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Dubai to install 'Smart Palms' at public beaches

, July 30, 2015

Dubai Municipality plans to install 'Smart Palms' at all open public beaches in Al Mamzar, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim in the UAE emirate, having erected the first ones on the beach next to Burj Al Arab Hotel and Zabeel Park.

The 6-m solar-powered ‘palms’ provide shade as well as free wireless Internet access while displaying information on the city’s attractions and weather.  They can be used to quickly charge mobile phones and tablet computers as well.

Around 260 people use the 53-m-range Wi-Fi service each day, while 31 devices are recharged daily.

Alya Harmoudi, director of the environment department, Dubai Municipality, said each of the stations built in the ‘palms’ can also display updates on events and activities on the beach and serve as a public announcement system. They also show beach rules, guidelines, tips, and sea conditions.

Each Smart Palm runs entirely on its own solar power source and lights up at night for an aesthetic look.

Alya said public beaches have become a major destination for hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Over the past year, the municipality has spent almost Dh100 million ($27.2 million) on beach and shoreline development projects.

Smart Palms are the latest service to be added to a list of amenities for beachgoers.

The UAE-made stations are the result of a collaboration between Dubai Municipality, Smart Palm creators D Idea Media, du, Sun Tab Solar Energy and Promo Tech Gulf Industry.

The initiative also comes in line with the UAE Cabinet’s decision to make 2015 the Year of Innovation.

The project took just 10 months from conception to delivering the finished product. After receiving its patent, Smart Palm began working with its partners who each contributed towards the overall functionality of the product.

Hussain Lootah, director-general, Dubai Municipality, said: “Through Smart Palm, the public will be able to benefit from free direct access to the internet while providing valuable public information covering a range of topics including weather forecasts and orientation guides. Most importantly, these structures are entirely self-sufficient, thanks to their mono-crystal solar panels, which provide up to 21 per cent efficiency.” – TradeArabia News Service




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