Dubai’s New Makani App Pinpoints Exact Locations with Fridge Magnets and Stickers

Dubai’s highly anticipated new address system is getting closer to fruition. So far, all 124,000 of the city’s buildings has been mapped
with a location code and the Makani app and website has been launched.

The next step – taking place in the coming year – is the distribution to all residential addresses of refrigerator magnets, which will
pinpoint the home’s exact geographic location. Shops will receive stickers and tabletop displays will be sent to hotels.

Starting in March 2014, residential and commercial buildings will also receive their address coordinates. This 10-digit code can determine an exact location, or the first few numbers can be used to determine a general area.

“We have more than 127 languages being spoken in Dubai. We need a simple system that everyone can use and understand,” said Abdul Hakim Malek, director of the emirate’s geographic information systems department.

The new address system will make finding a location in the emirate easier and more efficient, from going to a friend’s new home and
visitors locating their hotel to office deliveries and emergency response.

The Makani app’s developers have also been working to improve its features, including GPS device integration, with an update to be
released in the next two to three weeks. They also hope to incorporate QR codes and integration with Whatsapp in the future.

Meanwhile, the National Committee for Addresses in Abu Dhabi is considering rolling out the system nationwide.

WE SAID THIS: Check out Makani’s app and website at http://www.makani.ae.