Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 29 | Page 15

NEWS Oman Arab Bank staff participate in Earth Hour energy conservation is also evident in the green technology installed at its head office. These include auto sensors throughout all offices and corridors, which means that lights are automatically switched off when nobody is present and as a result a considerable amount of power is saved on a regular basis. OAB has also recently participated in Earth Hour by switching off all lights at its head office for one hour. Staff and their families were also invited to a candle-lit event to spread awareness on the need to conserve energy. O man Arab Bank (OAB) is introducing a number of technology driven initiatives that aim to protect the environment while interacting with its customers. These initiatives include e-statements and SMS notifications to save on paper. OAB is also following a similar principle for internal communications among its own staff with the intention of keeping paper usage to a minimum. Its focus on environment and Hilal O Al Siyabi, Head of Corporate Communication, said: “There is much more to the Earth Hour than just switching off lights. By hosting such an event, we are not only showing our commitment and support towards protecting our planet but are also helping spread awareness on the impact wasteful energy consumption has on our environment.” ///////////////// Schneider Electric and Knowledge Oasis Muscat showcase Oman’s Smart Cities innovations S chneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, in partnership with Knowledge Oasis Muscat and the French Embassy in Oman, has launched a showcase of Smart City innovations that could enable residents and businesses to save money on their utilities. In support of the Oman Vision 2020, Oman’s utilities providers are heavily investing in Internet of Things innovations that can enable smart utilities. Showing the strong market opportunity, TechSci Research is predicting the GCC’s smart grids market to triple to US$1.7 billion by 2026. “As Oman’s population and business sector grows, the government needs to ensure safe, reliable and efficient utilities,” said Nasser Al Malki, Acting Director General of Knowledge Oasis Muscat. “In partnership with Schneider Electric, we are digitally transforming with Internet of Things solutions that can predict and meet energy demand and enable people to monitor and optimise their utilities usage in real time.” Many of Oman’s innovators participated at the event held at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat. As part of the event, the Embassy of France in Oman and French-headquartered multi-national company Schneider Electric launched the Innovation Hub on Wheels. www.intelligentcio.com HE Renaud Salins, Ambassador of France in Oman (centre left) with Hanan Darwish, Cluster President – Gulf and Pakistan, Schneider Electric (centre right) open the Innovation Hub on Wheels, showcasing Smart Cities innovations for Oman “French companies are playing a major role in Oman’s nationwide digital transformation and economic development, with more than €500 million in bilateral trade and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock representing around €1 billion,” said His Excellency Renaud Salins, Ambassador of France in Oman. INTELLIGENTCIO 15