fm expo spotlights rapid growth of middle east
fm market and major issues for operators
Exhibition doubles in size as industry leaders look to gain a stake
in a regional FM sector worth US$ 892 billion
Major growth of the facilities management market in the Middle East and the main issues affecting FM providers came under the spotlight today when the industry’s regional showcase event opened in Dubai.
The second FM EXPO, which has doubled in size this year following a successful inaugural event in 2006, was officially opened at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and vice president of DWTC.
According to research carried out by Middle East Strategy Advisors (MESA) the FM market will be worth at least US$ 892 billion in the Gulf region over the next 25 years. Industry experts predict that the demand for facilities management, which advocates an integrated approach to managing the built environment effectively, will eventually outstrip the construction boom in the region as developers and property owners seek to protect their investments.
Exhibitors from nine countries have been attracted to the three-day event, organised by Streamline Marketing Group and dmg world media, including major players in the regional and international FM sector such as Emcor Facilities Services, Energy Management Services, MAF Dalkia Middle East, Compass Group and Reliance FM.
Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by Sinéad Bridgett of Streamline Marketing Group and Bernard Walsh of dmg world media as he toured the exhibition, talking to representatives from companies offering the latest FM technology and services.
FM EXPO opening 2
“FM EXPO creates a vital link for decision makers with suppliers and service providers at a time when multi-billion dollar regional construction is building a huge requirement for facilities management expertise,” said Bridgett. “While the pace of building work across the region will eventually begin to slow, the need for companies to maintain and manage the completed resorts, buildings and facilities will increase at a rapid pace.”
Facilities management is the integrated management of all types of built environments from commercial towers, resorts and hotels to oil refineries and hospitals. FM practitioners oversee the management of a building from its inception, providing a range of services including property strategy, building maintenance and operations, management of space, energy and communications infrastructure.
A highly popular feature of FM EXPO returning this year is the seminar programme, which has attracted an impressive line-up of international speakers and topics generating debates on major issues affecting the FM industry and end-users.
Today’s speakers included Khaled Bushnaq, CEO of the Dubai-based Energy Management Services (EMS), whose presentation explained the concept of ‘green buildings’ and how companies and developers can reduce the energy consumed by their facilities.
Sanjay Bhatia of developer DAMAC Properties spoke about the benefits of outsourcing and the reduced costs, improved performance and strategic flexibility it can bring, while Sai Srikanth of Trane Cooling and Heating Systems and Services addressed the main problems faced by facilities managers, focusing on issues of the environment, energy efficiency and reliability.
FM EXPO takes place alongside the Hotel Show, Office and InRetail exhibitions, all of which have clear links to facilities management, and more than 14,000 visitors are expected to attend the four events. It is supported by Aruba Networks and Oxygen ME as platinum sponsor, Transguard Group and FM provider MAB Property Service & Development as support sponsors and GRESCO and Operon as associate sponsors.
