Masdar City at WFES 2025

10:30 AM – 11:10 AM

Title: Self-Sufficient Cities 

Format: Panel

Can cities become truly self-sufficient, managing their needs for energy, food, farming, water, etc. In which case, what are the sweet spots to aspire to in a given region? If true self-sufficiency is not possible, what aspects of self-sufficiency can be achieved? And should the focus be on economic growth, societal growth or the environment?

Speakers: 

• Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development, Masdar City
• Dr. Ioannis Spanos, Vice President of Sustainability, Expo City Dubai
• Camilo Cerro, Professor of Architecture and Interior Design, American University of Sharjah
• Senior representative, Dubai Holding

Moderator: Omnia Halawani, Co-CEO & Founder, GRFN

Title: Prioritizing Quality of Life: Beyond Wellness to Sustainable Living

Format: Panel

Many people talk about wellness, but that is one small part of the larger concept of quality of life. It covers more than an individual's emotional state, to also include aspects of life improvement, health/care, air quality, infrastructure, services and transport access, safety, nature, education and more. If QoL is intricately linked with sustainable living, what focus should municipalities and governments place on it for buildings, and how can it be integrated better into a person's life as part of a true sustainable city or community policy.

Speakers: 

• Sebastien Miller, Manager of Public Realm, Master Planning, Masdar City
• Mohammad Khan, Smart City Advisor, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi
• Rami Zaatari, Sustainability and Public Policy Advisor – Scottish Local Governments, University of Glasgow
• Omnia Halawani, Co-CEO & Founder, GRFN

Moderator: Festa Isufi, Senior Urban Strategist, Gehl

02:45 PM – 03:15 PM

Title: Technology Insights to High-Functioning Cities

Format: Presentations

Technology and automation are playing a greater role in running buildings, communities and cities. The use of digital twins, automation, sensing technologies, and even augmented and virtual reality and gamification are increasing and providing new insights into both functioning and functionality. In parallel, the evolving role of 5G brings more 'smart' to a city. These presentations will highlight how different technologies are changing the way communities or cities are managed forever.

• Fabian Wong, EV Multi Family Office Venture Partner l Investor, QEV Technologies