The Facilities Management industry in the UAE is expected to exceed GBP 4 billion in 2016, thanks to the boom in construction and infrastructure related projects, that’s according to The Gulf News’ Property magazine.
Integrated FM companies are aligning their growth objectives with Dubai Government’s vision to become a Smart City. The need for construction, technology and operations to merge is driving innovative solutions that focus on sustainability, energy savings, eco-friendly and on-time maintenance. For example Computer Aided Facilities Management systems (CAFM) are increasingly central to FM providers helping them to deliver savings and value to all stakeholders.
We see this ourselves through Savortex, a BCB client making waves in the UAE. They have revolutionised the traditional washroom hand dryer by both redesigning the motor to make it more energy efficient and adding in integrated Internet of Things technology that allows for real time energy and usage reporting. They also offer a revenue-earning advertising module too. They are generating interest in the UAE because their technology is able to deliver tangible & measurable results (savings, efficiencies, visibility, revenue) to FM companies in an area that was previously a one dimensional, unreformable cost centre.
Other UK firms looking to follow Savortex’s path into the UAE should be looking to attend The FM Expo. Showcasing best practices in the region and beyond, the event features many international participants including a major presence by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), who have already set up a chapter in the UAE. The next event is in September 2017.
