FM industry to grow 20% over the next five years
Work force must expand to meet growing demand
The facilities management industry in the Middle East is expected to grow to an annual rate of 20%, according to research by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA).
The IFMA also predict the sector will generate US $4.2 billion dollars before the end of 2011 and that the total space managed by FM providers would increase 28%, a rise which would lead to 20% of providers needing to recruit more staff to meet the growing market.
The research was conducted via a world-wide survey of 476 companies, and also concluded sustainable FM to be a primary driver in the trend, with 51% of companies witnessing demand for energy efficient solutions from clients.
“Practitioners and FM providers in the Middle East are consistently pushing to implement international best practice – but until now there has not been a platform to understand at what level such standards are set,” said FM EXPO event director David Wilson.
The FM Expo will be held in Dubai this month in conjunction with the World FM Congress, which will be attended by the IFMA. It’s the sixth time the event will be held in Dubai and the 2011 show will feature case studied to promote best practice for the UAE and wider region, which organisers refer to as “an emerging country”.
Case studies will also be presented by a representative from NASA, discussing the renovation of its Washing DC base and the technology used there. Additionall, Tim Bushell, director of engineering at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah will demonstrate the measures implemented to reduce utility bills at the resort.
Other confirmed speakers will come from Sydney Opera House and the World Trade Centre, Amsterdam.
“Global FM is very pleased to participate at such a unique event in the Middle East,” said deputy chair of Global FM, Iain Murray.
“As part of our mission, Global FM is very keen on promoting the strategic value and progress of facilities management, especially in emerging countries such as the UAE. We look forward for the sessions and discussions that elevate the need for FM in Middle East,” Murray added.
