Public transportation users will be able to shop from Internet-equipped screens at select metro and bus stops in Dubai, Gulf News reported Saturday. The technology, dubbed "Smart Mall" and developed by the Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA), was first unveiled in this year's GITEX Technology Week .
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA's director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors, said that this initiative was in line with Dubai's mission in becoming the "smartest city in the world."
The Smart Mall project will have interactive screens at five metro stations: Damac Properties, Dubai Internet City, Mall of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Baniyas Station. Interactive screens will be installed to allow two people to make purchases while waiting for the metro.
“The project’s implementation would be kicked off by selling food items, afterwards other products would be added such as clothes and electronics," Tayer said. Shoppers will be able to pay with their credit cards until new payment methods are implemented and will be able to schedule deliveries to specific locations at the time of their convenience.
The RTA also plans to construct 100 air-conditioned "smart shelters" for public transport users around the city, 50 of which will be constructed in the next two months and the other half are to be done by January.
The kiosks will be equipped with free Wi-Fi where NOL card purchases will be available in addition to several services including "payment of bills of government departments, recharging mobile phones service, interactive ad screens, screens offering RTA’s services, and selling refreshments and snacks,” according to Tayer.
Similarly, the Health Ministry launched a set of "smart" solutions that will enhance patient services at the technology exhibition through something called the "Smart Patient Portal." The portal will allow patients to view their health records, check lab, vaccine, and other test results, and input upcoming appointments to their personal calendars.
Only registered patients will be offered the online service.