MEFMA’s experts take closer look at latest industry developments in digital era

Muscat: Top Facilities Management (FM) experts in the Middle East gathered recently for a seminar organised by the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA), provider of a dedicated platform for FM professionals, wider construction industry stakeholders, and owner associations, to share their expertise on a range of issues relevant to the region’s growth and development in today’s modern era.

Held on 25 September, 2019, at the Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat, the seminar featured top speakers and industry VIPs led by MEFMA Board Member and Vice Chairman and Group Managing Director of Qurum Business Group (QBG), Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Hosni, who welcomed the attendees during his speech.

A series of individual presentations and lectures followed during which the speakers looked into the different elements that have been reshaping and influencing the regional and global FM communities over the past years. Technology took the center stage as the experts focused on the role of modern tools and platforms in boosting the delivery of FM services.

Country Operations Manager (Oman) of ENGIE Cofely, Marwan Abou Raad, was the first to make a presentation discussing ‘Integrated Facilities Management & Energy Management,’ followed by Operations Director (FM), QBG Facilities Management Services,Vijayshankar Kavasseri, who took a closer look at the ‘4th Industrial Revolution and its impact on the FM industry.’

This was followed by a presentation by Sultan Al Bahri, CEO of Momkin, who tackled ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Energy Saving.’

The lectures of other speakers focused on other equally important aspects of the FM community.

Dean of Muscat College, Dr Yasmin Al Bulushi, talked about ‘The power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) within FM organisations,’ while Vice Chairman and CEO of Engineering Systems Group (ESG), Ahmed Al-Eisa, discussed ‘FM Consultancy – When do you need it?’

Senior Manager Infrastructure Services of Omantel, Orgun Oktem, lectured on the ‘Internet of Things (IoT) for FM.’ Oktem was followed by Account Director of Carillion Alawi LLC, Steve Cowgill, who tackled ‘Delivering FM strategy through collaboration.’

A panel discussion on ‘Single Service Contract vs Total FM Contracts’ was staged at the end of the forum. Moderated by Sheikh Al Hosni, the panelists were Asim Al Zadjali – Vice President (Customer Experience), Al Mouj; Fatma Al Tooqi – FM Manager, Shell Development Oman; Hamed Al-Maghdri – CEO, Al Maha Petroleum; and Dr. Salim Al Riyami – Commercial Training Manager, Numo Institute for Competency Development.

President of MEFMA, Jamal Lootah, said: “The forum was part of our ongoing region-wide efforts to raise the competitiveness of the industry, promote organizational efficiency, and build a sustainable and inclusive FM community. We brought the forum to Oman to also highlight the immense opportunities available in the local market. The potential growth of Oman’s FM industry is currently at 0.5 per cent, and activities within the sector are continuously rising at a significant level.”

Sheikh Al Hosni concluded: “Oman’s total market value amounts to USD 0.3 billion, with in-house FM services accounting for 57 per cent of the total market and the outsourcing services occupying 7 per cent of the market. The private and public sectors account for 60 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. These figures are strong indicators of the local market’s potential for significant expansion alongside the Sultanate’s steady development. Regional FM players can explore the local market and capitalize on its immense growth opportunities.”

The headline sponsors of the event are Engie Cofely and QGB Facilities Management.