UAE master developer Arada has announced that it has secured WiredScore Platinum certification for the first phase of its Central Business District (CBD) in Sharjah. A new commercial hub within the mega AED35 billion ($9.5 billion) Aljada megaproject, it is set for completion in 2027.
WiredScore Platinum is the highest designation from WiredScore; the global benchmark for digital connectivity and smart building standards.
Arada said with this certification win, its CBD has become the first in Sharjah to achieve the feat, thus guaranteeing world-class digital infrastructure for future tenants of the commercial district in Aljada.
Scheduled for completion in Q1 2027, the first phase will provide 812,000 sq ft of Grade A leasable office space, 1,666 parking bays, 76,000 sq ft of landscaped green space, and 26,500 square feet of retail and F&B outlets.
These components are designed to create a premium business environment enhanced by integrated lifestyle and wellness amenities.
Earlier this year, Arada awarded a construction contract worth AED604 million for Phase 1 of Arada CBD, covering the development of eight smart office buildings and associated infrastructure.
Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said: "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," he stated.
This milestone was celebrated during a ceremony at Aljada attended by senior executives from both Arada and WiredScore.
The event included the formal handover of the WiredScore Platinum plaque and the signing of a portfolio-wide agreement, which commits Arada to pursue WiredScore and SmartScore certification for 37 office buildings within Arada CBD, marking the UAE’s first office-focused WiredScore portfolio collaboration.
William Newton, the CEO of WiredScore, said: "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," he stated.
John Hilliard, Director, Middle East of WiredScore, said: "As the demand for certified smart and connected buildings continues to rise, 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," stated Hilliard.
Alkhoshaibi said the full Arada CBD master plan will include 38 smart office buildings across 4.3 million square feet, anchored by a central green spine.
The district will incorporate smart-city technologies for lighting, waste and traffic management and support a circular economy model.
The Sharjah master developer said certification work for Phase 2 of Arada CBD is already underway, reinforcing its intent to apply consistent standards of digital connectivity across the entire district.-TradeArabia News Service
