The ultimate platform for construction companies, governments, technology firms, and design & engineering firms to collaborate and adapt
Experience the forefront of intelligent building innovation at the Smart Building Summit 2025. This premier event unites top-tier technology firms, government leaders, and industry professionals to redefine the future of smart buildings. The summit is a dynamic hub for pioneering advancements, collaborative breakthroughs, and transformative solutions in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
As we enter our 3rd edition, the Smart Building Summit will showcase the revolutionary impact of state-of-the-art smart technologies that seamlessly integrate into our environments. These innovations set new standards in modern architecture and design, from maximising energy efficiency to enhancing occupant comfort and driving sustainability.
Join us to participate in interactive sessions, network with industry leaders, and contribute to the evolution of smarter, more sustainable built environments. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the heart of the smart building revolution.
2025 Speakers
Alan Jackson
Intelligent Lighting Evangelist, Business Development Specialist
Dr. Bhakti More
Chairperson & Professor, School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Campus
Bashar Kassab
VP - Community Management, KAFD
Casey Rutland
Head of (B)IM - Property & Buildings, Chair, buildingSMART United Kingdom & Ireland
Chris Smeaton
Global Design Director, Hirsch Bedner Associates - HBA
Charlotte Langthaler
Global Director Smart Building, CBRE
Corey Gray
Chair, Smart Cities Council
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
Digital Transformation – Cyber Security & AI Director, Government of Abu Dhabi
Feda Tahboub
Head of Projects, Deyaar Development PJSC
Greg Walker
CEO, ASHB
Hassan Abou Jawhar
Director for the AMCA European and Middle East regions (EMEA), AMCA International
Hassan Younes
Co - CEO & Founder, grfn
Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi
Senior Director - Digital Transformation Principal, Du
Jose De La Uz Pardos
Mayor Laz Rozas & President, Spanish Network of Smart Cities (RECI)
Eng. Khaled Ahmed
Assistant Deputy Mayor, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing KSA
Kenneth Okai
Building IT Infrastructure Unit Head, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louise Collins
Partner, Focal Middle East
Lynnette Sacchetto
Founder, DXB Advisors
Mohamed Eldesouky
BIM Manager, Dewan Architects & Engineers
Mark Verheyen
Global Thought Leader, Smart Cities Council
Maher Al Kaabi
Independent Board Member, Al Serkal Group
Maitha Al Nuaimi
GISC Department Director, Dubai Municipality
Nabil Shahin
Managing Director, AHRI
Nicky Dobreanu
Branch Director, Omnium International
Dr. Pablo Izquierdo
Head of Energy Services Section, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Eng. Roaa Al Khatib
Chief Lightovation Officer & Specifications Engineer, Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority
Raji Hattar
Chairman - MENA Regional Network, World Green Building Council
Ramachandra Yermal
Advisor – Big Data & Data Platforms, Department of Government Enablement
Ridab Imad
Senior Specialist – Project Manager AI & Big Data, RTA
Dr. Samiullah Khan
Chief Sustainability Officer, Fakhruddin Holdings
Said El Haouasli
Facilities Management Professional
Steven Fry-Harris
Associate Director, Cundall
Dr. Salim Al Shuaili
Director – AI and Advanced Technologies Projects Unit, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman
Steven Yule
Director of Intelligent Transformation, Jacobs - Middle East
Stephen Goldie
City Planning Advisor, Al Ain City Municipality - Department of Municipalities & Transport
Tim Shelton
Global Commercial Strategies Leader, Arcadis
Vishal Pandey
Managing Partner, Glasgow Research & Consulting
Waqar Hasan
CEO, Ittihad Community Management
Yamin Shihab
Managing Director, Colliers Project Leaders
Agenda
Day 1 - 14 January 2025
11:20 - 12:00 | Panel Discussion: Unveiling the Latest Smart Building Trends - A Global and Regional Perspective
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
12:00 - 12:20 | Presentation: Boost Efficiency: High-Impact Strategies for Smart Buildings
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
12:20 - 12:50 | Panel Discussion: Leveraging Data Analytics, Big Data & AI for Innovating Intelligent Buildings
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
12:50 – 13:10 | Presentation: Google’s Vision for Digital Buildings
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.
13:10 - 13:40 | Panel Discussion: Regulatory Standards and Compliance Governing Smart Buildings
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
14:00 - 14:15 | Presentation: Cloud-Based Building Management Systems (BMS) transforming the Future of Buildings
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.
14:15 – 14:45 | Panel Discussion: Project Delivery and Management using Smart Technologies in Intelligent Buildings
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
14:45 – 15:05 | Presentation: BIM and An Augmented Reality based Maintenance System for Smart Buildings
Speaker:
Eng. Khaled Ahmed, Assistant Deputy Mayor, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing KSA
15:05 – 15:25 | Presentation: Use of IoT in Water, Energy, and Waste Management
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.
15:25 – 16:00 | Panel Discussion: Building Green & Intelligent Cities of Tomorrow: A Focus on Sustainable and Smart Future
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
Day 2 - 15 January 2025
11:10 - 11:25 | Opening Keynote: 5G Technologies, AI implementation and Smart Applications for Built Environment Technologies
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
11:25 - 11:45 | Fire-side Chat: Integrating Smart Technologies in Building Design
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
11:45 - 12:15 | Panel Discussion: From Blueprint to Reality: The Role of Digital Twins in Smart Building Innovation
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
12:15 - 12:30 | Presentation: Lighting Design for Smart Buildings
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
12:30 – 12:45 | Presentation: Buildings of The Future - A Vision of Healthy, Sustainable, Optimised Indoor Spaces; that Use No More Energy than is Absolutely Necessary
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
12:45 - 13:15 | Panel Discussion: Enhancing Connectivity in Urban Spaces – How Smart Buildings and Smart Spaces of the Future Communicate
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
13:15 - 13:45 | Panel Discussion: Transforming the Future Skyscrapers
How does smart technology elevate -
- Elevator management
- Space utilization
- Fire detection
- Tenant comfort
13:45 - 14:15 | Presentation/On-Stage Conversation: Indoor Air Quality and Occupancy Management using Future Technologies
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
14:15 – 16:00 | KNX Workshop
Led by:
Casto Canavate, Marketing Team Leader, KNX Association
Day 3 - 16 January 2025
11:10 - 12:00 | Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity in Smart Buildings
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
12:00 – 12:15 | Presentation: How Smart Buildings Can Contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals by the UN
Speaker:
Tim Shelton, Global Commercial Strategies Leader, Arcadis
12:15 - 12:30 | Presentation: Retrofitting Buildings for Future Needs
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
12:30 – 13:00 | Panel Discussion: Driving the Evolution of Intelligent Buildings: Building Commonality through Interoperability – Opportunities and Challenges
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