Atlantis FM investment seen as breakthrough in UAE

Having secured the facilities management contract for the 1,539-room resort property, UAE-based facilities management specialists BK Gulf FM has began operations at the $1.5bn hotel this summer ahead of its scheduled launch in September.

According to BK Gulf FM, the extensive role played by facilities management in the hotel's development and day-to-day running represents something of a breakthrough for the way FM expertise is used in the UAE, with a potential saving in life cycle costs for the hotel.

Its Atlantis operation covers maintenance of all mechanical and electrical installations, advanced systems such as lighting control for the resort and its restaurants, meeting facilities, ballroom, and water parks holding over 15 million gallons of salt and fresh water.

BK Gulf FM will use its Atlantis operation to highlight the importance of facilities management at the early stages of development projects, and its long-term saving benefits, during next month's FM Expo in Dubai.

Organised by Streamline Marketing Group and running from 8-10 June at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, the event is the premiere dedicated FM exhibition in the Gulf region.

Tony Martin, BK Gulf FM's Head of Facilities Management, said:

"It's imperative that FM becomes involved in the initial design stages and advises on the best procedures to achieve full cost savings potential over a building's life cycle. This is precisely what has happened for the Atlantis. The client's forward thinking is a ground-breaking development here."

Bringing together FM industry leaders, suppliers and developers, FM Expo will highlight the growing role of the FM industry in the face of a massive Middle East construction boom, with 3,339 projects estimated to be worth in excess of $2.8 trillion now underway.

Scott Wilson, Managing Director of Emcor, another UAE-based FM specialist exhibiting in Dubai, said: "The growth potential for Facilities Management in the Middle East is enormous, perhaps unparalleled in the world, and FM companies must adapt to the emerging and growing needs and demands of their customers."

The international exhibitor line-up also includes major FM players such as Operon, Emrill, Idama, Imdaad, Abraj Property Developers, MAB Property Services and Development and Ngenox, whose broad spectrum of FM services range from property management, energy management, environment, and maintenance to IT, health and safety and security.

Running alongside FM Expo, the five-day 'Property & Facilities Management Conference' taking place at the Dusit Hotel Dubai from 8-12 June, will feature an international line up of FM experts. They include Stan Mitchell, Director, Key, UK and Chairman Global FM and Jim Whittaker, President of Facilities Engineering Associates, USA.