FM EXPO in Dubai brings the world’s experts in facilities management together for the first time.

Other News   Subscribe to newsletter

29 Apr 2011

The inaugural World FM Congress, held alongside FM EXPO in Dubai has already attracted global speakers from NASA, The Sydney Opera House, World Trade Center Amsterdam and Global FM. Organised by dmg :: events, the event will be held between 17-18 May and aims to share best practice between different countries.

The congress comes at a time of particularly strong growth for the industry. In the Middle East, the facilities management industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20% over the next five years which would generate revenues grossing $4.2 billion in 2011. This falls in line with research conducted by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) who is attending the World FM Congress.

Following a survey of 476 companies worldwide, it was announced that the total space managed by facility management providers will increase by 28% in the same year with 20% of those companies having to increase headcount as a result. Moreover, sustainable FM is the biggest growth area with 51% of companies revealing a growth in energy efficient solutions being implemented by clients.

In this respect, Tim Bushell, Director of Engineering at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah will give a case study demonstrating what they have done to reduce utility bills and create energy saving systems at a facility that caters to thousands of guests each day. Meanwhile NASA will provide an insight into the renovation of its complex and technologically advanced head quarters in Washington DC.

Speaking about the congress, Deputy Chair of Global FM, Iain Murray said: “Global FM is very pleased to participate at such a unique event in the Middle East. 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..”

Event Director of FM EXPO & World FM Congress, David Wilson added: “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. We have therefore created a programme that will highlight the latest remote technologies, sustainable initiatives and approaches to integrated FM the world over.”

In addition to the congress there will be a certified training course, run by IFMA, the first time the course will be taught in the Middle East. The Project Management module is one of four to complete the IFMA FMP Credential Program.

The full program of training, exhibition and congress run from 15-19 May 2011.