After visiting Riyadh and attending GITEX 2024 in Dubai with Ontario’s trade mission to the region, here are our thoughts. We showcased Canadian ICT and cybersecurity solutions, highlighting the Middle East’s strong demand for advanced technology. AI advancements dominated the conference, though questions remain about adopters’ readiness to implement foundational AI frameworks. The event also underscored the rapid adoption of smart building and cybersecurity solutions, though companies often prioritize speed over long-term strategy. Overall, GITEX revealed the vast opportunities and the unique challenges in this region, emphasizing the need for well-rounded, collaborative approaches to ensure sustained success.

The article stresses that a foundational OT cybersecurity policy is crucial for any OT cybersecurity program, outlining the scope, assets, risk levels, enforcement processes, compliance requirements, and roles. It highlights the use of industry frameworks for OT and emphasizes the importance of clear communication and adherence across all organizational levels, including vendors.

The PPT triad (People, Processes, Technology) assesses building cybersecurity, emphasizing security frameworks and training to mitigate human error and vulnerabilities in OT systems. Both manufacturers and users must prioritize cybersecurity to effectively manage risks.

Corporations are using Blockchain for efficiency and cost reduction across industries. Its ledger system enhances processes like tenant billing and equipment tracking in real estate. Despite early adoption, wider use is expected to increase its benefits.

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are crucial for modern buildings, offering intelligent control. The industry has shifted to BACnet for communication, but underutilization is common due to construction practices. The 2016 BACnet update emphasizes IT understanding, and cross-training is essential for BAS efficiency.

Smart wearable devices like watches and fitness bands are popular for health monitoring but are not widely used in building automation for HVAC control due to challenges like thermal comfort subjectivity and data privacy concerns. Despite advancements, widespread adoption and privacy issues remain hurdles for BAS designers.

Dimax, a company specializing in building automation, emphasizes the importance of BAS in maintaining building comfort and efficiency. They work closely with building operations teams, using live BAS data to ensure optimal performance. Common issues they encounter include uncalibrated sensors, faulty actuators, loss of BAS connection, manual operation, and faulty connections. These issues can lead to inefficiencies, equipment damage, and occupant discomfort, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and operation of BAS.

BGIS hosted 'An Inspired Future' event to raise awareness on climate change's impact, urging corporate responsibility and sustainable practices. Rifkin advocated for an economic shift to renewable energy, lateral scaling, and IoT integration for improved productivity and reduced emissions, highlighting buildings as key nodes in this transformation.

Building operators now have more diverse responsibilities including HVAC systems, BAS controls, and energy management due to technological advancements. They must also navigate complex green technologies and energy-saving programs, often requiring specialized expertise and training. The aging workforce poses a challenge, with many operators nearing retirement, highlighting the need for effective knowledge transfer and training programs for the next generation.