Dubai, UAE, 7 August 2018: The Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA), which provides a dedicated platform for facilities management (FM) professionals, wider construction industry stakeholders and owner associations, reaffirmed its commitment to nurture and guide entrepreneurs, as well as promote innovation, in the regional FM industry through proper skills development and effective knowledge sharing, the association announced in a Press communiqué.

Participants at the MEFMA workshop

MEFMA made the statement during the conclusion of a workshop it recently organised, entitled ‘Entrepreneurship in Facilities Management’, held at the Al Mugairen Hall, Riyadh Chamber, Saudi Arabia, the  communiqué said. The event was attended by 200 officials and senior executives from different entities within various sectors, the communiqué further said. By reaffirming its mission, the association sought to underscore the importance of an entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, high-level awareness of the latest FM trends and an empowered FM community in the region, through careful and regular assessments of the industry’s capabilities and services, the communiqué added.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mohammad K. Al Duraibi, Vice-Chairman, Facilities and Property Management Community, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce. In his keynote message, Al Duraibi stressed on the commitment of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, particularly its Real Estate Committee, in sharing important insights, feedback and recommendations that can help in the efforts to further develop the real estate industry, the communiqué said.

Commenting on the workshop, Al Duraibi said, “The event served as a strategic platform to discuss and exchange views about timely issues revolving around the real estate industry. The event proves to be timely as participants were able to share insights and experiences with some of the industry’s leading thought leaders and personalities, while also looking into potential FM opportunities that can help in the growth and development of the sector.”

Ali Alsuwaidi, Vice President, MEFMA, said: “We are very pleased at the turnout of this workshop, which falls in line with our efforts to organise regular training sessions, forums, workshops and similar activities throughout the Middle East to facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge among key stakeholders, as well as help enable fruitful discussions to come up with effective solutions to pressing challenges.”

According to MEFMA, the day-long event featured a panel discussion and a workshop covering timely industry topics like how to enhance the competitiveness of FM companies and how to build a strong presence within the target markets. The communiqué said, Alsuwaidi lead the workshop entitled ‘Entrepreneurship in Facilities Management,’ which touched upon topics concerning today’s FM industry, including ‘Basics of Entrepreneurship and its challenges’, ‘Facilities Management Sector and its Future’, ‘Creating successful strategies and its fundamentals, Risk management and sustainable growth’, ‘Real examples of entrepreneurs in the Facilities Management sector’ and ‘Creating the equation of success’.