Schneider Electric's Dubai office sets new benchmark with fully sustainable smart workspace

Gensler has recently announced that The NEST — Schneider Electric’s landmark 10,000-square-metre flagship office located in Dubai Silicon Oasis — is now fully complete. This project sets a pretty high bar when it comes to sustainable, intelligent workspaces in the Middle East and Africa. More than just a standard office, The NEST actually showcases the future of work, blending advanced tech, human-focused design, and environmental responsibility all in one.

As Schneider Electric’s very first regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa, The NEST brings together workspace, innovation labs, and training facilities into a single, lively ecosystem. The design aims to encourage teamwork, flexibility, and fresh ideas among staff, who number over a thousand. Right at the heart of the building is the Innovation Hub — a space where clients, partners, and visitors can explore Schneider Electric’s latest technologies across different settings like homes, offices, and data centres. It’s a hands-on experience that clearly demonstrates Schneider Electric’s leadership in smart and eco-friendly solutions worldwide.

Jose Faine, who’s the Design Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East, describes The NEST as “a living, breathing ecosystem that embodies the future of work.” He highlights how the project combines technology, sustainability, and a focus on human experience to craft a workspace that’s not only super-efficient but also inclusive and inspiring. Gensler views this office as a genuinely pioneering model for the region — rethinking how workplaces should be designed to prioritize both good environmental practices and the well-being of the people inside.

Already, The NEST has achieved the top tier of the SmartScore certification — Platinum — which says a lot about its smart design and operational excellence. Industry data points out that the building’s integrated systems — including AI, automation, and digital twin technology — have cut energy use by around 37% compared to Schneider Electric’s previous regional site. That’s a pretty significant reduction — in fact, it helps prevent about 572 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. It really solidifies the building’s status as a shining example of sustainable work environments.

On top of that, the project is working towards other accolades like LEED ID+C Platinum and WELL Equity certifications, which focus on environmental sustainability, health, and inclusivity. Securing these awards would only position The NEST even further ahead as a leader in green commercial real estate, not just in Dubai but across the region too.

The launch of The NEST also marks the beginning of Schneider Electric’s new Impact Buildings Program, with this Dubai office acting as the pilot project. This initiative aims to rethink corporate real estate by creating buildings that deliver positive social, environmental, and economic impacts. More than just a headquarters, The NEST demonstrates how a company’s physical workspace can actively contribute to broader sustainability goals. Its objectives are well-aligned with the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, underscoring Schneider Electric’s strong commitment to regional sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.

The project’s delivery was a team effort. Gensler led the architectural design, Cundall provided engineering and sustainability consulting, and Summertown Interiors handled the fit-out work. They incorporated biophilic and human-centric design elements that not only promote wellness but also make for a more enjoyable, productive environment for everyone working there. The fit-out featured custom joinery, a state-of-the-art data centre, and specially designed training spaces — all carefully tailored to reflect Schneider Electric’s ESG principles.

Through The NEST, Schneider Electric and its partners have truly set a new standard for commercial architecture in the region. It’s a clear example of how technology, sustainability, and thoughtful design can come together to create responsible workplaces that foster innovation while also caring for the planet. And, notably, as the first project under Schneider Electric’s Global Impact Buildings Program, The NEST really signals a global move towards buildings that are not only smart and functional but also ethical and inclusive.

For the UAE and the wider region’s climate tech sector, The NEST demonstrates how smart building strategies can drastically cut carbon footprints while improving occupant comfort. It also highlights the value of embedding innovation hubs within workplaces — spaces that serve both as demonstration sites for new tech and as engaging environments for clients. More and more, companies across the Middle East are looking to make their operations greener, and The NEST stands as an inspiring example of how ambitious sustainability targets can be woven into high-quality commercial infrastructure without sacrificing design or workplace excellence.

All in all, The NEST paints a vivid picture of what the office of the future might look like. It reaffirms Schneider Electric’s position as a leader in sustainability and digital innovation, while also showcasing Gensler’s role in transforming urban and corporate environments across the Middle East. The building’s design is likely to inspire a new wave of eco-smart offices that put human health and environmental care on equal footing — a truly impressive achievement.

Source: Noah Wire Services