Bayanat and IMKAN Properties Partner to Create World’s First Autonomous Healthy Living Island
Bayanat and IMKAN Properties Sign Agreement for World’s First Healthy Living Island with Autonomous Transportation
4 min
Bayanat, a leading provider of AI-powered geospatial and smart mobility solutions, and IMKAN Properties, an Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a smart mobility infrastructure project on SHA Island Emirates at AlJurf.
This project will feature an integrated, AI-enabled transportation ecosystem, allowing for fully autonomous driving on the world’s first healthy living island.
Located in AlJurf, approximately halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the health- and wellness focused island, which will also be home to the SHA Wellness Clinic, aims to be highly autonomous with minimal reliance on manned vehicles. While IMKAN Properties will be developing the project’s physical infrastructure, Bayanat will provide the critical digital infrastructure for the operation of autonomous vehicles and unmanned systems, such as HD maps and HD positioning, as well as deploy its Smart Mobility Solutions (SMOS) in the form of its digital twin solutions, which makes vehicle autonomy on the island possible.
Bayanat’s digital twin technology will play a pivotal role in supporting IMKAN Properties’ vision for SHA Island Emirates by providing an advanced virtual replica of the island’s entire infrastructure. This technology will enable real-time monitoring and management of the autonomous transportation systems, ensuring seamless and efficient operations without human intervention. Bayanat’s digital twin will facilitate predictive maintenance, optimize traffic flow, and enhance the safety and reliability of the autonomous vehicles. This integration not only supports the creation of a sustainable and autonomous transport network but also aligns with the island’s commitment to health and wellness by promoting an autonomous vehicle environment.
The MOU agreement was signed by Abdulla Al Shamsi, Chief Operating Officer of Bayanat and Suwadain AlDhaheri, CEO at IMKAN Properties at the Bayanat offices in the presence of IMKAN’s Executive Management Team.
Excited about the project, Abdulla Al Shamsi, COO Bayanat, commented: “Bayanat has long been a pioneer of autonomous driving and unmanned systems in the Middle East, with a proven track record of technological capability and know-how including Autonomous Solutions, Cloud Infrastructure, Digital Twins, Charging Infrastructure, Transportation Super Apps, and Testing and Simulation. We are excited about this joint project with IMKAN Properties, which will combine our expertise to create a unique concept globally – a healthy-living island featuring autonomous vehicles. We’re confident that this partnership will revolutionize the way we live, work and thrive in our communities.”
Announced earlier in the year, SHA Island Emirates at AlJurf offers an entirely new residential model for the region wholly centered on wellness, while ensuring that every resident enjoys the highest standard of well-being and tranquility. The exclusive island integrates a range of beachfront residences, a health resort, as well as multiple pavilions dedicated to health and wellbeing which will position AlJurf as the leading destination in health and wellness tourism.
Speaking about Bayanat’s contribution to creating a healthy environment on the island, Abdulla Al Shamsi added: “We believe that the island’s transport infrastructure will play an integral role in enabling this objective. Our long-standing expertise in developing smart mobility solutions, which includes EV infrastructure, will allow us to create a quiet, clean and reliable transportation infrastructure on the island.”
“Our commitment to sustainable development aligns seamlessly with IMKAN Properties’ strategy of crafting destinations that prioritize environmental stewardship and holistic well-being. Together, we are poised to transform this island into a symbol of sustainable living, where cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design converge to create a thriving community for generations to come,” concluded Al Shamsi.
The joint development is not Bayanat’s first autonomous driving project. In partnership with Abu Dhabi Mobility and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Bayanat launched the TXAI pilot in 2021. The project is the MENA region’s first Level 4-enabled autonomous ride-hailing service. Since the launch, the autonomous transportation fleet – encompassing Robo Taxis, Minibuses, and ART – has travelled over 500,000 kilometers and completed almost 16,000 rides.
Excited to apply this expertise to its development, Suwaidan AlDhaheri CEO at IMKAN Properties, said: “We’re excited to join forces with Bayanat, aligning with our commitment as a real estate developer to deliver unparalleled experiences for our residents and customers. This collaboration enables us to spearhead a groundbreaking project, placing utmost emphasis on health, wellbeing, sustainability, and convenience. Partnering with Bayanat seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art technology with our physical infrastructure, essential for bringing this visionary project to life.”
Beyond the joint infrastructure, the two partners will also closely collaborate on data privacy and sustainability efforts, as well as the design and implementation of necessary infrastructure modifications to support autonomous vehicle operations, encompassing areas such as charging stations, docking facilities, and communication networks, with provisions for concierge services, a key priority for IMKAN Properties residents.
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To empower local talents in the fashion industry
3 min
The Chalhoub Group has unveiled the second edition of the Fashion Lab, an innovative initiative designed to support and nurture local fashion talent in Saudi Arabia. Powered by The Greenhouse, Chalhoub Group’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and in collaboration with the Saudi100 program, the Fashion Lab opens its doors to a new cohort of Saudi Arabian fashion brands specializing in ready-to-wear, accessories, handbags, and jewelry.
Fashion entrepreneurs across the Kingdom are now invited to apply for this intensive six-month program. The Fashion Lab is crafted to provide participants with an intensive curriculum that covers essential aspects of fashion business fundamentals, commercialization strategies, and entrepreneurial skills.
This initiative is a testament to Chalhoub Group’s dedication to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, fostering local talent, and driving innovation within the Saudi fashion industry.
Joaquin Mencia, Chief Innovation Officer at Chalhoub Group, commented: “The Fashion Lab is yet another testament to Chalhoub Group’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the Saudi fashion scene. After the great success of the first cohort of the Fashion Lab, we are launching Cohort 2 with double the efforts and expanding our perks for the next batch of Saudi fashion brands. With the exciting addition of The Greenhouse’s newly opened location in Riyadh, we are well-prepared to host Cohort 2 in a dynamic environment designed to nurture creativity and innovation. We are committed to providing an unparalleled experience that will empower the next generation of Saudi fashion brands to thrive and reach new heights.”
The first cohort of The Fashion Lab produced remarkable success stories that highlight the program’s impact. Brands like KAFBYKAF have gone on to receive significant acclaim. “The Fashion Lab gave KAFBYKAF the unique experience of selling on a Chalhoub Group platform and receiving guidance and exclusive access to senior leaders and retail experts from the Group, which was incredibly valuable to my brand,” said Kawthar Alhoraish, Founder of KAFBYKAF. “I recommend this program for any brand ready for acceleration.”
“Having worked closely with the brands in the first cohort of The Fashion Lab, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible talent and potential within the Saudi fashion industry,” said Joseph Chalhoub, General Manager of Fashion KSA at Chalhoub Group. “This program is a transformative journey that provides real support, knowledge sharing from retail experts, and commercial opportunities for local brands to thrive.”
This year’s cohort will offer ten Saudi brands a unique chance to gain mentorship and guidance from prestigious partners such as Boltable Studios, Instagram and Snap Inc. The program will be hybrid, based out of Riyadh, and will feature approximately 30 exclusive mentorship and workshop sessions. Successful applicants will have the rare opportunity to bring their collections to life on one of Chalhoub Group’s sales channels.
For more information and to apply, visit The Fashion Lab’s official webpage from June 27 until July 18, 2024, on the following link:
https://www.chalhoubgreenhouse.com/thefashionlab
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
