Bajric Sanel
Ph.D. Economics & Computer Science
Personal Insights into the Revolution of Smart Buildings: Implementing IoT Solutions in Dubai Business Centre

As technology permeates every facet of our lives, it leaves an indelible mark on the way we perceive and interact with our surroundings. In line with this transformative shift, my team and I embarked on an exciting journey to change the face of Dubai Business Centre by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the building’s very infrastructure.
Setting the Stage:
The realm of IoT is vast, revolutionizing everything from building construction to habitation and management. The central idea was to use IoT data to make informed decisions optimizing the experience for occupants, staff, and management. By enhancing asset optimization, improving facilities management, and strengthening occupant safety, smarter buildings could streamline business processes and bolster profits.
Integrating IoT into Infrastructure:
Our journey began with the crucial task of building IoT connectivity into the fabric of the business centre. Building Information Modeling (BIM), green buildings, and intelligent prefabrication, which are revolutionizing design and construction, played vital roles in this phase. Our goal was to incorporate IoT connectivity right from the onset, laying the groundwork for the intelligent transformation of the building.
In this phase, building systems and component manufacturers, architects, and civil engineers collaborated intensively. Together, we ensured that the building’s design supported the seamless integration of IoT devices and systems, setting the stage for the subsequent stages of our project.
Operational Efficiency through Predictive Maintenance:
With the IoT-enabled infrastructure in place, our focus shifted to optimizing operations. We connected facilities using IoT devices to gather data on various building operations like HVAC systems, elevators, lighting, and security systems. This real-time data, combined with advanced analytics, allowed us to predict potential equipment failures and perform preventative maintenance.
By preventing downtime, we reduced maintenance costs, enhanced safety, and improved sustainability. This streamlined approach to facilities management was welcomed by financial managers, facility managers, and maintenance crews who now had a comprehensive, centralized platform for corporate real estate transactions and capital projects.
Enhancing Occupant Experience:
The final frontier of our project was the occupants – the people whose lives we sought to improve through our smart building initiative. We set out to transform their experience by delivering new features and services. These included AI assistants that catered to occupants’ needs, weather alerts that informed them of local climatic conditions, and location-specific safety insights that enhanced their sense of security within the building.
Product developers and manufacturers of connected building systems and components collaborated closely with us to realize these user-centric goals. Together, we developed bespoke solutions that greatly enriched the occupants’ experience and made the Dubai Business Centre a truly smart building.
Reflections and Future Prospects:
Reflecting on the journey, my team and I feel immense pride in the transformation we brought to the Dubai Business Centre. The journey was challenging, yet immensely rewarding. We witnessed firsthand the transformative power of IoT in the realm of building infrastructure. The realization that our efforts have tangibly improved the experiences of the building’s occupants, staff, and management is fulfilling.
Looking ahead, we envisage numerous opportunities to continue enhancing the smart building initiative. With advancements in AI, Big Data, and IoT technology, we see the potential for more granular data collection, improved predictive analytics, and even more personalized services for occupants.
Our work at the Dubai Business Centre serves as a testimony to the promise of smart buildings. It also underscores the integral role of IoT in paving the way towards a future where buildings aren’t just physical structures, but intelligent entities that enhance our lives in myriad ways.