Smart way to work

Smart office solutions are gaining popularity as they simplify life and reduce cost.

A smart office is generally a commercial development that offers its inhabitants state-of-the-art amenities and technological innovations. Smart offices allow for a faster and more convenient way to do business, help reduce operating costs and increase employee productivity.

A smart office simplifies the lives of office staff, thanks to features such as intelligent lighting, audio-video facilities without the hassle of plugging in wires or creating networks, and top-notch security that ensures employees a safe working environment. "A smart office is an area where all intelligent equipment works through one universal remote control, a PDA or a mobile phone," says Leon Beuyukiam, CEO, Eon, a company that offers smart home and office solutions.

Despite having to pay a higher price per square foot, investing in a smart office building means that a company benefits from technology that may otherwise be too expensive for one company to pay for alone. "Amenities are shared with other companies and, therefore, the cost is spread across a number of businesses," says Mohammed Kazerouni, Property Consultant, Commercial Department, Landmark Properties.

Smart offices are typically integrated with a smart card, RFID or biometric access system, wireless networking, voice over IP telephony systems and energy sensors that allow for more effective use of lighting, ventilation and air-conditioning for an improved working environment. "The Binary by Omniyat has visitor recognition via mobile phone that offers high-tech security and voice-over IP telephony as a few of its many features. Smart Heights by DAMAC, has a BA (building automation) energy management system that improves operational efficiency and reduces costs. In other words, the building is managed and monitored centrally through a computerised building management system designed to save energy. For instance, an integrated communications platform manages lighting systems, HVAC systems, access control and emergency lighting systems," says Kazerouni.

DAMAC's Smart Heights will feature a smart card for controlled access anywhere in the building, smart lighting energy management system, eye-biometric recognition, a fully automated boardroom and business lounge, along with a touch pad request and LCD screen response in smart elevators.

"Through Smart Heights, we're offering our clients the ultimate in convenience and comfort. Its highly sophisticated smart technology will provide companies with the facility to operate in one of the most efficient and effective business environments available today in Dubai," says Peter Ridoch, CEO, DAMAC Properties.

With growing demand from the corporate world for video conferencing and speedy data transmission, smart offices provide the technological advantage in communications and help create an efficient work space designed to save time. "Investing in a smart office provides many additional benefits to the standard commercial properties available in the UAE. The concept of smart offices will catch up in the UAE as many businesses today are not only dependent on technology, but also prefer doing business with structural set ups. The Dubai Internet City is a prime example as a provider of smart offices for its ICT (information and communication technology) partners.

Smart office spaces are becoming increasingly popular within a number of commercial projects. Developments such as Smart Heights, Executive Heights and Binary are examples of smart offices in the UAE," says Kazerouni.

Another potential smart office development is the upcoming Business Bay that is located between Ras Al Khor and Shaikh Zayed Road. Business Bay is a mixed-use freehold development in the heart of Dubai and is slated to meet the demands of not only local and regional investors but also international businesses that have implemented smart practices in the workplace.