The Smart Building Summit at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East gathered industry leaders and regional experts to explore transformative strategies shaping the future of smart cities. From the power of data to innovations in urban planning, the event underscored the region’s growing commitment to sustainable and intelligent urban development.
The Role of Data in Smarter Cities
A central theme of the summit was the integration of urban planning with smart building technologies, where data took center stage as a critical driver. Maher Al Kaabi, an Independent Board Member of Al Serkal Group and UAE Circular Economy Council member, highlighted the value of digital twins in designing future-ready communities. He explained:
“Combining urban planning with smart buildings is crucial. Digital twins allow us to evaluate the effects of traffic, CO2 emissions, methane emissions, and other factors that provide insights for managing the entire ecosystem of the community you plan to develop.”
The conversation also spotlighted Dubai Municipality’s pioneering initiatives, such as Al Sa’fat and Dubai 4D, which employ advanced sensors and real-time data to monitor and manage buildings. Ayeda Abdulla, Project Management Team Leader at Dubai Municipality, shared how these tools drive efficiency and innovation:
“Sensors installed on buildings measure temperature, energy consumption, and many other variables. This system enables us to better plan and maintain buildings in the future.”
Future-Focused Discussions
Throughout the summit, thought leaders provided valuable insights into trends and technologies redefining the built environment:
- Cybersecurity in Smart Buildings: A panel moderated by Dr. Hossam Elshenraki from Dubai Police Academy discussed emerging threats in the cyber-physical realm, with input from experts at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Serkal Group, and AtkinsRéalis.
- The ROI of Smart Buildings: Dr. Matthew Marson, Managing Director of Technology Advisory at JLL, highlighted the tangible benefits of smart investments.
- Green and Intelligent Cities: Representatives from the World Green Building Council, Cundall, and AESG emphasized sustainability’s integral role in urban development.
A Collaborative Future for Smart Buildings
Co-located with Intersec, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East has positioned itself as a pivotal event in the MENA region’s smart building and urban innovation ecosystem. By fostering collaboration between sectors, the event promises to drive the integration of technology, sustainability, and design across the built environment.
As the summit concluded, one clear message resonated: Smart buildings are not just an innovation—they are the foundation for the intelligent cities of tomorrow.
