Dubai Water Canal gets solar benches and lamp posts with USB charging
New smart benches charge phones wirelessly, and lamp posts along the canal now have two USB ports under a waterproof cover.
Walkers, runners and cyclists on the Dubai Water Canal can now top up their phones on the way. The Dubai Civility Committee has added solar-powered smart benches with wireless charging pads built into the seat, and lighting poles fitted with two USB-A charging ports, Gulf News reported on 20 October.
The ports on the lamp posts are rated at 1A and 2.1A and sit behind a waterproof flip cover. The committee said the smart seating "combines solar power, charging technology and practical design". Smart benches are not new to the city: Al Mamzar Beach Park added some in 2018. The charging points on lighting poles are the new part. The committee has not said how many benches and poles were installed.
To use them, bring your own USB-A cable for the lamp post ports, or lay a phone that supports wireless charging flat on the bench pad. The USB ports suit a quick top-up rather than a full charge, and the waterproof cover should be closed again after use. The canal walkway is free and open to the public.