As the facilities management (FM) industry continues to mature and develop in the Middle East region, British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), in collaboration with i-FM.net and FM Expo, examines the GCC?s FM industry from the perspective of the people who work in it
BIFM has conducted a survey to provide a snapshot of the GCC facilities management market?s confidence and concerns, bringing the insight on how things stand today as well as a glimpse at the industry?s prospects for the next 12 months. About 66 per cent of respondents expect that the FM environment will improve over the next 12 months ? up slightly from the 60 per cent in 2017. A more conservative 29 per cent expect that the business environment will remain about the same.
About 60 per cent of respondents are optimistic to expect their turnover to increase in the coming 12 months, while 29 per cent thought it would remain the same. These results reflect a slight dip, with the numbers expecting a decrease rising from just four per cent in 2017 to a robust 12 per cent in 2018.
Role of technology
Technology is recognised as an important factor among FM practitioners. Respondents noted that technology, innovation and automation may be a likely focus for future investments, with some already eyeing the potential for such technologies to improve energy management. About 91 per cent of respondents noted that they would be using technology to grow their business.
In terms of adopting the technology, 52 per cent of respondents expect to see an increase in the coming year, with a bullish further 17 per cent expecting their adoption of technology to increase significantly.
The workforce
About 66 per cent of respondents in 2017 expected their workforces to increase over the subsequent 12 months, this rush to build a workforce has slowed significantly, with 47 per cent of respondents citing an increase in numbers likely in 2018.
Financial restriction and lack of skilled manpower are the top two challenges in GCC?s FM market, according to the respondents. Those with plans for expansion identified Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the places most likely to present fresh opportunity, reflecting the relative regional maturity of the market in the UAE. Riyadh and Jeddah are also seen as potential expansion points as the FM sector gains greater recognition in Saudi Arabia.
This is the reason why dmg events will organise the 12th edition of FM Expo in Dubai World Trade Centre from 23-25 September 2018, focussing on discussing current trends and challenges in the industry and exploring the latest solutions on the market. The three-day exhibition will provide opportunities to the local and international suppliers to showcase products to the visitors.
