Spotlight on regional infrastructure sustainability as Government Asset Management Congress opens

Taking place from 12-15 May 2013 at The Address Hotel, Dubai Mall, the congress features respected figureheads in the industry, including Dr Najib Dandachi, Asset Management Director at TRANSCO, Matar Al Mehairi, Senior Manager Asset Management at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); and Nicholas Wellwood, Advisor Integrated Infrastructure Planning at the Department of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi.

Opening keynote speaker, Dr Najib Dandachi, Asset Management Director, Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company - TRANSCO, UAE delivered his speech on tailoring international strategic asset management practices to obtain maximum value from infrastructure assets in the Middle East and developing economies to a captivated congress.

Tackling issues such as how professional asset management practices contribute to the financial and physical sustainability of infrastructure assets in the region and the key success factors for getting total business buy-in for strategic asset management in the Gulf, delegates heard first-hand why the emerging discipline of asset management is vital to the sustainability of the region's infrastructure.

Wessam Daoud, Business Director, MWH Global, UAE said: "It is imperative for the region to have more events like this one; there needs to be an open forum for industry experts to come and discuss their challenges, share ideas, and best practices which in turn will drive innovation."

In a session on Monday 13 May, Rhys Davies, Chairman, ISO Project Committee 251 (ISO55:00) will announce the latest developments in the IS055000 standard on asset management.

Konrad Siu, Director at the Office of Infrastructure and Funding Strategy, City of Edmonton, Canada shared with delegates how Edmonton's journey has led to its reputation as one of North America's leading jurisdictions in the implementation of advanced infrastructure management practices. Siu divulged how asset management has been integrated with corporate direction setting and financial planning, and how decision making tools have contributed to the creation of a sustainable plan to renew mature neighbourhoods.

He also shared his vision for the next frontier in infrastructure asset management and how Edmonton plans to stay ahead of the curve. "It is an honour to share the City of Edmonton's infrastructure asset management experience at the conference, as an example of best international practices," said Siu.

Vanessa Heywood, Conference Director at IIR Middle East, organisers of the Government Asset Management Congress said: "The congress is the only event in the region supporting asset owners at federal and local government levels as they introduce professional asset management practices to their organisations.

"Over the course of the next three days, we will see a host of international and regional experts present and discuss asset management practices and solutions."

Further highlights throughout the opening day included presentations from Matar Al Mehairi at DEWA who examined the Authority's lifecycle management approach and smart maintenance strategies for ageing assets. Mohamed Daoud, Manager Projects (Quality), Engineering and Major Projects, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), UAE presented a case study about successfully implementing PAS 55 in an oil and gas company - a GCC first.

The Government Asset Management Congress is supported by platinum sponsor Halcrow - CH2MHILL, gold sponsor MWH Global and support sponsor Qasr.