Smart Building Summit Agenda

A captivating fireside chat, exploring the cutting-edge advancements in smart safety systems for smart buildings. Diving into topics like AI-driven surveillance, IoT-enabled emergency response, cybersecurity strategies, and the integration of innovative technologies to enhance safety while balancing privacy concerns. Discover how these efforts shape a smarter, safer future for Dubai's built environment.

Moderator:
Said El Haouasli, CEO, Land Sterling

Speaker:
Lieutenant Khalid Muhammad Banasser, Dubai Police

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:

• Ayeda Abdulla, Project Management Team Leader, Dubai Municipality 
  Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member, Al Serkal Group and UAE Circular Economy Council Member
• Ali Al Suwaidi, Vice President, Middle East Facilities Management Association 
• Vladan Hasesic, Chair – Intelligent Buildings Group, CIBSE 

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, Abu Dhabi
• Mubarik Hussain, IT Director, Distinguished Real Estate
• Sayantan Sarkar, Digital Advisory - Smart City, WSP

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.

Moderator:
Azmi S. Aboulhoda, CEO, EMergy

Speakers:

• Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
• Casey Rutland, Chair, buildingSMART United Kingdom & Ireland
• Hassan Abou Jawhar, Director for the AMCA European and Middle East regions (EMEA), AMCA International
• Majd Fayyad, DSM Strategy & Policy Lead, Supreme Council of Energy 

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.

Moderator:
Dr. Hossam Elshenraki, Professor of Cyber Crime Investigation & Head of Police Management Department, Dubai Police Academy

Speakers:

• 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
• Mohannad Salam, Regional Lead – Smart Cities Advisory Middle East, AtkinsRéalis

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.

Moderator:
Nicky Dobreanu, Branch Director, Omnium International

Speakers:

• Feda Tahboub, Head of Projects, Deyaar Development PJSC
• Yamin Shihab, Chief Development Officer, Prestige One 
• Louise Collins, Partner, Focal Middle East
• Giuseppe Pagin, Head of Smart Buildings, Dar Al Handasah Shair and Partners

Khaled Ahmed Aldhufer, Director - Development Control and Licensing Management, Al-Ahsa Municipality KSA

Exploring the value of smart building technologies in a variety of asset types. Highlighting how the focus of value in real estate has broadened beyond sustainability to space optimization and human-centric outcomes. Outlining core technologies that unlock value and how these technologies contribute to sustainability, space efficiency, and human well-being . The potential benefits include reduced energy consumption, improved waste management, increased productivity, enhanced employee retention, and more. With a typical 18-24 month payback period and a $3 return for every $1 invested over five years, smart building technologies offer significant advantages for property owners and occupants alike

Dr. Matthew Marson, Managing Director, EMEA – Technology Advisory, JLLT 

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:

• Steven Fry-Harris, Associate Director, Cundall
• Raji Hattar, Chairman of MENA Regional Network, World Green Building Council
• Aza Elnimah, Senior Associate Consultant - Sustainability, AESG
• Juan Tena Florez, Digital Services Director, KEO International Consultants
• Mohamammad Hidayath, Head of Department – Sustainability, Alpin Limited

Exclusive launch of TM65 UAE, CIBSE's revolutionary guide for calculating embodied carbon in building services. Tailored for the UAE, this methodology supports the construction industry's journey to net-zero by integrating embodied carbon insights with operational considerations. Designed for engineers, designers, and decision-makers, TM65 UAE empowers sustainable choices by highlighting emissions throughout a building’s lifecycle. Join us to explore how this guide can transform design practices and drive impactful, carbon-conscious decisions for a greener future.

Presented by:

• Mohammed Imran Shaikh, Director of MEP – Middle East, Ramboll & Chair, CIBSE UAE
• Isaac Coker, Senior Technical Director - Building Services, WSP

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, Independent Expert

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:
Majeed Uz Zafer, Founder, Light Factor 

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.

Building passports and buildings as material banks: empowering a circular economy by tracking and reusing materials throughout a building's lifecycle, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.

Moderator:
Grace Najjar, CEO, Align Management Solutions

Speakers:

• Mohamed Eldesouky, BIM Manager, Dewan Architects & Engineers
• Sarah Jaber, Senior Sustainability Associate, AESG
• Dr. Hassam Chaudhry, Assistant Professor at School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University
• Corey Gray, Chair, Smart Cities Council

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, Government Entity

Discussing 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

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, CEO, Land Sterling

Lighting controls have changed beyond recognition in recent years and are now the platform upon which smart building solutions are based. This session covers the very latest in smart platforms including DALI-2 and will include a deep dive case study of the new Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi which is equipped with the world’s largest smart digital lighting management system.

Speaker:
Stephen Woodnutt, CEO, Delmatic

Examining how smart technology is transforming skyscraper functionality and design. Intelligent elevator systems streamline traffic flow, while advanced space utilization and fire detection enhance efficiency and safety. Integrated systems also boost tenant comfort through personalized climate and lighting, and data-driven insights inspire sustainable design choices

Speaker:
Sumith Sukumaran, General Manager, Quality Facilities Management

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

Join us for this dynamic session dedicated to fostering collaboration and networking among KNX members and partners in the Middle East. This workshop aims to create an engaging platform for participants to explore collective growth opportunities, share insights on enhancing future collaboration, and discuss the establishment of a regional KNX organization

Moderator:
Casto Canavate, Marketing Team Leader, KNX Association

Speakers:

• Davide Levi, Export Sales Manager, Blumotix
• Jyothiradithyan Makkantheri, Marketing Manager, Can'Nx
• Snehashis Sharma, General Manager, Elsner
• Jack Zhan, General Manager of International Sales, GVS Smart
• Tarek Mostafa, Sales Manager UAE, Interra
• Mohammad Hattab, General Manager, Jung
• Michał Szopa, Product Owner, Simlab
• Taj Kollara, Managing Director, Total Automation
• Artur Bäcker, Marketing & Sales, Weinzierl
• Marij Alberts, Account Manager, Xxter 

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

Leviton will walk you through the pivotal role of structured cabling in future proof buildings as well as the best way to bridge support for seamless integration. 

Youssef Shady, Managing Director, Leviton

Rise of smart buildings and homes, highlighting how increased connectivity through IoT and automation has created new vulnerabilities. They can address the growing threat landscape, including cyber-attacks like data breaches and ransomware, emphasizing the need for advanced cybersecurity measures in these intelligent environments.

Speaker:
Dr. Nader Ghazal, Chairman, African-Asian Council for AI & Cybersecurity

Speaker:
Tim Shelton, Operations Director – Technology & Advisory, Omnium International 

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 

Speakers:

• Mark Verheyen, Principal, Global Lighting Consulting & Global Thought Leader, Smart Cities Council
• Corey Gray, Chair, Smart Cities Council
• Paul Drosihn, General Manager, DALI Alliance
• Abdallah Mahmoud, President, ASHRAE Falcon 
• Taj Kollara, Managing Director, Total Automation