appliances in addition to controlling the movement of windows and curtains.
In compliance with Dubai Municipalitys Green Building Regulations and Specifications and international LEED standards, DSOA seeks to ensure environmental sustainability in all its initiatives. Silicon Park will leverage green building materials and control mechanisms as well as solar panels and double-glazed windows to reduce heat absorption.
The project will also optimise the use of renewable energy resources and adopt measures to achieve efficiency in energy consumption. In line with this objective, it will feature smart lighting systems with motion sensor controls that respond to traffic and pedestrians.
Completely free of regular vehicles, Silicon Park will use electricity-powered alternatives as the primary mode of transportation. All residents and visitors owning electric vehicles will be able to access the charging stations set up across the premises. In addition, they will have the option to use smart rechargeable electric bikes as a means of conveyance.
A wholly owned entity of the Government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone technology park for large enterprises as well as medium and small companies looking to set up their offices in Dubai.