Experts to Discuss Smart Building Cybersecurity at Light + Intelligent Building ME

As smart cities transform urban living with connected technologies, the need for robust cybersecurity has become more critical than ever. This pressing issue will be addressed at the Smart Building Summit, part of Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, taking place from January 14-16. Industry experts will explore how to secure smart buildings and homes in an increasingly digital world.

Smart buildings are integral to the Middle East’s push for sustainable, technologically advanced cities. According to a recent Business Wire report, the smart building market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to reach $23.31 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.6% from 2020 to 2027.

Now in its third edition, the Smart Building Summit gathers top technology firms, government leaders, and industry professionals to discuss the future of intelligent buildings. The summit serves as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

On the summit’s opening day, Dr. Hossam Elshenraki, Professor of Cyber Crime Investigation and Head of the Police Management Department at the Dubai Police Academy, will moderate a key panel on cybersecurity in smart buildings. The discussion will feature insights from Kenneth Okai, Building IT Infrastructure Unit Head at Louvre Abu Dhabi; Maher Al Kaabi, Independent Board Member at Al Serkal Group; and Mohannad Salam, Regional Lead – Smart Cities Advisory Middle East at AtkinsRéalis. These experts will explore how adopting a security-by-design approach can mitigate risks linked to the integration of smart city technologies.

Al Kaabi highlighted, “Smart cities rely heavily on data and remote access, making them vulnerable to cloud-based attacks. During the summit, I will stress the importance of integrating security from the design phase itself.”

On day three, Dr. Nader Ghazal, Chairman of the African-Asian Council for AI & Cybersecurity, will present on “Navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape in smart buildings and homes.” His session will focus on how the rise of smart buildings, driven by IoT and automation, has created new vulnerabilities and how to address them. Dr. Ghazal will discuss strategies for combating cyber-attacks such as data breaches and ransomware, emphasizing advanced cybersecurity measures in intelligent environments.

Dr. Ghazal noted, “With our increasing reliance on technology, the risk of cyber-attacks grows. However, AI and digital solutions are key in mitigating these threats. Effective strategies include strong authentication, regular updates, network segmentation, data encryption, and user education.”

The event also features the THINKLIGHT conference, which brings together lighting professionals to exchange ideas under the theme “Building commonality through culture, creativity, and community.” InSpotLight will showcase cutting-edge innovations in lighting technology and industry standards.

Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, now in its 18th edition, is the region’s premier event for lighting and building technology. Co-located with Intersec, it creates the MENA region’s largest

trade fair for building services and will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Za’abeel Halls 1-4.