14 January 2022, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Al Ghurair Properties, the real estate development arm of Al Ghurair Investment, today announced a strategic partnership with Siemens to implement their world-leading patented Siemens Demand Flow® Solution technology along with digital services at Al Ghurair Centre. The partnership aims to accelerate Al Ghurair Properties’ objectives in the areas of innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability. 

The signing ceremony was held virtually in the presence of Sultan Al Ghurair, CEO, Al Ghurair Properties and Franco Atassi, CEO Smart Infrastructure, Siemens Middle East. Also in attendance were, from Al Ghurair Properties, Anwar Atari, Vice President Finance, Ahmed Al Hadithy, Head of Operations and Ahmed El Bassyouni, Head of Hospitality and Commercial Leasing, and, from Siemens Middle East, Wolfgang Eger, CFO Smart Infrastructure, Wael Badawy, Head of Energy Performance & Services and Jamie Hoyzer, EVP Finance, Energy & Performance Services.

The technology provided by Siemens will optimise the performance of the mall’s systems, enabling the monitoring and controlling of the building’s operations and functions, including air conditioning and energy usage. Siemens’ solution will help reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy, and lower operating costs. It aims to generate potential energy savings of up to 2.7M kWh annually, which will curb carbon emissions by 1,400 MT each year. Additionally, the technology will allow Al Ghurair Centre to operate on a cloud platform to enable smart operations such as providing live updates of the mall’s energy consumption and CO2 impact, as well embedding an interactive dashboard to demonstrate consumption across any time period.

Siemens Demand Flow Solution optimises both chilled water and air distribution systems without compromising on the comfort of the cooling services. It is designed to deliver immediate results through automated technology, and its built-in analytics alleviate constraints on customers’ internal resources and extend equipment life. 

As 2021 marks the 40th year since Al Ghurair Centre was established as the country’s first mall, this is apt testament to the business’ future direction and its commitment to elevating corporate citizenship.

Commenting on the partnership, Sultan Al Ghurair, Chief Executive Officer of Al Ghurair Properties, said: 
“We are delighted to enter this new partnership with Siemens, a global leader in providing innovative solutions, to accelerate our transformation journey and support our digitalisation and sustainability objectives. Through the implementation of smart technology at Al Ghurair Centre, we aim to accelerate our sustainability targets and reduce the mall’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, this agreement is testament to our commitment to supporting the country’s leadership to turn the UAE into one of the most smart and sustainable countries in the world.”

Franco Atassi, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the Middle East, said: 
“We are honoured to be a trusted partner of Al Ghurair Properties in their digitalization journey. Buildings are becoming highly connected and data-rich environments, and the technology that Siemens is delivering will enable Al Ghurair Centre to become a smart facility that’s sustainable, efficient, safe and comfortable.”