Here is a bit more information on what they are thinking and their strategy behind this futuristic and expensive endreavor:

Back in April, Dubai began deploying its first non-3D printed Smart Palms, impressive pseudo-botanical structures designed to increase digital connectivity, in notable urban hotspots. Both those original models and the latest 3D printed Smart Palm are equipped with solar panels to harbour energy from the sun for technological use. The six-meter-tall Smart Palms can generate around 7.2 kilowatt hours per day, more than enough power to suffice for their modest purposes. Citizens can use the tech trees to look up city information, access Wi-Fi, and charge their phones and tablets, all for free. In the first four months of Smart Palm use, over 2,100 devices were charged and about 2,000 selfies were taken using the Smart Palms’ integrated cameras.

What do you think?  Will these catch on and add a lot of value, in their country and in others?  Or is this just a fad?  Feel free to comment with your ideas.

thanks to 3ders for the great info

thanks to smart palm for the pic