Agenda

Registration and networking

Opening

Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect

Panel: State of digital adoption 2024

This senior group of realists talk candidly on the latest digital maturity in the region and what has really been adopted as business-as-usual. A recent digital market intelligence report reveals that companies are frequently applying BIM and PMIS on day-to-day projects, but that even for the front runners, drones, robotics, IoT lag far behind. Discover what the industry has invested in and why vs. the distant future, and once applied – what is their next frontier?

Led by:

Dr. Anas Bataw, Technology Advisor, UN

In conversation with:

Amr Saad, Head of Digital Engineering, ROSHN Group

Benoit Meulewaeter, Director Engineering - Middle East, BESIX

Eisa Al Ali, Vice President of Project Management Office, Dubai Holding Real Estate

Theofanis Fanourakis, Digital Delivery and Innovation Expert, Saudi Arabia

Panel: The 30,000ft view – ConTech lessons learned

For the last 7 years, Construction Technology ConFex has ridden the wave of construction technology and increased utilisation and digitalization. This session provides an honest reflection from the CTF community on what has worked, what hasn’t worked, what are the barriers still and with the benefit of hindsight, what is needed to move forward.

Led by:

Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect

In conversation with:

Damir Jaksic, Chief Information Officer, KEO International Consultants

Imad Itani, Head of Innovation, ALEC Engineering & Contracting

Mohamed Ragheb, Chief Development Officer, Azizi Developments

Zoom: Reda Bin Abdoun, Chief Technology Officer, Ajdan Real Estate Development

Tony Harbour, Head of Technology Partnerships, EMEA, Procore

Client perspective on AI - Cost earned, claims validation and time

As the Senior Director at Emaar Development, I will discuss the significant benefits of integrating AI technology from a client's perspective. This integration with project baseline and BIM modules enables precise monitoring of Cost Earned Value (EV) through real-time site feedback, controlling design deviations and their impact on cost and time. It enhances claim validation and verification, fostering transparency among the client, contractor, and consultant. This approach provides a robust tool for managing claims and deviations, ensuring project success and transparency.

Faik Haddadin, Senior Projects Director, Emaar

Construction disruption

Roger Wahl, Chief Technology Officer, Innovo Group

RSG’s journey in digital transformation

An overview of digital project strategy and execution, what has worked, what hasn’t work, and HOW it was implemented with key outcomes.

Faisal Butt, Group Head of Technical Project Management Office, Red Sea Global

DesertBoard’s PSB®
Pioneering circular economy in construction

Kamal Farah, Director, DesertBoard (ECC Group)

Morning networking break

Talk: Leaders don’t fear AI, embrace it!

The future is AI, and it's time to embrace it with open arms. So, are you ready to overcome your fear and step confidently into the future? With knowledge and a proactive approach, the unknown can be turned into an opportunity for growth and innovation and the possibilities are endless.

Wissam Hijazi, Vice President Innovation - MENA, Ellisdon

Panel: What’s real in AI

As AI becomes more structured and intuitive, most serious companies are embedding dedicated strategies and budgets to explore and make use of how AI can benefit their business. But what use-cases and values are really being seen at the corporate level and do the skills exist to do so? Many AI applications in the construction industry focus on the contractor, these sessions will focus on AI deployment through the project lifecycle addressing different types of services including design, project management consultancy and construction supervision.

Led by:

Cristina Savian, Founder, Be-Wise

In conversation with:

Dr. Anas Bataw, Technology Advisor, UN

Anastasios Dimas, Regional Technology Director, Middle East & Africa, AtkinsRealis

Andy Shaw, Managing Partner, AMA, Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter

Jason English, Chief Ecosystem Officer, GC Tech

Roger Wahl, Chief Technology Officer, Innovo

Case studies in AI implementation

As we step into 2024, the AEC industry stands on the cusp of a significant transformation, led by the integration of AI, redefining approaches to design, construction and maintenance. This session delves into real life experiences in AI implementation and the results so far.

AI & digital twins in quality control and competitive edge - Ardara’s DPMO transformation

Ahmad Almontshery, Digital Architecture and Delivery Director, ARDARA

AI in design in optimisation & award winning

Andy Shaw, Managing Partner, AMA, Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter

Navigating the intersection of technology, AI and construction: Realities and prospects

Feda Tahboub, Head of Projects, Deyaar Development

How AI can help beat scarcity of resources

Jason English, Chief Ecosystem Officer, GC Tech

AI application through the project lifecycle

Petros Zouzoulas, EMEA Head of Innovation, Parsons Corporation

Keynote: Building data driven, people-oriented AEC organisations

When mixing diverse cultures and elevating people into the digital world, the right blend of change management and cultural intelligence is required.

Paul Mullett, Chair, Digital and Technology Council of Excellence, Surbana Jurong Group

Networking lunch

Panel: Breaking the BIM glass ceiling for increased efficiency and cost control

With increasing mandates in the region, utilisation is up but the industry fails to unlock the full power of BIM data at business, asset and portfolio level, for design, construction or operation. With an unprecedented opportunity to unleash BIM on major and giga projects, how do the region’s key stakeholders let go of 2D drawings and embrace 4D+ dimensions.

Led by:

Mostafa Saber, Design Innovation Manager, Diamond Developers

In conversation with:

George Zakhary, Head of MEP BIM, Innovo Group

James Nolan, Associate Director, Digital Delivery, Pace

Kaarin Kalavus, Director - Digital, Turner & Townsend

Mina Nessim, Head of Engineering & BIM, Binladin Contracting Group

Wajdi Mereb, Senior BIM Manager, Miral L.L.C

BIM to AIM: The productivity benefits of full asset lifecycle information management

Maxime Laugier, Chief Revenue Officer, Thinkproject

Case study: Expanding ‘BIM Room’ visualisation to enable project efficiency

Linking time schedules with 3D models and immersive visualisation tools enables mega project teams to assess workflow planning and buildability. It allows project stakeholders to realistically visualise and analyse sequence and construction progress for greatly increased productivity and removes mountains of unreliable guesswork from budgeting. This real-life experience in 4D+ application with visualisation focuses on the HOW and lessons learned.

Kassem Ben Abid, Head of VDC, BESIX Middle East

Removing data silos in infrastructure for better productivity & performance – is there finally a single source of truth?

With 70% of infrastructure required by 2050 yet to be built, effective and efficient ways of bringing industry data together is key to building better and more resilient in a complex world. A platform approach is the lever to create interoperable and inclusive infrastructure Digital Twins. The ability to federate data from various sources to achieve higher productivity and performance when designing, building, and operating infrastructure will make companies more competitive and offer people a better quality of life.

Dr. Richard Vestner, Vice President | Industry Solutions, Bentley Systems

Case study: Project visualization for stakeholder engagement, efficiency & progress

The rise of project visualisation tools means that now it’s not just about data, it’s about how the industry can visualise data in immersive environments for applications right through from design to construction and operations. This real-life story focuses on how to implement these tools for better stakeholder engagement, efficiency & progress.

Arsen Safaryan, Director - Information and Data Management, SEVEN

Progress visualisation: Democratising the use of drone data for construction project management

#drone, #automation, #progress monitoring, #digital twin

Peter Park, CEO & Co-founder, Angelswing

Case study: Expanding digital delivery aspects to maximise project efficiency & control

Digital technologies are revolutionizing the construction industry, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. Deploying different aspects of BIM such as 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D enhances project delivery and greatly increases efficiency and productivity. This real-life experience in digital delivery covers 4D/5D+, reality capture and visualisation tools and focuses on the lessons learnt and culture transformation strategies.

Shahenda Shokry, Head of Digital Delivery, Orascom Construction

PMIS led productivity & performance in giga project

Siraj Maeen, PMIS Manager, Rua Al Madinah Holding Co

Networking lunch

Panel: Digital building & material passports – the golden thread to better performance

A digital building passport is an extensive, continuously updated property information dashboard that enables optimised sales, maintenance and refurbishment. It will reduce energy flows and extend the useful life span of buildings, supporting circular economy principles. This session explores the concept of building passports, the boundary with digital twins and the opportunities to deploy them in the region.

Led by:

Dr. Yasemin Neilsen, Assistant Professor, Heriot-Watt University Dubai

In conversation with:

Dr. Fawaz Alshehri, Senior Researcher, Energy Institute Research & Developers

Hani Abdel Razeq, Sustainability Director, AESG

Karim El Jisr, Executive Director - Sustainability Performance and Accreditation, Red Sea Global

Talk: Driving carbon optioneering for bid winning

As global clients increasingly expect carbon to be part of the optioneering process, businesses are leveraging digital tools and BIM databases to extract carbon and deliver projects digitally from day one. Secure buy-in and win more bids by using data and visuals to tell a compelling design story and deliver sustainable foundations for projects.

Tushant Suri, Head of Sustainability Middle East, Ramboll

Fire-side chat: Whole of life approaches on major projects

With an increased focus on whole of life approaches to sustainable and cost-effective outcomes – how are AI, digital twins and sensor technology as well as new sustainable approaches to work being used to reduce whole of life cost, waste and carbon emissions. This session considers tech powered retrofits as well as embedding whole of life thinking on new major projects.

Led by:

Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect

In conversation with:

Reserved

Mohamed Attar, Director – Planning & Cost Control, Dubai Holding Real Estate

Nick Constantine, Director – Built Asset Consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)

Afternoon networking break

Close of day 1 | track 1

Keynote Panel: Tech driven social sustainability

One of the key outcomes of COP28 was the progression of social outcomes in the built environment. How can the latest digital technologies address critical aspects like community engagement, accessibility, inclusivity and more intuitive health outcomes?

Led by:

Tekha Selim, Vice President & Head of MENA Region, Delos

In conversation with:

Ana Hudson, Head of Sustainability, SEVEN

Shaique Uddin, Head of Automation Engineering, AtkinsRealis

Tarik Tadmori, Senior VP - Sustainability Design & Master Planning, UAE

Waseem AlAzzeh, Global Head of Sustainability, Khatib & Alami

Panel: Unlocking the future of construction safety through technology

This panel of industry specialists, who are at the forefront of utilising technology to enhance safety measures on construction sites, will delve into the innovative technologies available today such as AI, IOT and immersive visualisation tools to gain better insight and management of safety incidents, transforming the construction industry for the better.

Led by:

Prakash Senghani, CEO and Co-Founder, Navatech

In conversation with:

Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO, Wakecap

Simon Watson, Executive Vice President – Global Head of HSSE, ACWA Power

Closing keynote panel: Giga projects on digital delivery & innovation

This session explores key digital delivery and innovation initiatives underway in the Kingdom’s Giga projects that are leading to faster, greener and better outcomes. Understand the future innovation needs and the barriers to transformation such as standardisation, scalability, and new modes of finance.

Led by:

Dr. Mohamed Misbah, Director - Digital Services, Middle East & Africa, Khatib & Alami

In conversation with:

Abdalla Saadah, Program Control Director, Qiddiya Investment Company

Ahmad Almontshery, Digital Architecture and Delivery Director, ARDARA

Amr Saad, Head of Digital Engineering, ROSHN Group

Faisal Butt, Group Head of Technical Project Management Office, Red Sea Global

Dr. Hassan Alassafi, Construction and Engineering General Manager, National Housing Company

Afternoon networking break

Close of day 1 | track 2

Registration and networking

How to implement digital twins

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Digital Twins 101

A simple overview and exploration of a Digital Twin and what it means for those working to create the built environment. What is a Digital Twin? What can a Digital Twin do? How does a Digital Twin work? How much does a Digital Twin cost? What is the ROI?

Wissam Hijazi, Senior Director Innovation MENA, Ellisdon

How to start implementing a Digital Twin

How to build a business case that allows operators to create sustainable impact from the data and respond to its goal. How to start implementing a minimum viable twin through the right analysis, planning, execution, training and change management.

Wissam Hijazi, Senior Director Innovation MENA, Ellisdon

Lessons learned in Digital Twin implementation

Real-life experiences and lessons learned in implementing Digital Twins across multiple case studies to help avoid costly mistakes and provide realistic expectations on return of investment.

Wissam Hijazi, Senior Director Innovation MENA, Ellisdon

Close of Digital Twin 101

How to start effectively implementing BIM

To be effective a BIM implementation must reach across a business. It cannot be an IT initiative, R&D or done solely at a project or discipline level. Here is a 10 step framework for successful BIM implementation.

Amarnath Patnam, Head BIM, Sobha Realty

Panel: Lessons learned in BIM implementation

Real-life experiences and lessons learned in implementing BIM processes and technologies across multiple case studies to help avoid costly mistakes.

Led by:

Asmaa Atef, VDC Expert, Ellisdon

In conversation with:

Amarnath Patnam, Head BIM, Sobha Realty

Jason North, BIM Lead, Robert Bird Group

Mostafa Saber, Design Innovation Manager, Diamond Developers

Close of BIM 101

Opening

Rob Jones, Partner, B2b Connect

Keynote Panel: Harnessing data to drive competitive edge

As data becomes an increasingly strategic issue for the construction and real estate sectors, how can proper data management strategies and governance help reduce data chaos? This session deals with 2 key issues 1. What key data is being collected and why 2. How it is being used for competitive advantage.

Led by:

Menno de Jonge, Digital Transformation Advisor, Saudi ConTech

In conversation with:

Dr. Marwan Abu Ebeid, Digital Construction Lead, Turner Construction International

Mostafa Saber, Design Innovation Manager, Diamond Developers

Oliver Kallenborn, Regional Analytics & Assurance Director, AtkinsRealis

Omnia Abada, Chief BIM & Digital Transformation Expert, UAE

Change management in people centric disruption

Organisational transformation is often thought of as an exhausting task, but this session provides smart, practical ways for leaders to achieve sustainable and meaningful change in a reasonably short period of time. The key to successful transformation is putting people first.

Mohamed Attar, Director – Planning & Cost Control, Dubai Holding Real Estate

Creating digital citizens: How businesses have succeeded in raising the digital bar

With the industry facing a severe shortage in digital skills, finding and maintaining digitally savvy resources remains the industry’s main pain point. This session shares real-life stories on how different parts of the value chain have successfully reskilled and upskilled diverse team members and added value to the business and industry.

Menno de Jonge, Digital Transformation Advisor, Saudi ConTech

Morning networking break

AI-driven common data environments – revolutionising risk management in construction

Prasoon Shrivastava, Founder & CEO, Zepth

Opening

Patrick D. O'Callaghan, CEO, Off-Site Engineering Solutions

Panel: The business case for modular and offsite methods

Despite the increased talk and excitement around offsite solutions, scratch below the surface and general knowledge and capability in the region, remains thin. This debate reveals actual benefits to business and when to go offsite and when not.

Led by:

Patrick D. O'Callaghan, CEO, Off-Site Engineering Solutions

In conversation with:

Abdullah Shah, MEP Modular Manager, Alemco Modular

Alaa Basamh, Senior Business Development Engineer, Group AMANA

Graham Petty, Operations Manager, LINQ Modular by ALEC

Pradeep Yesudas, Business Development Manager, BK Gulf

The business model for offsite manufacturing

Offsite technology is not something that can be bolted onto existing operations. Gain a robust understanding of successful financial modelling and all its moving parts to ensure the right investments and approaches in offsite methods and factories.

Patrick D. O'Callaghan, CEO, Off-Site Engineering Solutions

Spotlighting modern methods of construction and the future of the built environment

Explore insights relating to modern methods of construction, including leveraging technology in construction projects, overcoming implementation challenges, and bridging the gap between governance and advanced technologies. Basel will also detail the role of 3D printing and modular construction in the industry, discussing regulatory frameworks and future industry evolution.

Madeleine Skillen, Senior Marketing Manager, Procore

Basel Tachwali, Construction Technology Specialist, Dubai Municipality

Morning networking break

Lessons learned from modular projects in the region

Led by:

Patrick D. O'Callaghan, CEO, Off-Site Engineering Solutions

In conversation with:

Mansour Faried, HQ Chief Engineer, China State Construction Engineering Corporation

Mohib Un Nabi, CEO, ACCENT

Rayan Algarawi, Founder & CEO, Arka Modular

Keynote Panel: Designing for a radically changing, resilient world

Innovative and digital approaches to design that can help address some of the world’s most pressing issues from rethinking the future of work to climate change and social inclusion.

Led by:

Tamara Bajic, Associate Director – Strategy & Advisory, AESG

In conversation with:

Agnes Koltay, Façade Consultant-CEO, Koltay Facades

Ana Hudson, Head of Sustainability, SEVEN

Namish Chauhan, Assistant Technical Director, DAMAC Properties

Ryan Sailsman, Director of Architecture & Design, JAD - Jones Architecture & Design

Samar Hussein, Design Resilience Co-Leader APME Region, Gensler

Development of 3D Printing in Dubai: Real governance at sites

Dubai Municipality discusses the journey of regulating the use of 3D Printing technology in construction focusing on the measures placed to ensure the safety and sustainability on 2 real construction sites and buildings while using this technology and the latest projects executed and the most important lessons learned.

Omran Dawoud Al Hajeri, Building Control Engineer, Dubai Municipality

Close of track 1 | day 2

Global insights for local impact: Accelerate BIM implementation using international best practices

There are common strategies that governments and digital leaders within large organisations can use to encourage BIM adoption. This session will highlight the lessons learned at Dubai Municipality and from other digital transformation initiatives across Canada, Chile, Brazil, France, and Singapore. Join the conversation to learn about successful and unsuccessful approaches and how to apply international best practices to speed up your organization's digital transformation.

Dr. Bilal Succar, Founder, BIMe Initiative

Dr. Ali Ismail, BIM Expert, Dubai Municipality

Closing Keynote Panel: Hard talk on standardisation to achieve scalability & transformation

With a boom in startup organisations and cutting-edge innovations hitting the market, harmonisation will be the key to unlock data management and digital transformation on the region’s mega projects. What clarity in technology standards, contractual language and maturity benchmarks are required to break down information silos and unchain scalability, and collaboration in the region’s mega projects?

Led by:

Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect

In conversation with:

Abdalla Saadah, Program Control Director, Qiddiya Investment Company

Majed Aljendy, VP - PMO, Saudi Binladin Group

Nathan Marsh, Senior Vice President - Regional Executive Leader, EMEA, Bentley Systems

Theofanis Fanourakis, Digital Delivery and Innovation Expert, Saudi Arabia

Close of track 2 | day 2

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS Reception