Serba Dinamik working with Johnson Controls to power Block 7 Innovation Hub in Abu Dhabi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 -- Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary Serba Dinamik International Ltd (SDIL) is collaborating with building automation systems specialist Johnson Controls on its Block 7 project, a new innovation hub in ZonesCorp’s Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD).

Serba Dinamik said Block 7 will leverage Johnson Controls OpenBlue platform, a comprehensive suite of connected building solutions and services that combines the company’s 135 years of building expertise with cutting-edge digital technology.

“Johnson Controls’ cloud-based digital platform, integrated with core building systems and enhanced by ecosystem partners, connects traditionally separate systems to create new capabilities for safer, more agile, and sustainable space usages,” the group said in a statement today.

In addition, Johnson Controls has signaled its intention to explore acquiring space in Block 7 development as a research and development laboratory for new solutions and technologies in smart city applications.

Serba Dinamik said the collaboration is also set to explore financing options for investment partnering for Block 7 development.

The Block 7 development is owned by Block 7 Investments LLC, which is 99 per cent owned by EFIRE Capital Holdings Ltd.

EFIRE is owned by Abu Dhabi-headquartered LIWA Investment Holding (51 per cent) and SDIL (49 per cent).

As revealed earlier this year, the Block 7 project will serve as an integrated ecosystem in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will drive innovation within the field of life sciences and technology and realise a pure convergence of next-gen disruptors that will deliver innovative solutions for a better tomorrow.

Serba Dinamik group managing director and chief executive director Datuk Mohd Abdul Karim Abdullah said the group envisions itself as a holistic provider of frontier technologies and it seeks global specialised experts to fill the gaps to achieve this.

“Serba Dinamik’s own in-house expertise in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, cybersecurity and robotics will complement well with Johnson Controls’ expertise to provide a sustainable solution moving forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johnson Controls vice president and general manager, Middle East and Africa, Rolando Furlong said the company transforms environments by creating intelligent buildings, energy-efficient solutions and integrated infrastructures to power smart cities and communities.

“Sustainability and innovation are core elements of our company’s strategy and our OpenBlue suite of digital solutions deliver smart, healthy, efficient and resilient spaces. We are delighted to bring our know-how to the Block7 Innovation Hub project,” he added.

According to Serba Dinamik, the foundation of Block 7 Innovation Hub will provide an unparalleled platform for innovators, academics, researchers, and students to seek out novel applications of contemporary technologies and discover innovation with industry-leading solutions.

Located in the heart of ICAD at the intersection of major transportation corridors E11 and E30, the Innovation Hub directly feeds into the area’s transportation corridors, which connect millions of Arab youths in the UAE and beyond.

“The project’s infrastructure, which is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2023, is being developed according to world-class standards.

“Once completed, Block 7 will feature a myriad of co-working spaces, academic institutions, laboratories, research centres, high-end residential community, hotels, retail facilities, E-arena and a digital theme park,” it said.

The hub will also adopt a unique approach to design that utilises modular system and adheres to best sustainability practices within its smart infrastructure.

-- BERNAMA