Recognizing Excellence in Digital Infrastructure: Arada Central Business District Achieves WiredScore Platinum Certification
In a significant advancement for the commercial landscape of Sharjah, the Arada Central Business District (CBD) has been awarded the prestigious WiredScore Platinum certification, a mark of excellence in digital connectivity and smart building standards. This accolade distinguishes Arada CBD as the first development in the emirate to attain such a certification, underscoring its commitment to establishing a world-class digital infrastructure that will serve the needs of future tenants in one of the region’s most ambitious commercial endeavors.
Earlier this year, Arada sealed a construction contract valued at AED 604 million, heralding the initiation of Phase 1 of Arada CBD. This phase encompasses the development of eight smart office buildings along with the necessary supportive infrastructure, setting a robust foundation for the district’s future growth.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, articulated the importance of this milestone, stating, “WiredScore Platinum is a prestigious certification that affirms our commitment to resilient digital infrastructure tailored to modern business needs. With this milestone, Arada CBD positions itself as a national benchmark for smart, connected commercial environments. Tenants will benefit from advanced infrastructure and a strategic location, near the airport, planned passenger rail station, and University City, while enjoying access to Aljada’s vibrant lifestyle and residential offerings.”
The attainment of this certification was celebrated during a formal ceremony at Aljada, which brought together senior executives from both Arada and WiredScore. This event not only marked the handover of the WiredScore Platinum plaque but also involved the signing of a comprehensive agreement extending the commitment of Arada to pursue WiredScore and SmartScore certifications for a total of 37 office buildings within the Arada CBD. This initiative signifies the first collaborative effort in the UAE aimed at achieving WiredScore certification for an entire office-focused portfolio.
William Newton, CEO of WiredScore, commented on the broader implications of this certification, stating, “Achieving WiredScore Platinum for Arada CBD is a significant milestone not only for Sharjah but for the region more broadly. Arada’s ambition to create a digitally connected business hub at this scale sets a new benchmark for what future-ready office developments should look like. We’re proud to be supporting a developer that truly understands how vital resilient, high-performing digital infrastructure is for businesses today and in the future.”
John Hilliard, WiredScore’s Director for the Middle East, further emphasized the demand for certified smart and connected buildings, noting that “Arada’s commitment to best-in-class digital infrastructure places Sharjah firmly on the map as a forward-looking commercial destination. This certification signals to tenants that Arada CBD will deliver the digital reliability, speed, and resilience that businesses demand, and is highly adaptable to their future requirements.”
Looking Ahead: The Vision for Phase 2 and Beyond
Work towards securing certification for Phase 2 of Arada CBD is already in progress, demonstrating the developer’s tenacity in applying uniform standards of digital connectivity throughout the entire district. The first phase, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027, promises to deliver 812,000 square feet of Grade A leasable office space, complemented by 1,666 parking bays and 76,000 square feet of landscaped green space, along with 26,500 square feet of retail and food and beverage outlets. These elements aim to establish an exceptional business environment integrated with lifestyle and wellness amenities.
The overall master plan for Arada CBD envisions 38 smart office buildings covering a total area of 4.3 million square feet, anchored by a central green spine. This thoughtfully designed district will harness smart city technologies for efficient lighting, waste, and traffic management, fostering a circular economy ethos.
Aljada, as a megaproject spanning 24 million square feet, is set to redefine Sharjah’s urban environment, offering over 25,000 homes alongside diverse retail, entertainment, education, and wellness facilities. Its prime location ensures seamless access to key transport routes, including the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah International Airport, and the forthcoming Etihad Rail station, positioning Aljada as a landmark development reshaping Sharjah’s future.
The WiredScore Platinum certification for Arada CBD not only signifies a pivotal achievement for the developer but also represents a broader commitment to enhancing the commercial sector in Sharjah and the wider region. As businesses increasingly prioritize connectivity and infrastructure resilience, the establishment of such high standards will undoubtedly attract leading enterprises seeking a competitive edge in today’s digital economy.
Tags: #BusinessNews, #EconomyNews, #UAE, #Sharjah