Johnson Controls opens regional OpenBlue Workplace in Dubai
UAE - Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions, has announced the regional launch of OpenBlue Workplace, a core solution within its comprehensive OpenBlue digital platform.
OpenBlue Workplace is an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) and Facility Maintenance platform that helps organisations optimise real estate performance through intelligent space utilisation, asset management, workplace planning, and people-centric design.
It offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities to enhance operational agility and strategic decision-making, while integrating seamlessly with the broader OpenBlue ecosystem, including sensor-driven insights and smart building technologies, said the statement from Johnson Controls.
The debut in the UAE marks a strategic expansion into the Middle East, positioning Dubai as a launch hub for scalable workplace innovation, it stated.
According to Grand View Research, the Middle East and Africa smart building market was valued at $8.06 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $47.52 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.8%.
This growth signals strong regional demand for connected technologies that drive efficiency, elevate workplace experience, and support long-term sustainability goals, it added.
"Organizations in the Middle East are increasingly looking for ways to improve facility performance while enhancing the overall workplace experience," explained Devrim Tekeli, vice president & general manager, MEA, Johnson Controls.
"By launching OpenBlue Workplace in the UAE, using Dubai as a strategic springboard, we're delivering an advanced, integrated solution that empowers businesses to make smarter decisions across their operations," he noted.
As a modular solution, OpenBlue Workplace is part of a broader ecosystem within the OpenBlue platform, which includes offerings such as OpenBlue Insights, OpenBlue Companion, OpenBlue Net Zero Advisor and Equipment Performance Advisor.
Together, these solutions enable end-to-end transformation of building environments - across energy use, productivity, operations, and occupant wellbeing. Built with cybersecurity and privacy by design, OpenBlue ensures that connected systems and data intelligence remain secure, scalable, and enterprise-ready, said Johnson Controls in its statement.
According to a recent study, clients adopting OpenBlue solutions have reported measurable outcomes, including up to 10% energy savings, 67% reduction in chiller maintenance, 7% rental premiums, a 155% return on investment, and payback periods as short as eight months.
These benefits reinforce OpenBlue Workplace's ability to deliver both immediate value and long-term sustainability gains, it added.
Jamie Cameron, Vice President, Digital Commercial, said: "OpenBlue Workplace is a cornerstone of our vision to transform buildings through intelligent, connected systems. This solution is tailored for a future where adaptability, insight, and occupant-centric design define success. With Dubai leading digital adoption in the region, the UAE is the ideal launchpad."
The launch strengthens Johnson Controls' global mission to reimagine building performance through smart, data-driven platforms that respond to evolving user needs.
"With OpenBlue Workplace, organizations gain a strategic toolset to manage space, people, equipment, and sustainability assets within a unified ecosystem—driving performance today and preparing for tomorrow," he added.
Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: 6 major hotspots to invest in right now, delivering 9% returns
The UAE's real estate sector recorded transactions worth over AED 239 billion (approximately $65 billion) in the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures. Property consultancy Whitewill has identified six locations drawing investor attention during the summer period. According to the analysis, the market favours projects combining lifestyle, location, and financial returns. 1. Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai Creek Harbour continues to generate demand from buyers seeking waterfront properties with access to Downtown Dubai. The development features master-planned waterfront living with green spaces and views of the Dubai Creek Tower. Waterfront apartments in the area start at AED1.45 million, whilst luxury villas exceed AED5 million. The location delivers rental yields between 6 per cent and 6.8 per cent with consistent appreciation rates. The Albero at Green Gate development by AHAD represents a low-rise project within the high-rise zone, offering landscaped privacy and smart layouts designed for end-users. 2. Al Marjan Island Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has experienced increased demand, particularly ahead of the upcoming Wynn Resort development. The resort will transform the area into a hospitality hub with gaming and entertainment facilities. Property prices begin at AED585,000 for apartments, with ultra-luxury homes reaching AED30 million and above. The location provides rental yields of 8 per cent to 9 per cent and above, with some areas recording over 20 per cent year-on-year appreciation. SORA by AARK exemplifies current developments with hotel-style amenities, sea views, and curated interiors. 3. Business Bay Business Bay continues attracting buyers focused on income-generating assets in central Dubai. The area combines proximity to the Dubai International Financial Centre and Downtown Dubai with access to the Dubai Canal. Studios and one to two-bedroom apartments average AED1.4 million, delivering yields between 6 per cent and 7 per cent with strong resale demand. The Waldorf Astoria Residences provides a branded address combining high-end services with practical living standards. 4. Abu Dhabi Yas Island Yas Island in Abu Dhabi draws buyers seeking leisure amenities alongside family appeal and short-stay rental opportunities. The island features theme parks, golf courses, marinas, and cultural attractions within a planned residential setting. Villas average AED 4.5 million, with apartments priced between AED1.2 million and AED3.8 million. Yields remain steady at 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent. The Waldorf Astoria Yas Island offers waterfront living backed by a hospitality brand. 5. Dubai South Dubai South attracts investors seeking affordability aligned with UAE infrastructure development. The location sits near the planned Al Maktoum Airport International Airport expansion, logistics hubs, and Expo 2020 legacy infrastructure. Off-plan units start at AED 800,000, with projected value growth of 15 per cent to 25 per cent by 2030 and rental returns between 6 per cent and 8 per cent. Al Waha in Expo City features a wellness-focused, car-free community design in the innovation hub. 6. Jumeirah Village Circle Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) remains popular with buyers seeking strong yields without compromising lifestyle elements. The area provides rental income and resident satisfaction. Apartments begin at AED 650,000 and entry-level villas at AED 1.6 million, offering yields between 7 per cent and 8.6 per cent. Consistent rental demand makes the district suitable for first-time investors. Havelock Heights by HMB delivers boutique living with rooftop amenities and rental potential. 'While each area is unique, Al Marjan Island and Dubai South hold exceptional long-term promise. The former is becoming the UAE's entertainment capital with hospitality-led growth, while the latter is powered by airport expansion, creating a foundation for sustained capital growth and end-user migration. Both represent early-stage opportunities in rapidly maturing ecosystems—a perfect fit for investors with vision. While Dubai Creek Harbour and Yas Island remain strong lifestyle markets, the real long-term multiplier effect will come from assets in these high-conviction, underpenetrated districts where supply is still limited and strategic government investment is ongoing,' Whitewill said in a statement.
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
UAE Property: ‘I'm worried the seller is unduly delaying my house purchase'
Question: I signed a memorandum of understanding on March 4 for the purchase of a property at Gate Tower, Abu Dhabi. The original agreement was valid for 60 days. However, due to delays in the bank loan process, the seller decided to withdraw from the sale. About a week later, the seller reconsidered and agreed to proceed with the sale. We did not sign a new memorandum of understanding, as advised by the agent handling the transaction. Now, as we are already into the third week of June, certain pending actions remain from the seller and the agent holding the power of attorney. Could you advise what steps I can take to help move the process forward, as the delay is becoming longer than anticipated? My blank cheque as security deposit of 10 per cent of the property price is with the agent. AA, Abu Dhabi Answer: The first thing to point out is that not signing a new written agreement was a bad move because now you are reliant on a verbal agreement, where the parties don't have any legal redress should they fail to fulfil the wishes of all. These delays would worry me because the tide has turned from your side being the one that had issues leading to delays, but now the delay is with the seller. If all parties are in agreement and even at this late stage, I would still urge you to firstly sign an addendum to the expired memorandum of understanding clearly stating the obligations of all parties in order to finalise this sale, after which all parties can work to finish this transaction, assuming all still wish to do so. This is where my concerns are. It's possible that the seller may use this delay to look for another buyer or indeed has one already but just has not informed you yet. I know this is pure speculation, but my experience has shown me that when the seller delays, especially in a rising market, it's because he wants a better deal. I suggest you bring all parties together to agree once and for all if this deal is going ahead because with an expired memorandum of understanding in hand, nobody has any rights. Q: I have a question regarding an office rental situation. If I provide a tenant with a 12-month eviction notice due to the sale of the property, and after the tenant vacates, I later invite them to return but they decline, would I be legally allowed to rent the office to someone else? I recently purchased an office property and understand that the previous owner issued a 12-month eviction notice to the tenant due to the sale of the property. I assume that this eviction notice remains valid under my ownership, just as the lease contract would. Could you confirm if this is correct? Additionally, as the new owner, once the tenant vacates the property, am I permitted to lease it to a new tenant immediately? JL, Dubai A: The outgoing tenant always has the first right of refusal after a forced eviction, so if you re-offer the unit to the outgoing tenant and they are not interested to return, you would need to have this in writing, preferably notarised, after which you can re-let the property again. The reason of the notarised notice is because a landlord technically cannot evict one tenant to then just re-let it out to another. That's why the outgoing tenant has the right of refusal and if they do not exercise that right, you can move forward and re-let the property immediately. Your second point is correct, as long as the eviction notice was sent by notary public and/or registered mail and was for the statutory 12 months' notice, you can use this for your own gain, even if it was sent by the previous owner. This has now been made possible by judges at the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee agreeing that the notice served is transferable when previously it wasn't. Before this law change, you would have had to serve another 12 months' eviction notice to the tenant yourself.
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Top 6 property hotspots to invest in this summer
With the UAE temperature rising, so is the appetite for investors looking for real estate hotspots. The country's real estate market remains active all year‑round — with transactions reaching more than Dh239 billion in the first three months of 2024 alone, and investors looking for projects that combine lifestyle, location, and financial upside. Whitewill, a luxury real estate agency, shared with Khaleej Times a list of strategic locations that have long-term value, vision, and seasonal appeal — from branded beachfront escapes to smart city zones. Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah With more investors prioritising coastal living, Al Marjan Island is experiencing a surge in demand, especially with the upcoming Wynn Resort transforming the area into a hospitality hub. It has direct beachfront access and the rare opportunity to own a branded residence beside a future integrated gaming and entertainment destination. Apartments begin at Dh585,000, with ultra-luxury homes priced up to more than Dh30 million. Investors can expect between 8 and 9+ per cent rental yields and more than 20 per cent YoY (year-on-year) appreciation in some enclaves. It is good to note that Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recently announced significant expansion with a new 30,000 sqm terminal to boost tourism as the emirate eyes three million travellers. The expansion of the RAK Airport is seen by industry leaders as big boost to the emirates' tourism, especially those coming from India, China and Western Europe. Business Bay In a market where short-term rental returns drive demand, Business Bay continues to attract buyers looking for income-generating assets in the city centre. Its strongest draw is the fusion of location and luxury, with proximity to DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and Downtown Dubai, with Dubai Canal weaving its way through. Studios and 1–2BR apartments average Dh1.4M, delivering 6–7 per cent yields and strong resale demand. Among standout offerings is the Waldorf Astoria Residences — a branded address that blends high-end services with everyday practicality. The project 'Gateway to Business Bay' was also recently announced, adding another striking new landmark to Dubai when the project is completed in 2029. The 48-storey Lumena Tower by Omniyat is a flagship commercial development strategically positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, at the intersection of Business Bay and Downtown Dubai. It will have an open-air Sky Theatre, a first-of-its-kind entertainment and event space located at the top of a commercial tower. Dubai Creek Harbour Demand is consistently rising for communities that combine prestige, proximity, and waterfront serenity, and Dubai Creek Harbour checks all those boxes. The star feature here is its master-planned waterfront living, enhanced by green spaces and direct views of the Dubai Creek Tower. Waterfront apartments start at Dh1.45 million, while luxury villas exceed Dh5 million. With rental yields of 6–6.8 per cent and consistent appreciation, the area balances luxury with long-term potential. Dubai Creek Harbour is a favourite among buyers seeking a premium lifestyle with investment upside, noted Whitewill. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi In the Capital, investors are eyeing Yas Island for its unique blend of leisure, family appeal, and short-stay rental potential. The island's standout quality lies in its lifestyle proposition, from theme parks and golf to marinas and cultural hotspots, all within a well-planned residential setting. Villas average Dh4.5 million, with apartments priced between Dh1.2 million and Dh3.8 million. There is also Waldorf Astoria Yas Island that offers waterfront premium hospitality brand, making it an attractive asset for both use and investment. A big announcement early this year was made by Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi with the introduction of new attractions this summer, including 12 new rides and slides, in addition to new dining offerings. Dubai South Investors are increasingly drawn to Dubai South for its affordability and alignment with the UAE's infrastructure vision. As a future-ready hub near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport expansion, logistics hubs, and the Expo 2020 legacy infrastructure, its core appeal lies in early-mover advantage and the opportunity to ride the wave of long-term growth. Whitewill noted there is a strong uptake in off-plan units starting at Dh800,000, with a projected 15–25 per cent value growth by 2030 and rental returns of 6–8 per cent. Industry experts earlier said, property prices in Dubai South are forecast to increase by a further 15-20 per cent in the near term, as the Dh128 billion ($35 billion) expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South is fuelling a major real estate boom in the area, data shows. According to data from Betterhomes, property transactions in the area have already exceeded Dh15 billion in the first five months of 2025. The neighbouring Expo City, meanwhile, exemplifies the area's appeal with a wellness-first, car-free community design in the city's innovation hub, tailored for a new generation of buyers. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) Known among residents as affordable, accessible, and increasingly design-driven, JVC remains a go-to for buyers seeking strong yields without compromising on lifestyle. The area's main pull is its ability to deliver rental income and resident satisfaction. Road access has also recently significantly improved. Apartments start at Dh650,000 and entry-level villas at Dh1.6 million, offering 7–8.6 per cent yields. The district's consistent rental demand makes it ideal for first-time investors.
