Schneider Electric has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PARA, a Sidara member firm specialising in digitally enabled building design, to accelerate the adoption of smart, energy-efficient buildings in fast-growing global markets.
The agreement was signed in Dubai by Walid Sheta, Schneider Electric’s Zone President for the Middle East and Africa, and Faysal Shair, Partner and Director of Digital Solutions at Dar, the founding member of Sidara. The signing took place at Schneider Electric’s new regional headquarters, The Nest, in the presence of senior representatives from both companies.
The partnership comes as demand for sustainable building technologies rises sharply. Buildings currently consume about 30% of global energy and contribute nearly 40% of annual carbon emissions. A joint forecast by Oxford Economics and Guidehouse estimates the smart buildings sector will reach around €160bn by 2030, growing at roughly 10% annually from 2025.
Under the MoU, PARA’s digital twin technology, PARA OS, and its advisory services will be integrated with Schneider Electric’s building portfolio, which includes the EcoStruxure Power and Building platform. The combined solution will target sectors such as commercial real estate, healthcare, and airports.
The companies say their approach will provide a simplified pathway for organisations often overwhelmed by competing and incompatible smart technologies. PARA’s advisory services aim to help clients prioritise needs and shape digital strategies, while Schneider Electric contributes its expertise in automation and energy management. The goal is to reduce complexity, speed up implementation, and ensure systems are compatible and scalable.
The partnership has already been tested in landmark projects, including Sidara’s London headquarters at 150 Holborn and Schneider Electric’s Dubai office. Both sites have reported reductions in energy usage, operating costs, and carbon footprints.
Speaking at the signing, Mr Sheta said: “By uniting the unique expertise of Schneider Electric and PARA, we are creating a powerful, market-ready solution to accelerate the digital transformation of buildings. This collaboration simplifies the entire process, from initial design to long-term operation. Building on our proven success at landmark projects like 150 Holborn and our new Dubai HQ, The Nest, we are perfectly positioned to scale this offering across key markets and deliver the future of smart building efficiency to our customers.”
Mr Shair described the partnership as a step forward in addressing industry challenges. “We are excited to build on our ongoing partnership with Schneider Electric, to simplify complex processes and fast-track the adoption of smart, data-driven buildings,” he said. “Bringing PARA’s digital advisory and digital twin innovation capability together with Schneider Electric’s deep-rooted operational expertise will deliver a quickly implementable solution, tailored to our customers’ needs.”
Initially, the collaboration will focus on the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom – markets where interest in sustainable and digitally integrated buildings is growing rapidly. The firms plan to expand the offering to other regions as demand rises.
By combining PARA’s software and consultancy with Schneider Electric’s technology platforms, the partnership aims to provide clients with future-ready, lower-carbon buildings that balance efficiency, cost savings, and environmental responsibility.
