The Middle East?s facilities management (FM) market remains healthy with analysts projecting continued robust growth throughout 2019 led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt
The drivers behind FM industry growth all relate to the growing pipeline of development projects across the region: government-backed infrastructure projects (metro and rail projects, airports) in UAE, strategic projects such as Expo 2020; megaprojects such as Neom and Red Sea Tourism Projects in Saudi Arabia; and new urban centre developments across Egypt. These projects all form integral parts of the strategic visions of countries in the region, aimed at developing national infrastructure capacities and diversifying economies.
According to a recent research report by Technavio on FM services in the Middle East, the market will deliver a CAGR of more than 11 per cent during the period 2019-2023. In addition, the Middle East?s FM services market size will grow by approximately US$29.9bn during the same period.
With the continued growth of the FM industry in the region comes the trend of improving service levels and more demanding client requirements. FM service providers take on these challenges ensuring service standards are met, while carefully managing delivery costs to ensure assets are maintained in their optimum condition. In the midst of these trends of improved service specifications and rigorous cost management, technology is emerging as a key differentiator for leading FM service providers.
Chris Roberts, chief executive officer, Eltizam Asset Management Group, said, ?Facilities Management has evolved from simply managing buildings to delivering a delightful experience. Now empowered with technology, facility teams have shifted their focus from cost centric services towards creating value-driven services. There is a lot more room for sector improvement and growth within the GCC, and we anticipate more business from a diverse but discerning client base as the industry continues to mature and catch up with best practices seen globally. Eltizam will be taking full advantage of opportunities such as Expo 2020 to provide expertise, build clientele and reach out to a broader audience. Whilst doing so, we will be fully utilizing the latest innovative technology to provide and receive the very highest standard of service and customer satisfaction.?
Roberts continued, ?The UAE is leading the way in the smart transformation and construction of cities, and we at Eltizam are working continuously to remain at the forefront of these developments. The technology transformation will bring us closer to our mission of achieving exceptional customer happiness in an engaging, safe and secure environment through the delivery of innovative solutions by our trusted, talented professionals.?
Tafawuq Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group and a leading provider of integrated FM services, recently deployed its state-of-the-art mobility maintenance solution ?Tafawuq GO?, which has already seen key operational processes go paperless. During Q2, the company will launch another mobility solution, ?Asset Check?, aimed at quality control of maintenance operations.
Eltizam also recently announced that it will be investing US$5mn in next-generation property technologies over the next three years in a move to further solidify its market edge and accelerate its Vision 21 Business Transformation program.
The UAE has seen a boost in the construction industry in recent years as part of the preparation for the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai ? the first to be held in the Middle East. The monumental event promises to be a vital platform for the UAE and the entire GCC to showcase its innovative solutions, services, and practices for more efficient, economical and eco-friendly facilities management.
