Trade show launched as management costs of new Dubai developments estimated at USD144 billion

Johnston Lighting, MAB Property Service and Development, and AMC Facilities Management Services, will be sponsoring FM EXPO. Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from June 4-6, the exhibition will create a vital link for decision makers with suppliers and service providers at a time when management costs for new developments in Dubai have been estimated at US$144 billion.

An emerging concept in the Middle East, facilities management advocates an integrated approach in order to manage the built environment effectively.

In the past, management of real estate projects, commercial buildings and other developments was handled by landlords, owners and appointed managers without much emphasis on effective integrated facilities management.

But effective facilities management is now believed to be fundamental to the success of any organisation and contributes to the delivery of its strategic and operational objectives while providing a safe and efficient working environment.

In an age when buildings and facilities in general are becoming more 'intelligent', FM practitioners have new and extensive responsibilities. They provide, maintain and develop services such as property strategy, space management, communications infrastructure, building maintenance, administration and contract management.

Marie Johnston, Managing Director of Johnston Lighting Accessories LLC, platinum sponsor of the FM EXPO said:

'As a lighting company that has recently extended its operations into the Middle East, we are hoping to work closely with FM companies and believe that the FM EXPO is an ideal platform for suppliers like us to build mutually beneficial relationships.'

'Johnston Lighting has worked in tandem with FM companies in London for many years, and while facilities management is a relatively new concept in the Middle East, developers are now beginning to realise for the first time what FM companies can do for them.'

Paul Brady, Deputy General Manager of AMC Dubai, says that the company decided to sponsor the exhibition because they believe it fills a much needed gap in the market.

'Facilities Management is a people business. We are delighted to be associated with the launch of FM EXPO as it affords AMC the opportunity to meet face to face with people to discuss their challenges and offer tailored solutions to suit their individual requirements.

'We believe that understanding client's requirements is a critical success factor in the delivery of quality integrated FM services,' said Brady.

Muhammad Daoud, CEO of MAB Property Service and Development, another main sponsor of the show said: 'Our extensive research has shown us that the facilities management market is really going to take off here in the Middle East.

'The region is famous for the ambition and scale of its construction projects, and all these new buildings and facilities will require the deserving quality-maintenance for years to come which is where FM companies now have a major role to play in providing total FM solutions suitable for these state of the art projects.'

'We are pleased to see the FM EXPO initiative and we could not have passed the opportunity to be part of it,' added Daoud.

The event is being organised by UAE-based event management and marketing specialists, Streamline Marketing Group in conjunction with exhibition organisers dmg world media. Adding to the specific appeal of FM EXPO both to FM professionals and exhibitors, the event will be run alongside the Office Exhibition, Hotel Show and the In Retail exhibition, all of which have clear links to facilities management

Visitors will consist of a wide range of key decision makers, including architects, property developers, building maintenance managers and managing directors. Around 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the four exhibitions running in tandem, and they will have the chance to examine the latest facilities management trends, and developments in the region, during a programme of high quality, educational seminars.