Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority has announced plans to set up its first integrated smart city project, Silicon Park,at an estimated cost of Dh1.3 billion ($354 million).

The landmark development, to be built over a 150,000 sq m area at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, will reinforce the green credentials of Dubai and the wider UAE, according to state news agency Wam.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of DSOA, the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), on Monday unveiled the commemorative plaque and laid the foundation stone of "Silicon Park" in the presence of Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, the vice chairman and chief executive of DSOA, and other senior officials.

Set for completion in the fourth quarter of 2018, Silicon Park will comprise 71,000 sq m of office space, 25,000 sq m of commercial space, 46,000 sq m of residential area and the 115-key business hotel Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis.

In addition, it will feature value-added contemporary lifestyle facilities, such as restaurants, cafes, prayer rooms, a shopping centre and an underground parking space that can accommodate more than 2,500 cars, said the Wam report.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Ahmed said: "In line with the vision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world, we have conceptualised Silicon Park with smart technology at the core of its DNA."

"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," he added.

Dr Alzarooni said since its establishment, Dubai Silicon Oasis has remained committed to providing a superior quality of life for its residents and a highly enabling work environment for its business partners.

"In line with the Dubai Plan 2021, we have designed Silicon Park to reflect the strategic direction of our government on smart cities that focuses on six pillars: life, society, mobility, economy, governance and environment," he noted.

As a smart community, 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, stated Wam.

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, it added.

Silicon Park’s sports amenities, such as health and fitness centres as well as running tracks and cycling trails, will allow residents to prioritise their health through enjoying a variety of sporting activities, and therefore live more holistic lives.

Once open, the project will offer a spectrum of office spaces and modern business facilities including meeting halls and a multi-purpose conference centre, according to Wam.

In compliance with Dubai Municipality’s 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 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.

Silicon Park will also include a control centre that collects and analyses data gathered through sensor devices. The collated information will enable seamless management of smart devices to ensure the delivery of best-in-class smart services to employees, residents and visitors.

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.