Smart Building Summit 2025

Dive into projections and insights for the smart building industry. Investigate regional contrasts in smart building adoption, regulatory compliance, and innovations.

Moderator:
Greg Walker, CEO, ASHB 

Speakers:

• Jose De La Uz Pardos, Mayor Laz Rozas & President – Spanish Network of Smart Cities (RECI)
• Maitha Alnuaimi, GIS Centre Director, Dubai Municipality 
• Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member, Al Serkal Group and UAE Circular Economy Council Member

Exploring the dynamic evolution of smart buildings in comparison to traditional structures. Examine into the critical intersection of people, technology, and processes, examining the current state of the smart building industry. Insights into effective strategies, emerging trends, and the challenges faced in advancing smart building initiatives.

Speaker:
Charlotte Langthaler, Global Director - Digital Building Transformation, CBRE

Analyzing large data sets to uncover patterns and optimize building performance is becoming essential. Through the use of data analytics, organizations can enhance space utilization and resource allocation. Maintaining data privacy and complying with regulations are critical components of this process, safeguarding sensitive information while adhering to legal standards. By reducing latency and improving response times, these analytics enable real-time monitoring and control of building systems, leading to more efficient and responsive operations.

Speakers: 

• Ramachandra Yermal,  Advisor – Big Data & Data Platforms, Department of Government Enablement
• Lynnette Sacchetto, Founder, RealTrust UAE

Google envisions a digital building ecosystem with open, secure, and advanced infrastructure. This infrastructure seamlessly integrates any Google-adopted device, supporting many applications and use cases within its buildings. This session delves into the development of Google's extensive and scalable Digital Building program, sharing essential insights into the processes, policies, people, and technologies that contributed to its success.

Discussions will include navigating local and international regulations, understanding the importance of compliance for project success, and the role of government in promoting smart buildings.

Proposed Speakers:

• Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
• Casey Rutland, Head of (B)IM - Property & Buildings, WSP & Chair, buildingSMART United Kingdom & Ireland 

Delve into the transformative potential of cloud-based BMS platforms, such as Siemens Building X, Honeywell Digital Prime, and Schneider EcoStruxure. Focusing on the benefits of cloud-based BMS, including enhanced operational efficiency, real-time monitoring, and remote management capabilities.

Focus on adopting smart technologies in project delivery and management. It will cover AI and machine learning applications in project planning, cost control, scheduling, risk management, and integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) with IoT to streamline workflows and improve project outcomes.

Speakers:

• Feda Tahboub, Head of Projects, Deyaar Development PJSC 
• Yamin Shihab, Managing Director, Colliers Project Leaders
• Nicky Dobreanu,  Branch Director, Omnium International
• Louise Collins, Partner, Focal Middle East

Speaker:
Eng. Khaled Ahmed, Assistant Deputy Mayor, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing KSA 

How IoT can improve water, energy, and waste management in buildings. Smart water meters, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and waste reduction strategies. Case studies will be presented.

Discover the innovations that are converting urban settings into smart, sustainable cities. This session will focus on, intelligent transit, green infrastructure, and renewable energy sources. It will provide workable ideas for developing cities that can fulfill present demands while guaranteeing sustainability in the future.

Moderator:
Greg Walker, CEO, ASHB

Speakers:

• Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director, Sustainable Real Estate – Masdar City
• Steven Fry-Harris, Associate Director, Cundall
• Raji Hattar, Chairman of MENA Regional Network, World Green Building Council

Focusing on Digital Transformation, and Cognitive Technologies and AI to make Smart Homes a better place to live.

Speaker:
Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi, Senior Director - Digital Transformation Principal, Du

Blending smart technologies with architectural aesthetics through integrating sensors, smart lighting, and automated systems without compromising design integrity.

Moderator:
Dr. Bhakti More, Chairperson & Professor, School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Campus

Speaker:
Chris Smeaton, Global Digital Design Director, Hirsch Bedner Associates - HBA

Discovering how Digital Twin technology is changing smart building design, construction, and management. The impact of Digital Twins on building operations and their role in driving future innovations in smart infrastructure.

Moderator:
Grace Najjar, CEO, Align Management Solutions

Speakers:
Mohamed Eldesouky, BIM Manager, Dewan Architects & Engineers

The balance between aesthetics and functionality in lighting design for smart buildings. Discussions will include trends in smart lighting solutions and how to integrate them seamlessly into architectural designs.

Speaker:
Eng. Roaa Al Khatib, Chief Lightovation Officer & Specifications Engineer, Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority

We will discuss how intelligent lighting, smart sensing, interoperable building services and wellbeing, are intrinsically linked. We will show how, by making the right choices, intelligent and interoperable systems are able to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency and positively impact productivity, health and wellbeing.

Speaker:
Alan Jackson, Intelligent Lighting & Smart Building Specialist Director

Smart technologies for enhancing connectivity in urban spaces - smart grids, public Wi-Fi, and integrated transportation systems.

Moderator:
Ridab Imad, Smart cities expert, Middle East Cities Center

Speakers:

• Steven Yule, Director of Intelligent Transformation – Middle East, Jacobs
• Bashar Kassab, Vice President – Community Management, KAFD
• Stephen Goldie, City Planning Advisor, Al Ain City Municipality Department of Municipalities & Transport
• Said El Haouasli, Community and Facilities Management professional

How does smart technology elevate -

• Elevator management
• Space utilization
• Fire detection
• Tenant comfort

IoT solutions for monitoring and improving indoor air quality include the health benefits of good air quality, IoT sensors for air monitoring, and case studies of successful implementations. Explore smart systems for real-time occupancy monitoring. Optimising space utilisation, enhancing occupant comfort, and improving building efficiency. Examples of occupancy management systems will be presented.

Speaker:

Dr. Samiullah Khan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Fakhruddin Holdings

Led by:
Casto Canavate, Marketing Team Leader, KNX Association

By adopting a security-by-design approach, risks associated with integrating smart city technology into operational systems are mitigated through rigorous, iterative risk management. This session will cover emerging cyber threats in the cyber-physical realm and strategies to address them.

Speakers:
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Alzaabi, Digital Transformation – Cyber Security & AI Director, Government of Abu Dhabi
Dr. Salim Al Shuaili, Director – AI and Advanced Technologies Projects Unit, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman
Kenneth Okai, Building IT Infrastructure Unit Head, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member, Al Serkal Group and UAE Circular Economy Council Member

Speaker:
Tim Shelton, Global Commercial Strategies Leader, Arcadis

Techniques for retrofitting existing structures to meet future needs. Updating buildings for energy efficiency, integrating smart technologies, and case studies on successful retrofits.

Speaker:
Hassan Younes, Co – CEO & Founder, grfn

Evolution of intelligent buildings through examining interoperability, opportunities, and challenges. Highlighting real-world case studies and lessons learned.

Moderator:
Waqar Hasan, CEO, Itihad  Community Management & Member Board Of Directors, Community Associations Institute - Middle East