Smart Palms in Dubai

Launching the Smart Palms

The Smart Palm is a self-sustainable device recharge station and information point that comes with free WiFi access, installed in Dubai to provide beach goers and park visitors limitless power and internet access on their mobile phones at night. The first Smart Palm was installed in Dubai's Zabeel Park in April and now a second, located on the beach near to the Burj Al Arab, was opened last Thursday.

Locals trying out the functionality of the Smart Palm

The six main features of the smart palm are:

Solar panels:  Special matrices of photovoltaic modules were designed to power up the Smart Palm specifically made to fit the shape of its leaves. According to D-Idea Media, the panels have an efficiency of more than 21% and are built to provide a complete power autonomy for each Smart Palm.

WiFi hotspot: Users can conveniently access the internet through the built-in WiFi hotspots with a range of over 100 meters.

Digital outdoor screens: Each smart palm provides space for public information messages, government notices and commercial advertisement through the digital outdoor screens

Touch screen & smart info application: Information on local news, weather, services and businesses and can also provide directions to local places, as well as public transport options are provided via the multilingual and user friendly community information app accessible through the Smart Palm touch screens, as well as the dedicated website and mobile applications

Security and emergency features: Each Smart Palm is equipped with a 360 degree infrared CCTV camera and an emergency button accessible through the Touch screen application.

Relax points and battery recharge stations: Seating area is available next to each Palm for resting and relaxation during the battery charging process, as well as for comfortable internet browsing via the complimentary WiFi access. The battery charging point charges batteries at a rate 2.5 times faster than the regular charging speed.

The company in charge plans to plant them in 103 locations around Dubai as part of a contract with the city.