Emaar Middle East, developing Jeddah Gate and Al Khobar Lakes in Saudi Arabia, is implementing Smart Community (SC) infrastructure within both these pioneering projects. The advanced information and communication technology (ICT) platform will enable tenants to conveniently manage the varied lifestyle aspects in their homes. For businesses based in Jeddah Gate and Al-Khobar Lakes, it provides a strong growth environment driven by advanced connectivity. Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC) is developing the ICT infrastructure by incorporating the world's most advanced technologies that are used in the development of smart cities. The Smart Communities have been carefully designed to enhance the quality of living and business offered by also integrating utilities, security, and other services, apart from advanced telecom connectivity. Eng. Alaa Abdullah Saed, chief executive officer, Emaar Middle East, said: “Emaar Middle East is committed to using information technology to transform life and work in significant and fundamental ways. This will create a robust, efficiency-driven platform of growth for our investors. Building our Smart Communities is therefore a cornerstone in developing a state-of-art infrastructure to make life easier and more productive.” One of the advanced features of the Smart Community system, which is currently under evaluation, is the Building Automation System. This allows users to set the ambience of their residential or business units including curtains, intercom, surrounding sound system and other features, with the click of a remote. For businesses, 2.5 GB/second connectivity through an Internet Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN) and secure wireless network coverage with access to the IP-VPN network will add to their operational efficiency. They can also leverage the use of back-up line service if the main network is down, and satellite network using the SKY-IP technology with hi-speed data transfer and four levels of enhancement. Commercial establishments can also communicate audio-visually through the VSAT technology using satellites to connect to even remote areas in the Kingdom that are not covered by land- or mobile-lines. Additionally, the DIA technology employed assures safe Internet usage. The SR6 billion Jeddah Gate is a pioneering master-planned mixed-use community spread over half a million sq m in Jeddah's new downtown, while Al- Khobar Lakes is a luxury lakefront development set over 4.3 million sq meters. Investor response to the launch of homes within both projects has been overwhelming, and both projects are currently progressing as per schedule. Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in 36 markets worldwide. The company has also proven competencies in shopping malls, hospitality & leisure, education, healthcare and finance. Emaar is developing Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and has opened The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led project. Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani and Accor Hotels to strengthen its presence in hospitality industry. __
