Industry experts during a panel discussion in Dubai on Wednesday.

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Industry leaders discussed the challenges of Facilities Management (FM) sector and highlighted new solutions for sustainable growth during the Inaugural Edition of Smart Facilities Middle East (SFM 2021) event on Wednesday in Dubai.

Over 200 key industry leaders gathered from across the GCC, witnessed path-breaking insights unfold across the two power-packed days.

SFM 2021, a brand of Aldrich International, a global consulting platform spearheading the development of knowledge-based economies in the MENASEA markets.

Addressing the theme of ‘Gearing Up for the Future, Developing Sustainable Facility Management Strategies’, the event’s vision is to facilitate an enabling environment to address the major challenges of the facilities management sector and the strategic reorganisation of FM industry.

Key Industry Expert, Graeme Sims, Executive Director from The Regulatory & Supervisory Bureau (RSB Dubai), the regulator of Dubai’s water and electricity sector, delivered the opening keynote address at the event and stressed on  ‘Building Energy Management Accreditation Scheme’ which aims to raise awareness of the important role of good Energy Management companies to play in delivering energy-efficient operation of Dubai’s buildings.

Shedding light on the scheme, Graeme Sims said, “I’m pleased to see such a strong focus on innovation and the application of technology in the facility management industry. Commercial and residential property plays such an important role in Dubai’s economy that it’s vital these assets are well managed. For our part in the RSB, we are keen to see high standards of energy management recognised and awarded.  Our recently launched accreditation scheme for building energy managers is designed to do just that. I’d encourage any facility management organisation with a commitment to exceptional energy management performance to get in touch and consider applying.”

One of the key highlights of Day 1 was the Exclusive Inaugural Panel with Martin Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Gregory & Jones Consultants; Said ElHaouasli, Vice President – Facilities Management, LOAMS; Tarek Nizameddin, Senior Executive Director, Ejadah Asset Management Group and Khaldun Aburok, Director of Business Development, Farnek Services shedding light on the Role of Facilities Management in Dubai Vision 2040. Expressing his views at this panel discussion, Tarek Nizameddin said, ““Smart Facilities Management conference will bring the industry professionals together to discuss the current industry best practices and market condition with an overlook of the future and we are very happy to be part of it”.

Speaking at one of the presentations on the ‘Facility Management in the Era of Digitalization, Robin Machado, Digital Services, Business Manager, SIEMENS Middle East said, “As buildings get smarter, facility management gets more complex. But it doesn’t have to be a mystery. You can stay in control -- and reduce your risks and costs -- with digital technology. Digitalisation brings real, quantifiable benefits like less downtime and greater energy savings. So, the way forward in the digital era is to transform the way you operate: Let smart buildings and facilities work for you.”

Shedding light on the smart residential solutions, Muhammad Bilal Khan, Business Development Manager, Dahua Technology MENA said, “Smart Security & Surveillance System empowers safe communities, which leads to a safer environment. The selection of the right brand with the appropriate models can help in preventing acts of vandalism & serious crimes. Dahua Technology, which is one of world’s leading CCTV manufacturing company always takes the initiative in offering the most innovative and reliable products to its valued customers. Our AI technology even provides proactive & real-time security, hence helping the community for a better & safe living”.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Peter Maung, General Manager from Intertech Vision ME talks about ‘maximizing the power IoT with AI-assisted Remote Alarm Management System.’ He said, ““In line with the new “Dubai 2040 urban master plan”, there is a need for Smart Facility Management control rooms to manage new urban areas with the focus of enhancing people’s happiness and quality of life. Designing control rooms is a complex procedure requiring experts in the control room design field to ensure an efficient and human-friendly workspace in a safe environment. Intertech Vision has one of the most skilled design teams in the region with a combined experience of more than 100 years in the control room industry. Over the past 21 years, Intertech has designed and built more than 450 control room projects fully compliant with the ISO 11064 Ergonomic Standard. It is important to emphasize that a successful control room design will enhance productivity while reducing or limiting operators’ errors caused due to the work environment.

 The one-day conference also witnessed key presentations from Majd Fayyad, Royal Danish Consulate General Dubai speaking about the ‘Smart Cities & Building Solutions’, David Carey from Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management (IWFM) talking about ‘Developing Professional Potential for a Smart Workplace’ and from Oliver Baxter, Herman Miller who discusses the three shifts to help organizations navigate a post-pandemic future.

The Conference brought over 200+ facility management professionals, building administrators, purchase managers, health & safety managers, real estate management professionals to mention a few from across the GCC onto one platform by spearheading actionable debate, impactful change, and high-level outcomes. Partners at SFM 2021 included:  Dahua Technology MENA, SIEMENS Middle East, Facilio, Ramsys, Intertech Vision Middle East, Barco, Ejadah Asset Management Group, Farnek Services LLC, Belimo, SHRAS IT Solutions, Eaton, CATEC, Evreka & HygieneTech. The event is supported by IWFM, IFMA, Emrill Services LLC & MACE.