Agenda 2025

Panel: Avoiding industry dark data (a sustainability and efficiency threat) – ensuring quality data management throughout the life cycle

The construction and real estate sector are the most data generating industries in the world. Through sensors, IoTs, drones and 3D scanning millions of terrabytes are flooding the industry but with limited purpose and benefit. In this data driven age, the industry will need to be vigilant about burning energy on AI and data centres without the right business case. How can the industry ensure that it is collecting the correct data and segregating it for decision making - ensuring quality data management throughout the life cycle?

Amjad Abou Said, Head of Business Development, Dubai Holding Asset Management

Arjun Mohan, Founder & CEO, TENDERD

Panel: Powering data centre efficiency in the GCC

Regulations in the UAE and KSA mandate that certain data, such as personal or financial information, must be hosted within the country, leading to increasing reliance on local data centres. Given that data centres are increasingly essential, to become more energy efficient they require specialised architectural and engineering design to contribute to tough ESG expectations. This panel will delve into the challenges and opportunities of developing robust and sustainable data centres in the region, focusing on regulatory compliance, energy, water and cooling efficiency, and the cutting-edge construction technologies required.

In conversation with:

Ramachandra Nimbargi, Head – Data Centre (Design), International, Larsen & Toubro

Ras Scollay, Director, Data Center Business, du

Samir Abdullah, Director of Smart Cities, KEO International Consultants

Sanjay Kumar, Director‑Design Data Centers, EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC

Fireside chat: Navigating compliance in data sovereignty and cross-border transfers

As ConTech and PropTech transform the real estate landscape in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the management and security of data are becoming increasingly critical. Local regulations governing data sovereignty and cross-border data transfers have grown more complex, especially considering global data protection trends. This session will explore the specific challenges companies face and offer actionable insights on how to ensure compliance with data sovereignty laws while leveraging the benefits of global data flows.

Fireside chat: Securing data in the digital built environment

As cloud-based and decentralised data usage rises within the extended construction supply chain, cybersecurity is becoming ever more critical. Companies must protect valuable data but in an industry known for thin margins, it must also meet ROI expectations. This discussion will explore evolving threat landscapes as data becomes more decentralised, best practices to minimise local and third-party risks, emerging technologies, regulatory compliance, and data protection laws.

In conversation with:

Ahmed Gadelhak, Senior IT Director, Saudi Binladen Group

Kim Rosenberg, Partner, Freshfields

Pavlina Nikolova, AEC Practice Lead, EMEA, Egnyte

Networking lunch

Panel: ‘BIM’ is banned! Let’s talk what matters - intrinsic information management (ISO 19650)

As competency increases, so does the wider realisation that digital delivery is underpinned and driven by robust information management processes that impact the organisation, project lifecycle and supply chain. With technological, process and procurement related aspects, understanding the right ISO 19650 principles and how to implement them is the key to transformation. The rest of it is ‘bolt on’.

In conversation with:

Andy Boutle, Head of Digital Construction, ALEC

Jason North, Group BIM Lead, Robert Bird Group

Mahmoud Adly, Digital Engineering Director, Abu Dhabi City Municipality

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

Success | failure stories: Extending BIM usage (but we prefer information management) to its full potential

Extremely few organisations are utilising BIM to its full potential to drive value in workflows. With a distinct lack of use-cases integrating BIM to site or into operations and maintenance, this series of stories tackle the current gaps in implementation as well as provide examples of who has successfully integrated such workflows on the ground for construction monitoring, supervision and O&M.

Success | failure story: Extending BIM use to site | field operations for increased productivity

Cristina Sánchez, BIM Manager, Lendlease Europe

Success | failure story: How developers use BIM

Amarnath Patnam, Head of BIM, Sobha Realty

Success | failure story: BIM in operational efficiency | Use after handover

Success | failure story: Post Dubai’s BIM mandate | Open BIM use (building smart)

Close of day 1 | Track 2

Registration and networking

Opening

Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect

Panel: Seamless integration in sales & leasing: Digitising the end-to-end tenancy journey for enhanced operations and profitability

This session explores journeys in digital sales and leasing and how it is streamlining operations and boosting profitability. From sales and marketing (selecting units, digital signatures, online payments and handovers) to property management interactions, using centralised platforms, stakeholders can monitor real-time data on key performance indicators (KPIs) like energy usage and occupancy rates all from a single dashboard. Delve into the benefits, challenges, and future potential of a fully digital sales and leasing ecosystem that’s setting the standard for the next generation of real estate.

In conversation with:

Alaa Elayyan, AVP - IT, Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties

Dana Awad, Executive Director- Customer and Communities, ICTReD

Yazeed AlGhamdi, Director, Emerging Technologies, ROSHN Group

Panel: Transforming resident | tenant experience with the next generation of super app

With customer experience apps transforming how individuals interact with their living and working environments, the next generation of super apps is emerging—built around enhanced community engagement, placemaking concepts, and quality of life improvements. Explore how customer centric experience platforms are reshaping property management, tenant satisfaction, and community living - creating seamless and enriching experiences.

Led by:

Samit Sheth, Director - Technology and Digital, JLL

in conversation with:

Afzal Lakdawala, Senior Director Digital Transformation, A.R.M. Holding

Azeem Aziz, Head of Digital Solutions, UDC Qatar

Binoo Joseph, Group CTIO, Cenomi Group

Luay Houri, Chief Technology Officer, Ajman Properties Corporation

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

Morning networking break

Reserved

Panel: Evolution in digital payments

Digital payment solutions are transforming how tenants and property owners manage transactions. This session explores cutting-edge innovations in digital payments, the role of blockchain, AI-driven financial solutions, and regulatory advancements shaping the landscape in the UAE and beyond. Industry leaders will discuss the benefits of seamless transactions, enhanced security, and improved financial management for real estate stakeholders.

Anisha Sagar, Director of Property Management, Allsopp and Allsopp

Panel: Fractional ownership: Unlocking liquidity, transparency & security in the region’s real estate market

Fractional real estate ownership is transforming property investment in Dubai and Saudi Arabia by increasing accessibility, enhancing liquidity, and leveraging blockchain for transparency and security. This session will explore the current landscape, regulatory considerations, and the future potential of fractional ownership as a progressive investment model for high value properties.

Selim El Zein, VP - Head of Asset Management, Deyaar Development

Close of day 2 | Track 1

Awards networking reception | Construction Technology Awards

Awards ceremony | Construction Technology Awards

Opening

Rob Jones, Partner, b2b Connect

Keynote Panel: Closing the Capex | Opex data gap – the next vital frontier for mega projects

Globally there is still a clear disconnect between data created during construction and data required for operation, with asset owners often starting from scratch or undergoing huge data reorganisation between phases and projects. The ability to harness data created from concept to delivery and ensure consistent operations, from sales lead management to property management is the vital next frontier for major projects and needs to be defined early. Hear how these organisations are attempting to close the gap through BIM, AI models and integrated platform plays and who will be responsible for maintaining the data throughout the asset lifecycle.

in conversation with:

Anastasios Dimas, Regional Technology Director ME, AtkinsRéalis

Claire Huhes Munro, Chair, UAE Regional Advisory Board, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Garry Murray, Director of Community Management, Diriyah Company

Interview: What clients need to know about ISO 19650 as a driver for operational success

Khalid Elsharnoby, BIM Manager, Kanadevia-inova

Mohamed Raafat, BIM Expert, Government Confidential

Success stories: Operational digital twins only! Tangible examples & results

Tired of theoretical digital twin frameworks? We searched the globe to shed light on tangible digital twins in practice from representing design data for better stakeholder engagement & marketing, to feeding in site data for progress monitoring and reducing carbon/cost in project handover and building operations

Success story: Design and stakeholder management

Success story: Construction monitoring, cycle time and carbon reduction

Roger Wahl, CIO, Innovo

Success story: Operations and maintenance of data centre

Morning networking break

Panel: Digital twin strategies 2025

As the digital twin concept gains maturity, many tier 1 projects in the region are executing a digital twin strategy. This session reviews the latest digital twin strategy developments and use-case scenarios in mega projects from construction to operations and customer experience.

Asim Rehmani, Manager- BIM & VDC, Dubai Holding Real Estate

Aqeel Bafadel, VP - Smart City & Innovation, KAFD

Kendall Wilson, Senior Manager, Digital Twin, Modon Real Estate

Panel: Building a passport to transform data insights

A building passport monitors and tracks data on buildings, creating a comprehensive life cycle repository of information. It will be a crucial tool in the future, forming part of the trifecta alongside digital twins and BIM. The passport captures critical details from conception through to operation, playing a significant role in future efforts to track and minimise a building’s environmental footprint. This panel explores whether industry stakeholders have the appetite to create standardised, robust building passports that provide meaningful insights, and avoid them becoming massive dumps of unused and irrelevant data.

Led by:

Dilip Karpoor, Client Director, RMA Advisory

In conversation with:

Alain Waha, Chief Technology Officer, Buro Happold

Dr. Fawaz Alshehri, Senior Director for Architecture Projects Department, The Royal Commission for Riyadh City

Kell Jones, Lecturer in Construction Procurement and Supply Chain Management, The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction UCL

Panel: Revolutionising urban living through true smart cities

As the built environment undergoes rapid digitalisation, we are edging closer to realising true smart communities and cities. The region's giga- and mega-cities will be reliant on the information that smart systems through monitoring will provide, creating safe, secure, and sustainable urban environments. This session explores the pivotal role of technology in enhancing urban living through connected services that integrate building management, city operations, transport and mobility, energy, water and waste management, public safety, cybersecurity, and digital citizen services.

Led by:

Mohamed Misbah, Director, GSI Government and Commercial, Middle East and Africa, Khatib & Alami

In conversation with:

Marwan Abu Ebeid, Digital Construction Lead, Turner Construction – International

Mohamed Ragheb, Chief Development Officer, Azizi Developments

Mohammed Shah, Smart City Director, Knowledge Economic City

Sebastian Miller, Manager of Public Realm, Masdar City

Close of day 2 | Track 2

Awards networking reception | Construction Technology Awards

Awards ceremony | Construction Technology Awards