EMAAR launches Sahm Technologies

The move, which represents EMAAR's strategy to integrate its diverse business portfolio, comes soon after the launch of its fully owned banking subsidiary, Dubai Bank; the property and facilities management company, EMRILL; and AMLAK, the UAE's first and only mortgage company.

Mr. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, EMAAR Properties, said: "The decision to venture into the technology sector was driven by EMAAR's core focus of optimizing the investment of group resources, while actively diversifying the source of its revenues and creating shareholder value.

"Sahm (Arabic word for arrow) Technologies has been created with the purpose of bringing exciting new ideas to technology and communications. The company will offer a range of services - from hi-tech home communications to sophisticated, corporate IT solutions and consulting," said Mr. Alabbar.

The new company, which will focus on providing integrated IT, networking and communications solutions to businesses across all sectors, has already distinguished itself by successfully implementing the technology platform for Dubai Bank in a record time of four months. Additionally, Sahm Technologies is currently in the process of providing advanced communications related, networking services to several prestigious real-estate projects of EMAAR Properties.

"We are driven by the belief that technology is more than what makes machines run and Sahm will endeavour to make life more easier and enjoyable with real technology that offers real benefits. The corporate identity of the company is a reflection of this ethos, with the logo - a humanized, direct and clear representation of an arrow," added Mr. Alabbar.

Apart from working closely with EMAAR group companies to deploy advanced IT and networking solutions, Sahm Technologies will also market its value-added services to businesses across various sectors in the region. The company will operate a unique business model, which includes providing consultancy and out-sourcing & system integration services on the one hand, while developing a range of IT and communications systems and solutions, on the other.

Implements Dubai Bank's technology backbone
One of the first projects that Sahm Technologies undertook was the implementation of banking related technologies for the recently launched Dubai Bank. This included designing and setting up the infrastructure for the bank's Call Center, Data Center and ATM systems.

Mr. Arvind Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, Sahm Technologies, said: "The Dubai Bank project was completed in a record time of four months and we are currently in the process of implementing a range of other innovative IT solutions for the bank, including eBanking and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). This will further assist Dubai Bank in creating a solid technological backbone through which it can develop and deliver its various services," he added.

Brings fiber-optic infrastructure for EMAAR homes
Sahm Technologies is also currently in the process of developing a range of advanced communication and networking services for several real-estate projects of EMAAR Properties, including Emirates Hills; the Middle East's first intelligent city - Dubai Marina - and The Lakes. The company is planning to deploy these services over an extensive fiber-optic infrastructure, which will be a first for the region.

"Our vision for these communities is to leverage the benefits of technology to offer residents the ultimate living environment. From the comfort of their homes, residents will be able being able to choose the TV entertainment they want to view, experience the benefits of high speed internet, e-business, e-entertainment and e-government facilities and access community services such as e-education and Internet doctors," added Mr. Bhatnagar.