Emirates Palace launches Polycom’s RPX Immersive Telepresence

Emirates Palace in collaboration with FVC, Polycom’s authorized Value Added Distributor across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),  has launched the Polycom RPX Immersive Telepresence Centre at Emirates Palace.

FVC engaged Alpha Data, one of UAE’s leading multi-disciplined systems integrator in installing these high tech equipments. The centre, the first of its kind in a hotel in the UAE, was inaugurated by Mr. Hans Olbertz, General Manager of Emirates Palace, and HE Faraj Ali Bin Hamoodah, Chairman of the Bin Hamoodah Group. The new centre reinforces Emirates Palace’s leading market position in the UAE to provide the highest technology and audio visual standards of service as part of Emirates Palace's continuation to be  market leader and to offer highest technology services to the world.

Guests and media at the inauguration were treated to a live demonstration of the video conferencing system, experiencing the face to face benefits that come from direct contact with a similar system in FVC’s offices in Riyadh.

The luxurious modular suite combines comfort with transparent technology with no visible cameras or microphones. With a capacity of up to 10 seats, the system can be used for a variety of reasons, from internal company meetings and training sessions to client meetings and press conferences linking participants around the globe instantly. Telepresence participants are shown in High Definition, they can see facial expression, make eye contact and read body language just as if all were in the same room.

“We have been seeing a lot of interest in telepresence systems in the recent months especially since April where air travel has created unprecedented disruptions,” pointed out K.S. Parag, MD at FVC. “In a global economy, communications, more than ever, is the key to the success of any company. With Polycom, Emirates Palace and its guests can not only increase communication (in comfort), but also contribute to reducing carbon footprint with less air or car travel in a region that is just becoming aware of environmental issues.”

Fayez Ibbini, Alpha Data’s MD, said, “We are very pleased to be associated with this project and see a lot of advantages for Emirates Palace guests. The Polycom Immersive Telepresence is made to suit the needs of the kind of guests that stay or visit here, it is a high end system that provides real direct access to global offices or video conferencing systems at the touch of a button.”