Agenda 2025
Conference Hall C
9.00
Arrival and networking
10.00
Keynotes
10.05
Opening Keynote:
Dame Dawn Childs
Chief Executive Officer
Pure Data Centres Group
10.15
Keynote Panel: The rise of AI-ready data centres
In today's era of intelligent computing, AI ready data centres are revolutionising digital infrastructure. Built from the ground up using advanced engineering, these centres leverage cutting-edge liquid cooling systems, ultra-high-power capacities, and hybrid architecture to support the demands of AI-driven applications and next-generation chipsets. This discussion will explore the infrastructure and technology requirements for an AI-ready versus a traditional data centre and challenges to consider when planning scalable, agile, and reliable AI ecosystems that power tomorrow’s digital innovations.
Led by:
Nsaaim Al-Otaibi
Director of Artificial Intelligence
Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia
In conversation with:
Amer Al Ajmi
Executive Vice President
Alfanar Projects
Felix Wass
Chief Executive Officer
Detasad
Mohammed Aljuaib
Chief Technology Officer
Aramco Ventures
Zainab Alamin
Vice President of National Digital Transformation
Microsoft
10.50
Panel: Are data centres mission-critical in the age of the cloud?
As digital infrastructure expands, this discussion explores if every industry needs a dedicated data centre, or if the cloud can meet evolving demands. With technology progress outpacing deployment timelines, should data classifications be revisited, redefining what’s truly mission-critical? Not all information requires ultra-high availability, so is the pursuit of “five nines” uptime still relevant, or has it become an outdated ideal in an era dominated by gaming, social media, and crypto? This discussion looks at the trade-offs, opportunities, and policy choices shaping the future of data centres.
Led by:
Mohamed Elgendi
Principal Director - Cloud Transformation Leader
KPMG Saudi Arabi
In conversation with:
Hassan Alharbi
Chief Technology Officer
Sahb Finance Company
Majed Alangari
Head of Engineering: cloud and Infrastructure
Salam Mobile
11.25
Panel: The future of digital Infrastructure in KSA
Saudi Arabia’s Cloud-first policy for government departments is fuelling a data centre expansion in the kingdom, as they shift from on-prem solutions. This panel explores what is behind the decision, and the impact it is having on cloud use and data centre planning. With AI a critical requirement, the panel explores how to ensure a cloud approach becomes a scalable, cost-effective approach for both the private and public sector, if the country's tech infrastructure is ready for the flexibility that 'as a service' models demand, and the importance of clear regulations to guide decisions.
Led by:
Mohammed Shah
Smart City Director
Knowledge Economic City
In conversation with:
Ahmed Al-Amer
Director of Data Management
Zain KSA
Hazem Awni Jarrar
Chief Technology Officer
King Faisal Foundation
Himmath Mohammed
Chief Information Officer
Gulf Data Hub
Khaled Ali
Program Director Applications Projects Delivery
solutions by stc
Sultan Moraished
Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence
Red Sea Global
12.05
Networking break
12.30
Presentation: Resilient by design: The future of colocation and disaster recovery
Resilience is no longer a contingency plan, it is the foundation of digital leadership. This session invites leaders to reimagine infrastructure for strength, adaptability, and trust in an era defined by disruption. It explores the transformative role of colocation as more than a safe haven for workloads, it is the strategic backbone of continuity, sustainability, and innovation. Attendees will learn how visionary organizations can design inherently resilient infrastructures, ensuring not just survival, but enduring success in the digital future.
Jihad Nehme
Chief Business Development Officer
Edarat Group
12.40
Reserved
12.50
Panel: Redefining Design & Build for Scalable, AI-Ready Data Centres
The explosive growth of AI and high-performance computing is transforming the way data centres are designed, built, and scaled. Traditional design models are no longer sufficient to meet the unprecedented demands of AI workloads—dense power, advanced cooling, low-latency connectivity, and sustainability must now converge with scalability from day one. This session explores how forward-thinking design and build approaches are redefining the future of data centres to be both scalable and AI-ready.
Led by:
Ramachandra Nimbargi
Head – Data Centre (Design), International
Larsen & Toubro
In conversation with:
AbdelSalam Shqair
Director Data Centres Operations
Ezditek
Andrew Rampton
Industry Transformation Leader
Procore
Baraa Abu Eid
Senior Director - Data Centres Design
Edgnex Data Centres by DAMAC
Hussein Sheikh Saleh
Chief Data Center and ACI Architect
Confidential
Mohamed Mohie El Din
Electrical Section Manager, Dar International for Engineering Consultancy Senior Representative
Khazna
13.30
Fireside talk: From Build Once to Build to Scale: Modular, Mobile and Prefabrication for Next-Gen Data Centres
The old “build once” approach to data centres can’t keep up with the fast-changing demands of cloud, AI, and high-density workloads. Today’s operators need facilities that scale quickly, adapt easily, and deliver capacity faster—without losing reliability or efficiency. This session looks at the move to “build to scale” models, using modular design, prefabrication, and new construction methods to support phased growth and speed. Experts will share how these strategies cut delivery time, boost quality, and create more resilient, sustainable data centres.
In conversation with:
Mostafa Kandil
Head of Division
Innovo Tech
13.50
Presentation: Every day counts: Digital strategies to prevent million-dollar delays
In data centre projects, every lost day costs millions — and the biggest delays aren’t in construction, but in outdated tools and workflows. This session shows how digital platforms, automation, and AI scheduling turn risk into certainty, with real case studies from major builds.
Deepak Mani
Partner, Project Infinity Solutions - subsidiary of
Image Grafix
14.00
Lunch and networking
15.00
Fireside talk: Hyperscale vs. edge data centres: Finding the balance
As data demands grow, hyperscale and edge data centres play vital roles in shaping digital infrastructure. Hyperscale facilities provide massive scalability for cloud and AI, while edge centres enable low-latency computing for IoT and smart cities. This discussion will explore their benefits, challenges, and how businesses can optimise performance by integrating both models in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Led by:
Muneer Al-Rawas
Senior Account Director - Cloud, Data & AI
ZainTECH
In conversation with:
Ahmad Al Malla
Data Center Principal
Integrated Dawiyat
Sameer Joshi
Director Information Technology Services
Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO)
15.20
Presentation: Digital twin standards for data centres: Benchmarking maturity & integration
Explore a standardised framework to measure data centre digital twin sophistication - from physical-digital convergence and predictive performance to lifecycle integration and real-time synchronisation. See how benchmarking maturity can accelerate operational efficiency and technology adoption in mission-critical facilities.
Kendall Wilson
Digital Twin Expert
UAE
15.30
Fireside talk: Navigating Saudi regulations for secure data centres
This session explores the evolving regulatory landscape shaping data centres in the Kingdom. We'll examine key legal frameworks, compliance challenges, and their impact on providers, cloud services, and operations. Our discussion will provide insight into the obstacles and opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment, helping stakeholders strategically align their operations in a rapidly advancing digital era.
Amjad Hafez
Chief Executive Officer
NourNet
15.40
Fireside talk: Cybersecurity in Cloud environments
With the Cloud expected to meet stringent mandates set by Saudi regulators, this discussion will examine how providers ensure compliance to securely host government bodies and other high-security entities. Discussion topics include robust security frameworks, risk management strategies, and the debate on whether data centres are inherently critical or if their importance varies by usage. The discussion will offer actionable ways to enhance security and ensure resilient data centre operations in today’s interconnected digital landscape.
Led by:
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khurram
Professor of Cybersecurity
King Saud University
In conversation with:
Abdulkarim Alsowaygh
Cybersecurity GRC Expert
KSA
Abdulrahman Almazroua
Director Cybersecurity
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH)
16.00
Presentation: Smart Actuation for Efficient Datacentre Cooling
The session will shed some light on the importance of efficient cooling within datacenters, importance of data visibility at operator level, predictive maintenance feature and how smart actuation helps optimize cooling process and offers provision for energy saving.
Ahmad Marzouk
Regional Technical Manager
Crane
16.10
Panel: Balancing sustainability and energy for low carbon data centres
In today’s digital landscape, data centres face surging energy demands that challenge both operational efficiency and green targets. This panel explores how to blend conventional power sources with clean energy to meet client sustainability expectations whilst also ensuring energy reliability. We will ask if the scale of new data centres means it has become unrealistic to expect them to be 100% renewable energy, and therefore what options are available for different sized facilities through hyperscale.
In conversation with:
Mohammed Al-Shiekh
Chief Technology Officer
DEMA Energy
Mohammed Dighriri
General Director of Environmental Data Center
National Center for Environmental Compliance
Samira Nikzad
Project Development Director
DataVolt
16.50
Close
Conference Room A
12.30
Talk: Redefining the value chain through MMC
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are redefining how value is created and delivered across the built environment. By combining digital design, off-site manufacturing, and integrated project delivery, MMC is breaking traditional silos to accelerate timelines, cut waste, and raise quality standards. This session highlights how shifting to an industrialised approach transforms the entire value chain—enabling smarter collaboration, scalable efficiency, and more resilient outcomes for the Kingdom’s ambitious projects.
Julien Bachschmidt
Senior Technical Manager
Dassault Systèmes
Ali Alkhalifa
Client Executive
Dassault Systèmes
12.40
Panel: Unlocking the potential of modular construction from niche to national scale
Where giga-projects, rapid urbanisation and mega-event deadlines are driving unprecedented construction volume, modular building offers a powerful solution to overcome labor, logistics and time constraints. It has proven its value globally in delivering speed, efficiency and waste reduction, but to realise full potential beyond data centers and supporting infrastructure in the Kingdom, a broader mind shift is required. This session explores what must happen to accelerate the adoption of modular construction at scale—from regulatory alignment and industry readiness to standards, cost acceptance and end-user perception.
In conversation with:
Dr. Hassan Alassafi
Construction and Engineering General Manager
National Housing Company
Hussam Ali
Director of MMC
ROSHN
Mansour Faried
Chief Engineer
CSCEC Middle East
Senior Representative of Amana
13.15
Reserved Amana13.50
13.25
Talk: DfMA in action: Why design can't chase construction
In a world racing to build faster, smarter, and more sustainably, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is emerging as a cornerstone of modern construction. But with this promise comes a critical shift in mindset: construction and design can no longer happen in parallel. This session presents a case study of a recent DfMA-driven project where success hinged on one non-negotiable principle—early design finalisation. Learn how the team navigated the cultural, technical, and contractual shifts needed to lock down information early and avoid the cost and chaos of late-stage changes.
Oliver Brooks
Head of DfMA
Wates
13.40
Reserved Vrex
13.50
Networking lunch
15.00
Panel: Breaking silos: Supercharging ERPs for total project delivery
As the construction and development sector accelerates its digital transformation, the next big challenge isn’t just implementing digital tools—it’s integrating them. From estimation to project controls and document workflow, many critical operational functions are nonnative to traditional ERP ecosystems, leading to inefficiencies, silos, and missed opportunities. Discover how forward-thinking organisations are redefining what an ERP can do by seamlessly integrating the full spectrum of project delivery functions weaving them into a unified, industry-modern ERP platform.
Led by:
Shadi Al-Ghanim
Chief Technology Officer
Al Ayuni Investment and Contracting Co.
In conversation with:
Amin Aljaber
Chief Information Officer
Nesma & Partners
Fady Sleiman
Chief Information Officer
Al Bawani
Jeff Weiss
Chief Revenue Officer
CMiC
Reda Bin Abdoun
Information Technology Director
Ajdan Real Estate Development
15.30
Panel: Generative AI beyond chat bots
As AI becomes more structured and intuitive, most major companies are embedding dedicated frameworks and strategies to explore how Generative AI can benefit their business and leverage existing data for the best use-cases. But minimal applications beyond chat bots exist in the market and integration with existing ecosystems still poses a challenge. With the Kingdom investing heavily in Gen AI, this session explores the state of Gen AI applications and the associated integration and data challenges.
In conversation with:
Khalid Alzahrani
Masterplan Design Director
Government Confidential
Abdullah Alsalem
Information Technology Director
Soudah Development
Husain Buhwaid
Senior Development Director
Misk City
Ismail Azam
Former Head of Construction Technology and Applications
NEOM
Mike Soldan
Vice President - Global Strategic Services
Egnyte
Naser AlAbeedi
Digital Transformation Director
Rua Al Madinah
Case studies: AI beyond chat bots
16.00
AI in progress control
From dashboards to decision-making, AI is turning raw progress data into actionable foresight that keeps complex projects on track.
Akram Nour
Chief Digital Officer
Misk Foundation
16.10
Predictive AI for operational efficiency in mixed-use buildings
By learning building behavior, predictive AI is reshaping how mixed-use spaces run—cutting waste, reducing costs, and elevating occupant experience.
Wissam Hijazi
Vice President Innovation & Smart Building Solutions - MENA
EllisDon
16.20
Generative AI in portfolio risk & dispute management
When risks escalate or disputes emerge, generative AI steps in as a strategic partner—spotting issues early and supporting fair, data-driven resolutions.
Vladimir Milovanović
CEO & Co-Founder
Lupa Technology
16.30
Parametric intelligence: A new era in project scheduling
Schedules are no longer static; parametric intelligence creates living, data-rich timelines that adjust instantly to change and uncertainty.
Petros Zouzoulas
Director of Technology Advancements
Parsons
16.40
Scaling private AI for project & portfolio efficiency
How private AI streamlines document management to deliver instant insights, saving time and boosting efficiency across the design and portfolio phases
Arsen Safaryan
Director Digital Project Delivery (BIM & GIS)
Saudi Entertainment Ventures
16.50
AI in site safety
Hard hats meet smart data—AI surveillance and analytics are redefining site safety by predicting hazards before they become accidents
Ramy Abdelwahab
Technology Hub & AI Solutions Director
NMDC
17.00
Close of conference
18.30
Construction Technology Awards Networking Reception
19.00
Construction Technology Awards
Conference Room B
12.30
Fireside chat: Designing with purpose: What to embed early in BIM for end-to-end efficiency
In Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving construction landscape – efficiency, sustainability, and digital delivery are no longer optional. This session explores key data and design considerations that must be embedded into Building Information Modeling (BIM) from the earliest stages to optimise the entire lifecycle of built assets. BIM done right starts early. Embedding the right data and design thinking from the concept phase ensures a smarter, more constructible, and maintainable built environment—delivering on Vision 2030’s promise through digital precision.
Led by:
Hilal Assfour
Associate Director - Digital
Turner & Townsend
In conversation with:
Youssry Salman
Digital Construction Director
Binladin Group
12.50
Panel: Closing the Capex | Opex data gap for digital asset management – the next vital frontier for mega projects
Globally there is still a clear disconnect between data created during construction and data required for smart and green operations, with asset operators often starting from scratch or undergoing huge data reorganisation between phases and projects. The ability to harness data streams created from concept to delivery and ensure consistent operations is the next frontier for major projects but still faces major challenges. Hear how these organisations are attempting to close the gap by collecting data in the construction phase that can be used for operational benefit.
Led by:
In conversation with:
Amr Saad
Projects Digitalisation Executive Director
Osool Real Estate
John Seed
Group Director, Strategy & Development
Dar Al Riyadh Consulting
Lee Miles
General Manager
Procore
Nathan Seldon
Vice President
TENDERD
Theofanis Fanourakis
Digital Design & Delivery Director
Diriyah Company
13.25
Presentation: A mind of their own: Moving towards intelligent & autonomous digital twins
Digital twins are transforming how construction and real estate professionals plan, design, and manage built environments. But today’s digital twins largely remain reactive—mirroring physical assets and responding to human input. The next leap is autonomy: intelligent digital twins capable of independent learning, decision-making, and predictive action. Explore how AI, IoT and real-time data integration are enabling digital twins to move beyond visualisation into self-optimising systems that can anticipate needs, autonomously manage operations, and even negotiate across networks of assets.
Wassim Ghadban
Senior Vice President, Digital & AI
Kent
13.35
Panel: From Buildings to Cities: Scaling Digital Twins to the urban level
While building-level digital twins are already transforming construction and real estate, the next frontier is city-level twins: dynamic, data-rich models that represent entire urban ecosystems. These city-scale twins integrate infrastructure, utilities, mobility, and real estate into a single intelligent system—providing city leaders, developers, and investors with unprecedented insight into how urban environments function and evolve.
This session explores how city-level digital twins are being developed and deployed and how they can simulate urban growth, optimise infrastructure investment, improve sustainability, and enhance citizen well-being.
Led by:
Engin Togrulca
Head of Asset Management
RAFAL Real Estate Development Company
In conversation with:
Jatin Lad
Lead Smart Cities and Digital Twin
Ardara – PIF
Mohyeddine Al-Khatib
Manager
Khatib & Alami
14.10
Networking lunch
| Day 2: Thursday, 01 May, 2025 | ||
| Track 2 | ||
| Track 2 | Hall B | ||
| 10.00 | Opening |
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| 10.05 | 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. Led by: Cristina Savian, CEO and Founder, BE-WISE In conversation with: Amr El Etreby, Managing Director of Project Management and Cost Consultancy, Land Sterling Anastasios Dimas, Regional Technology Director ME, AtkinsRéalis Claire Huhes Munro, Chair, UAE Regional Advisory Board, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Dana Al Mahmoud Nahas, Corporate Technical Director, Trojan Construction Group Garry Murray, Community Management Expert |
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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. |
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| 10.50 | Success story: Construction monitoring, cycle time and carbon reduction Roger Wahl, Chief Technology Officer, Innovo |
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| 11.05 | Success story: From static models to living twins: keeping your digital twin alive and aligned Wissam Hijazi, VP Innovation - MENA, EllisDon |
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| 11.20 | Success story: Seamless integration in sales to asset management Sunder Jagannathan, Co-founder | CEO, PropVR |
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| 11.35 | Success story: Driving efficiency from BIM to boardroom: Scaling intelligence across urban infrastructure Zubran Solaiman, Director, Industry Strategy Cities, Bentley Systems |
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| 11.50 | Morning networking break |
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| 12.15 | 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. Led by: Wissam Hijazi, VP Innovation - MENA, EllisDon In conversation with: Andrew Bevan, Technical Director - Head of Digital Solutions EMEA, Parsons Corporation Aqeel Bafadel, VP - Smart City & Innovation, KAFD Asim Rehmani, Manager- Business Transformation, DHRE, Dubai Holding Real Estate Jatin Lad, Lead - Smart Cities & Digital Twin, Ardara - PIF Kendall Wilson, Senior Manager, Digital Twin, Modon Real Estate |
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| 13.00 | 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, Digital Services, Middle East & Africa, Khatib & Alami In conversation with: Marwan Abu Ebeid, Digital Construction Lead, Turner Construction – International Mohammed Shah, Smart City Director, Knowledge Economic City Sebastien Miller, Manager of Public Realm, Masdar City |
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| 13.30 | Close of day 2 | Track 2 |
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| 14.00 | Awards networking reception | Construction Technology Awards |
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| 15.00 | Awards ceremony | Construction Technology Awards |
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