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.

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.