Dubai begins building $300m 'Silicon Park'

Dubai has launched “Silicon Park,” a smart-city project to be built in the Dubai Silicon Oasis technology park at a cost of 1.1 billion United Arab Emirates dirham (around $300 million US).

The project is part of a vision to “transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world over the course of the next three years,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), which regulates the Dubai Silicon Oasis. “The project articulates Dubai’s Vision 2021 to transform the emirate into a smart city while ensuring that it remains on par with the latest global trends for smart cities.”

The Silicon Park project will include space for offices, shops, housing and a hotel, along with running tracks, cycling trails, prayer rooms and underground parking. Buildings will feature solar panels and green roofs, as well as technology for water recycling. Lighting in the park will be equipped with motion sensors and digital signboards that can be controlled remotely.

Transport will be limited to electric vehicles and other efficient options such as electric bikes.

The project is scheduled for completion by late 2017.