ZONE 01
Leadership
Conference
Conference
Strategic keynotes, market insights and executive discussions featuring the leaders shaping the future direction of the industry.
21 October 2026 | Habtoor Grand JBR, Dubai
Shaping the Future of Digital Construction
Connecting developers, consultants, contractors and technology organisations
driving the next era of digital construction
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
250+
Industry Leaders
100+
Senior Decision-Makers
200+
Executive Introductions Facilitated
Supporting Organisations
ZONE 02
Executive
Connect Lounge
Connect Lounge
A dedicated space for curated introductions and pre-arranged meetings connecting senior decision-makers and industry stakeholders.
ZONE 03
Private
Roundtables
Roundtables
Invitation-only discussions enabling industry leaders to address key challenges, share perspectives and identify future opportunities.
ZONE 04
Leadership
Lunch
Lunch
An exclusive networking experience bringing together senior executives, speakers and influential leaders in a private setting.
ZONE 05
Exhibition Area
A dedicated space for delegates to experience new and innovative construction solutions and technology in-person.
Zone Layout
About the
Summit
Construction remains a key growth engine for economies across the Middle East but despite many stakeholders moving forward in terms of their investments and use of technology, the segment as a whole remains one of the least digitised major sectors globally. Beyond the technology, the professionals driving and using this technology is equally as important. There too, with recent regional geopolitical issues, the talent gap that existed before has grown, and has been further complicated by questions about the underlying infrastructure, whether it is a data centre or a localised support system.
The 2026 edition of the Digital Construction Summit is convening companies and professionals from across the region to discuss challenges, outline solutions and discuss all-new technology that has the potential to transform project planning and delivery in the region.
About the
Agenda
The Digital Construction Summit’s agenda will shine a spotlight on new construction technology, existing and new challenges, and real world opportunities where construction technology can truly deliver a transformative impact on projects.
Through engaging panel discussions, insightful presentations and fireside chats, delegates will gain valuable perspectives into the challenges, opportunities and best practices in the digital construction space.
Exclusive
Executive Connect Programme
The Programme is designed to connect industry professionals, decision-makers, solution providers and key stakeholders through curated introductions and targeted engagement.
By facilitating pre-arranged meetings and valuable conversations, the programme helps participants build relationships, identify opportunities and maximise the value of their time at the event.
About the
Executive Connect Programme
Provides partners with a structured approach to building relationships with relevant industry stakeholders.
HOW IT WORKS?
01
Tell us Who You Want to Meet
During registration, attendees and partners identify their priorities, interests and who they would like to connect with.
02
We Curate the Connections
Our team reviews requirements and facilitates relevant introductions between attendees, partners and stakeholders.
03
Meet During the Event
Dedicated meeting areas and scheduled introductions create focused conversations with the people who matter.
For Attendees
Why Participate?
- Connect with senior industry professionals
- Discover new solutions and opportunities
- Build relationships beyond traditional networking
- Meet organisations aligned with your priorities
- Maximise your time at the event
For Partners
Generate Leads & ROI
- Curated introductions
- Pre-arranged meetings
- Access to decision-makers
- Increased engagement with target audiences
- Opportunity development beyond the event
The Event
Agenda + Schedule
AI in Construction:
Belief vs. Reality
AI has been the ‘in-thing’ in construction for the last few years and despite it gaining maturity and delivering tangible results across different applications, many companies and professionals still tend to use the technology mainly in low-risk functions such as admin and estimation. In many cases, complex construction workflows remain unchanged but, with investments into AI increasing, and as the technology continues to deliver a solid commercial track record, it’s perhaps time for companies to take a bigger leap into this technology.
Safety
Tech
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries globally, however this is one area where technology can make a big difference and significantly move the needle in terms of reducing injuries and fatalities on jobsites. Proximity sensors, smart helmets and vests, wearables, AI-powered cameras, drones, robots and automation, powerful digital twins, and structural sensors can significantly improve safety on active jobsites.
The Digital Construction
Talent Gap
Across the Middle East companies have gone on record highlighting a distinct lack of specialised talent with regards to digital project delivery, modern construction technology etc. With more construction companies prioritising digital transformation and the use of digital construction solutions, the talent gap has been a long-standing challenge and has been compounded more recently by recent regional geopolitical events. As digital-forward projects and government mandates push for the use of technology in projects, addressing the talent gap is a top priority.
Robust Support
& Infrastructure
While flashy digital construction technology usually grabs spotlights, the underlying support systems and infrastructure is perhaps just as important. From a support standpoint, digital construction failures are primarily caused by human-related issues – technology adoption and its use struggles without training and field support, actual IT support is also critical for local and remote locations, and crucially, downtime due to local or regional system unavailability – such as a data centre going offline – can be an expensive challenge.
Networking
09:00
Delegate registration and networking
Doors open for registration, snacks and networking outside the main hall.
INTRODUCTION
09:45
MC event introduction and welcome
Welcome to the 2026 Digital Construction Summit, event mechanics and what’s lined up for the day.
Welcome
10:00
Welcome Speech
CPI Trade Media’s Jason Saundalkar welcomes speakers and delegates to the summit and discusses the event’s key themes and focuses.
First Panel Discussion
10:30
AI in Construction – A Reality Check
Moderator to be announced
Confirmed Speakers
Farhan Mohamed
Hamzeh Nawar
Hichem Troudi
Howard McDonagh
Juan Tena Florez
Mohammad Alfaour
Second Panel Discussion
12:00
Keeping up with Tech & Closing the Talent Gap
Moderator
Cristina Savian
Confirmed Speakers
Ahmed Yousif
Fady Kobersy
Noora Sibaa
Rudy Riachy
More speakers to be confirmed
Second Presentation
12:45
Presentation
Speaker
Ahmed Yousif
Lead BIM Managers – Head of Digital Delivery
Hill International
Third Panel Discussion
14:10
The Reality of Robotics
Moderator to be announced
Confirmed Speakers
Dr. Anas Bataw
Dr. Raffi Tchakerian
Hussein Elkashef
More speakers to be confirmed
Event Wrap-up
15:10
MC closing remarks
Thank you for attending the 2026 Digital Construction Summit.
Why Attend a CPI Trade Media
Conference?
Discover the ultimate combination of expert guidance, high-quality networking and exclusive insight into the regional industry’s latest trends; connect with likeminded industry professionals over a full day conference.
Why
Sponsor?
Raise your brand profile, establish yourself as a thought leader, be noticed, make connections, and utilise the platform to encourage new business and empower your teams to generate new collaborations. Secure your participation by contacting us now.
7 Reasons to
Attend
1/
Expand your network
2/
Gain industry insights
3/
Unified team Vision
4/
Gain expertise from
experts
5/
Learning opportunities
6/
Inspiration and motivation
7/
Collaboration and
partnerships
7 Benefits of
Sponsorship
1/
Industry leadership
2/
Strategic brand positioning
3/
Speaker thought leadership
4/
Targeted marketing and exposure
5/
Product/Service Promotion
6/
Solve Problems with Solution Providers
7/
Media Exposure
2026
Speakers
Hear from influential professionals and decision-makers sharing insights, expertise and experiences that are shaping the future of the industry.
Our speaker faculty brings together leaders from across the ecosystem to discuss emerging trends, address key challenges and explore opportunities driving innovation, collaboration and growth.
Complimentary
Register now
Total
Your Delegate Badge
Badge Preview
Your final badge will be generated once your registration
is complete.
Name
Designation
Company Name
DELEGATE
How it works?
Step 1 – Register Your Attendance
Complete your registration details.
Step 2 – Share Your Preferences
Share your role, organisation, interests and who you would like to connect with.
Step 3 – We Curate the Connections
Our team reviews attendee profiles and identifies relevant introductions with industry stakeholders.
Step 4 – Receive your Executive Connect Opportunities
Approved connections and meeting opportunities will be shared ahead of the event.
Step 5 – Connect at the Summit
Meet industry leaders through dedicated networking sessions and the Executive Connect Zone.
How to
Participate
Join the Industry Conversation. Connect with industry leaders, decision-makers and professionals shaping the future of the sector. Attend strategic discussions, participate in curated introductions, exchange insights and create valuable relationships through thought leadership, networking opportunities and direct engagement with key stakeholders.
Do you Qualify for
Free Registration
Admission is complimentary for qualified industry professionals.
Register your interest today and complete your profile to access the Executive Connect Programme.
Register your interest today and complete your profile to access the Executive Connect Programme.
Summit
Date & Time
21 October 2026, 9am – 3pm
Summit
Venue
Habtoor Grand JBR, Dubai, UAE
Get In Touch
Contact us
Content & Speakers
Jason Saundalkar
Editorial Director
+971 4 375 5475
jason.s@cpitrademedia.com
Clayton Aldo Vallabhan
Deputy Editor, Construction
+971 4 375 5498
clayton.aldo@cpitrademedia.com
Partnerships
Raz Islam
Managing Director
+971 4 375 5471
raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com
Marketing
Phinson Mathew George
Director of Marketing & Media Operations
+971 4 375 5476
phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com
Sponsors & Partners
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNER
RIB
Support PARTNER
Accienta
Support PARTNER
CADD Emirates
Support PARTNER
DuPod
Support PARTNER
ECC
Support PARTNER
Mott MacDonald
Support PARTNER
OpenSpace
Support PARTNER
Topcon
Support PARTNER
Trimble
Exhibitor
Al Fajer Trading
MEDIA PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNER
Big Project ME
MEDIA PARTNER
ME Consultant
MEDIA PARTNER
ME Construction News
ORGANISED BY
CPI Trade Media
Supporting Organisation
Previous Events
Video archive
View the event highlights, the panels and the keynote from the last event.