The region’s first WorldFM Day celebrations were held in Dubai last week when almost 300 FM professionals gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The MEFMA organised event featured speeches from FM professionals, including MEFMA board member Ali Al Suwaidi and CEO of silver sponsors MMG and fellow board member Youssef Abillama. The event was presented by Stephen Oehme.
The evening was rounded off with a charity auction of childrens’ artwork depicting their communities and built environment, which raised AED 20,000 for the UAE’s Make a Wish Foundation.
“It’s a fantastic achievement across the board,” said MEFMA Board Director, Ali Al Suwaidi. “Raising awareness in the younger generation of what they can actually do to be more environmentally responsible is a core MEFMA objective. The pupils at Deira International School really got to grips with the theme and produced some great pieces, in turn making a valuable and tangible contribution to the society we live in.
“The Make a Wish Foundation UAE is a worthy cause, and all money raised will go towards treatment of blood disorders in children. A big thank you to our sponsors, artwork buyers and all those who helped make this an event to remember.”
It is the third WorldFM day globally, but the first to be celebrated in the Middle East.
Worldwide the day was celebrated across five continents, highlighting the “vital socio-economic role of effective facility management in designing, operating and maintaining a sustainable built environment for future generations,” according to MEFMA.