DUBAI: Considering the significant role of facilities management in the sustainability of the built environment, the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA) recently held a workshop and networking event on ‘Success Factors in the Facility Management Industry Growth’ at the Dubai Chamber, aimed at enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness and strengthening local management in line with the highest international standards.
The hosting of the workshop and the communication forum is highly significant considering that facilities management is one of the key drivers in the built environment sector’s performance at various levels. In line with this, the event highlighted the key elements for the success of the FM sector in the region, keeping pace with the growth of the construction sector.
The event, sponsored by Drees & Sommer, discussed the key elements that make a successful delivery of FM services. It also tackled the need for FM companies to embrace creativity and work on adopting innovative methods while emphasizing the importance of FM companies’ support as well to their clients. Furthermore, ways in which FM companies can align their strategies and service deliveries to suit their clients’ strategies and requirements were discussed. The creation of long-term relationships between service providers and stakeholders, including owners and suppliers formed part of the discussions as well.
Jamal Lootah, President, MEFMA, said: “The Middle East Facilities Management Association is constantly working to provide the industry with the platform and expertise to advance the sector and ensure excellence in FM services on par with international standards. Through the workshops and networking activities, we hope to embed a management culture that promotes efficiency and global competitiveness within the industry to enable them meet the increasing needs of asset managers and property owners in the sustainable management of their properties.”
Ali AlSuwaidi, Vice President, added: “The workshop was an ideal platform to discuss all aspects of facility management, where valuable discussions were held by the participants. We strongly believe that the workshop has achieved its objective by successfully presenting the major aspects of facilities management that need stronger focus to achieve further improvement in the performance of buildings, and thereby contribute to sustainable efforts of the built environment sector.”
Peter Prischl, Managing Director of Drees & Sommer International, led the workshop and Ali AlSuwaidi moderated the panel discussion with the participation of FM leaders in the UAE, including Ali Hassan Harmoodi, General Manager, Etisalat FM; Mohammad Abdul Karim Khamis, General Manager, Emirates FM; and Peter Prischl; and Suhas Inamdar, Head of Technical Support & Planning at Wasl Properties.
MEFMA’s workshops and networking events are part of a continuing initiative by the non-profit association to provide FM professionals, wider construction industry stakeholders and owner associations in the region with a dedicated platform to advance local industry standards and adopt leading international trends and practices. News Desk
