Arada today announced that the first phase of its Central Business District (CBD) in Aljada, Sharjah, has been awarded WiredScore Platinum certification, the highest global benchmark for digital connectivity and smart building standards. This makes Arada CBD the first development in Sharjah to receive this prestigious certification, guaranteeing world-class digital infrastructure for its future tenants.
The Arada CBD is a new commercial hub within the AED 35 billion Aljada megaproject, with Phase 1 set for completion in Q1 2027. This initial phase will feature eight smart office blocks. Earlier this year, Arada awarded a construction contract worth AED 604 million for Phase 1, which also covers associated infrastructure.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, stated, “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.”
The achievement was celebrated at a ceremony in 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. This agreement 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, CEO of WiredScore, commented, “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.”
John Hilliard, Director, Middle East of WiredScore, added, “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.”
Certification work for Phase 2 of Arada CBD is already underway, underscoring Arada’s commitment to applying consistent standards of digital connectivity across the entire district. Upon its completion in Q1 2027, the first phase of Arada CBD will offer 812,000 square feet of Grade A leasable office space, 1,666 parking bays, 76,000 square feet of landscaped green space, and 26,500 square feet of retail and F&B outlets. These elements are designed to foster a premium business environment complemented by integrated lifestyle and wellness amenities.
The comprehensive Arada CBD master plan envisions 38 smart office buildings spanning 4.3 million square feet, anchored by a central green spine. The district will incorporate smart-city technologies for lighting, waste, and traffic management, supporting a circular economy model.
Aljada, a 24 million square foot mega-development, will include over 25,000 homes, retail, entertainment, sports, education, and wellness facilities. Its strategic location provides seamless access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah International Airport, and the upcoming Etihad Rail station, effectively reshaping Sharjah’s urban landscape.
