< Previous UPDATE www.fm-middleeast.com 10 July 2020 Business solutions provider Transguard Group has announced that its deployments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic averaged 44,000 each month and included two of the UAE’s new fi eld hospitals, hypermarket warehouses, shopping malls, among others. “COVID-19 presented our diverse client base with a number of unforeseen challenges of not only how to operate under these conditions but how to do so with extreme attention to health and hygiene for themselves and their own customers,” said Greg Ward, managing director. “I am incredibly proud of our ‘masked heroes’: Our cleaners, security guards, warehouse staff and delivery professionals and more, who each went above and beyond to support the UAE, our customers and Transguard itself during these historic times.” As the country’s largest facilities management provider, Transguard’s operations and management teams, who began working from home in March, continued to ensure that all sanitisation options were not only available to its clients but that they were the best on the market. “This guaranteed that our customers would continue to experience the same exceptional level of service, regardless of the obstacles and diffi culties presented by the virus,” Ward explained. As the UAE government returns to work, Transguard has also entered the second week of its phased return to its offi ces. Following government mandates, 50% of the business solutions provider’s management staff have returned to the offi ce; the rest will return in phases as restrictions are lifted, and currently either work from home or on a rotation between their homes and the offi ce. STAT ATTACK UPDATE OPERATIONS Transguard reveals 44k monthly deployments during COVID-19 1MWP The Danube Group commissioned SirajPower to take over the fi nancing, operation, and maintenance of its 1MWP solar power plant spread across JAFZA and Dubai TechnoPark. 13,000m3 The solar system will cover approximately 13,000 sqm roof area. 1.7 GWh It is expected to generate 1.7 GWh of annual energy production. 1,200 metric tonnes The project will also help displace over 1,200 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emission (Co2) per annum, corresponding to more than 150 million smartphones being charged. 50MWP To date, SirajPower holds the largest solar energy portfolio in the region with over 50MWP already under operation. 10 July 2020 FM_1507_10_Update_11310589.indd 1028/06/2020 06:17:12 PMNEWS www.fm-middleeast.com July 2020 11 SEWAGE The Arab Petroleum Invest- ments Corporation (APICORP), a multi- lateral development financial institution, announced that it has provided $40m in financing to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) sponsored by the private sector – out of a total project finance facility worth $160m. Financing for the facility was pro- vided in collaboration with The National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Lim- ited (SMBC). The total cost of the project stands at approximately USD245 million, and is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan goal for the optimal use of water resources and to encourage private sector participation in economic develop- ment initiatives. Located in Dammam, the Dammam ISTP was awarded to a consortium which comprises Metito, Mowah Company CJSC, and Orascom Construction – who each own 40%, 40% and 20% respectively – by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) acting through the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC). The $160m financing facility, which has a tenor of 27 years, will be used for the overall development, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance APICORP provides $40m in financing towards Saudi Arabia’s first independent sewage treatment plant in Dammam, sponsored by the private sector ‘While the world is navigating unprec- edented and testing times due to the evolv- ing COVID-19 pandemic, we are delighted to achieve a strategic milestone for the wa- ter and wastewater industry in the region with the successful financial closing of the Dammam ISTP. The financial structure for this pioneering project and the backup received from reputable local and interna- tional banks and financial institutions is a clear testament to its importance, impact and to the confidence of all stakeholders in its sustainable success.” The construction of the ISTP has al- ready begun, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in July 2022. The proj- ect has a design capacity of up to 350,000 cubic meters per day and an average daily flow treatment capacity of 200,000 cubic meters per day. The Dammam ISTP will boast world- class and energy efficient facilities includ- ing inlet works, an inlet balancing tank, a treatment plant, pumping facilities, final effluent discharge and ISTP outfall pump- ing station, an electrical sub-station and connections as well as sludge treatment beneficial use facilities. Furthermore, the project is expected to create job opportunities for Saudis and support overall sustainable development within the Kingdom. of the Dammam ISTP. Dr. Ahmed Ali Attiga, chief executive of- ficer of APICORP, said: “As a trusted finan- cial partner to the region’s energy sector, we are pleased to play our part in support- ing the first independent sewage treatment plant in Saudi Arabia. By utilizing world- class facilities and technologies, the project will upgrade the existing infrastructure and enable it to effectively recycle waste water. Partnerships between the private and public sectors in financing sustain- able energy projects is key and remains a strategic focus for APICORP now more than ever. We are pleased to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 through this initiative that enhance the sustainability of the Kingdom’s utilities network.” On behalf of the Consortium, Rami Ghandour, Metito managing director, said: APICORP participates in fi nancing the fi rst Independent Sewage Treatment Plant in Saudi Dr. Ahmed Ali Att iga, chief executive offi cer of APICORP. FM_1507_11_News_11311802.indd 1128/06/2020 06:18:50 PM NEWS www.fm-middleeast.com 12 July 2020 DISINFECTION Underlining its com- mitment to supporting the needs of the local community, Isnaad, a subsidiary of Imdaad that provides a comprehensive range of Soft Facility Management with specialized cleaning services and highly- trained manpower supply, has carried out disinfection services at Dubai Health Authority’s Seniors’ Happiness Center. Working with high-quality equipment and safe, eco-friendly chemicals, Isnaad’s highly trained operatives conducted a full disinfection service at the premises with the goal of preventing the spread of germs and contributing to the wellbeing of residents and visitors. DIGITAL Provis has leveraged on its digital transformation programme to ease property sales & leasing, keep customers healthy & engaged, and enable them to remotely manage their properties amid government-mandated health and safety guidelines. Through a series of innova- tions including 360-degree virtual tours, virtual fitness and entertainment classes, Provis portal and Provis app, the company has provided a convenient and elevated virtual customer experience and real estate journey for its customers and laid the foundations for business in the post- Covid-19 digital economy. HP Aengaar, CEO at Provis, said: “Pro- vis is well along the roadmap of its digital transformation, and our growing number of technological innovations will con- tinue to add value to our customers. The implemented innovations and technolo- Isnaad’s highly trained operatives conducted a full disinfection service at the premises The Provis App, launched last March, allows owners and tenants to access a full suite of online services that include payments, community related expenses, documentation, and many more Provis banks on its digital transformation programme to serve customers remotely HP Aengaar, CEO at Provis proactive in-patient and out-patient care to help the elderly lead a healthier and more independent life. gies have empowered our customers and will continue to enable them to connect to us virtually during the current circum- stances and beyond. “It is of the utmost importance for us to enable our customers to enjoy our servic- es remotely, in line with national efforts to build a post COVID-19 digital economy. Provis is also set to unfold many new remote services, features, and applica- tions in the next few months as part of its strategic digital transformation roadmap aiming at enabling customers to enjoy a convenient remote customer experience and real estate journey.” Properties and communities featured in the 360-degree virtual tours include Alghadeer, Al Bandar, Al Raha Gardens, Gate and Arc Towers, Eastern Mangroves, Khalidiya Village, Al Muneera, Al Oyoun Village, Al Zeina, The Bridges, Golf Gar- dens, Eastern Mangroves, Sas Al Nakhl and Sun and Sky Towers. The Provis App allows owners and tenants to access a full suite of online services that include payments, com- munity related expenses, documentation, services, maintenance requests and many more. It followed the roll-out of the Provis Portal that combines all services relating to Provis’ managed communities, last year. Located in Dubai’s Al Mamzar area, the Senior’s Happiness Centre promotes the concept of healthy aging and provides Imdaad subsidiary carries out disinfection services at Dubai Health Authority’s Seniors’ Happiness Center FM_1507_12_News_11311822.indd 1228/06/2020 06:19:56 PMNEWS www.fm-middleeast.com July 2020 13 HEALTH AND SAFETY DEWA’s Jebel Ali desalination plant in JAPS, Dubai, is celebrating three million man-hours without Lost Time Inju- ries (LTIs) as construction passes the 70% completion mark. This achieve- ment reflects the shared commitment of DEWA, engineering firm ILF and the construction consortium formed by ACCIONA and BESIX, to risk prevention and Health & Safety mea- sures for all workers on the project. This milestone has been attained while strictly observing all the international and local protocols put in place to miti- gate the Covid-19 pandemic. ACCIONA and BESIX are the EPC contractors for the Jebel Ali Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant, which will produce 183,000 cubic meters of potable water per day. It will serve a population of 500,000 inhabit- ants, making it one of the largest desali- nation plants in the Emirates. Jebel Ali SWRO desalination plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. The zero LTIs record is the result of good teamwork by the client, the engi- neers and the construction consortium. Several Health & Safety measures are in place, including specific training for em- ployees involved in activities that carry a DEWA’s Jebel Ali project, built by ACCIONA and BESIX, will be one of the largest in the UAE, serving 500,000 people all the companies involved and their awareness for health and safety procedures in the work place”, stated project director Javier Nieto, from ACCIONA. Jesús Sancho, ACCIONA Middle East managing director, said: “This achievement proves how important and ambitious goals can be accom- plished without compromising the health and safety of all our employees and all the people involved in the construction. It is an essential milestone and we are very proud of it, as it demon- strates our commitment to respect the goals of our client and local authorities”. Total desalinated water production in the Middle East will be 13 times higher in 2040 than it was in 2014, according to the latest ACCIONA Sustainability Report. In a region with acute water scarcity, demand for desalinated water is being driven by climate change and popula- tion growth. The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint to one of the smallest in the world by 2050, which will require an increasingly efficient desalination water production process. ACCIONA desalinates water using the most efficient reverse osmosis technology. relative risk such as work at height, safe driving and working in confined spaces. Other initiatives reinforced Health & Safety management, including the intro- duction of dangerous situations reports, inspections and audits, and the correct storage of chemical products. The preventive measures at the con- struction site include regular coordina- tion meetings with the subcontractors, weekly visits to analyze the state of work, and a training schedule during construc- tion. All these initiatives have allowed the early detection of potential risky situa- tions, and have prevented occupational accidents from happening. “Reaching three million man-hours without LTI is an important milestone for this huge project, and it has been achieved thanks to the cooperation of Construction of DEWA’s Jebel Ali SWRO desalination plant clocks three million man-hours without LTIs inspireintegrated.com Speak with Peter Fancy NEW NORM BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES. With people returning to work, companies are increasingly looking at ways to make the environment safe & connected. Inspire Integrated has teamed up with a UK technology partner and utilisation. Our application provides data to assist your organisation in making informed real estate decisions and reduce occupation costs. welcome back your people safely and smartly. Inspire Life. Movement Tracking Smart Spacing Work Place Experience App Environmental Monitoring FM_1507_13_News_11312686.indd 1328/06/2020 07:47:33 PM NEWS www.fm-middleeast.com 14 July 2020 TECHNOLOGY Allegion Middle East unveiled its comprehensive portfolio of smart, secure, touchless access solutions with the focus on multifamily properties, healthcare facilities, commercial offices and education campuses. Allegion is pro- viding that portfolio to businesses in the UAE and across the Middle East, actively addressing the unique and growing needs of the safety and security sector there. With the COVID-19 pandemic, or- ganizations are facing new challenges that centre around how to open-up to the public or to keep operations running while maintaining a safe environment for both employees and customers. In doing so, one concern that needs addressed is contact transmission: some studies have found that the COVID-19 virus can survive on certain surfaces for days unless properly disinfected. As a result, lessen- ing the amount of contact people have with commonly touched surfaces is one measure facilities managers can consider in seeking to provide safer, cleaner envi- ronments. “Going wireless is already a popular trend, and when combined with au- tomation of a door or opening, it can help reduce the chance of transmitting viruses and bacteria through hand-to- door contact. With increasing demand Allegion’s touchless access solutions portfolio redefi nes access control amid the challenges exposed by the pandemic that one of the best defences of healthcare workers is through barrier protection from surfaces that become contaminated (Journal of the American Medical Asso- ciation, March 2020). Allegion touchless access solutions can be customized based on business require- ments and are designed to help enter- prises keep their facilities safe and secure with contactless options by automating openings. The portfolio includes: - Mobile Enabled Readers – these solu- tions are designed to provide a contactless credential that requires a user to simply present the card near it. - Automatic Operators – these solutions are designed for applications where most pedestrians operate the door electronical- ly utilizing a motor gearbox and control box to perform the opening and closing functions. - Actuators – these solutions provide a signal that activates the automatic opera- tor to open the door, including “wave to open,” motion detection or contactless readers. - Safety Sensors – these solutions is- sued in conjunction with an actuator to prevent the door from closing whilst you are passing or in the path of the closing door, ensuring your safe path through the opening. for social distancing and safe infrastruc- ture in place, businesses are redesigning their spaces, adapting them to the ‘new normal.’ Touchless door solutions can provide seamless access that’s aligned with those new requirements and provide quality experience,” commented Jeff Ben- nett, commercial director for Middle East & Africa at Allegion. Allegion’s touchless access solutions portfolio redefines access control amid the challenges exposed by the pandemic. The comprehensive portfolio is the next wave in Allegion’s mission to serve the industry with secure, touchless access control solutions, helping keep people safe where they live, work and thrive. The UAE is among nations adopting the most demanding social distancing standard of two metres, double the stan- dard recommended by the World Health Organisation. A recent study indicates Allegion Middle East introduces touchless access solutions for buildings FM_1507_14_News_11313426.indd 1428/06/2020 07:53:17 PMwww.fm-middleeast.com COMMENT July 2020 15 he FM industry has been on the spotlight tackling the current black swan event. That’s why it was important for us to celebrate the FM Awards in a new online format that was conducive to the ongoing circumstances. As I had remarked on my opening speech of the ceremony, the current pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of maintaining a hygienic environment. A few FM firms have already adapted and come up with innovative trends never thought of before, from sanitisation tunnels to advanced disinfection services. As with the FM industry, Facilities Management Middle East as a brand, continues its due diligence, by keeping the FM community informed through various available channels. Irrespective of the medium, we felt that it was important to continue to convey and recognise the FM sector’s accomplishments over the past 12 months. We received numerous positive feedbacks from Want to enter the debate? If you have any comments to make on these issues, email the editor at rajiv.pillai@itp.com. VIEWP INT The 13th Facilities Management Middle East Awards 2020 that was hosted online celebrated the ‘best of the best’ in the FM world RAJIV RAVINDRAN PILLAI Celebrating the best T About the author Rajiv Ravindran Pillai is the editor of facilities management Middle East. several clients on the success of our new format of celebrating the FM Awards 2020 virtually. Ejadah won the Overall FM Company of the Year at the FMME Awards 2020. Tarek Nizameddin, senior executive director, Ejadah, said: “We are thrilled for being selected as the overall FM company of the year. This category is recognised as ‘THE’ industry award and wining it reflects Ejadah’s commitment to offer the best to our clients with the focus on innovation, our people and customer centricity. “I would like to add that during these unprecedented times that the whole world is currently experiencing and navigating through, the future is about our ability to think differently. And here comes the role of FM companies to leverage emerging and disruptive technologies to come up with compelling digital value propositions to the customers in specific and our communities in general.” Technology, that is the key word to take away as we adapt to any predicament thrown at us. FM_1507_15_Editor's note_11307580.indd 1528/06/2020 07:55:12 PMwww.fm-middleeast.com 16 July 2020 PLATINUMSILVER FACILITIES & CONTRACTING WINNERS REVEALED! The winners and highly com- mended for the 13th edition of the FM Middle East Awards is now revealed. The FM Awards have come to be seen as the benchmark of success for FM companies in the region and the trophy pieces sit proudly on the mantelpieces of the leading FM firms and individuals working in the Middle East. This year, in the interest of everyone’s well-being and safety, for the very first time, we conducted the awards virtually! Recog- nition in the FM world is something we believe must continue every year. The event was streamed online on 10th June 2020. Ejadah bagged the Overall FM Com- pany of the Year awards, with Emrill taking home the Highly Commended. Gary Reader, general manager of ServeU, was crowned FM Executive of the Year 2020. There were two Highly Commended in the same category with the individuals being Engineer Ansari, CEO of Adeeb Group and Stuart Har- rison, CEO of Emrill. A big winner was Emrill, with the firm bagging 8 awards in total: four wins in Health and Safety Initiative of the Year, Engineering Service of the Year, Young Facilities Manager of the Year and Facilities Manager of the Year, and four highly commended in Educa- tion and Development Initiative of the Year, FM Executive of the Year, Unsung Hero of the Year and Overall FM Com- pany of the Year. The entire video can be watched online on www.fm-middleeast.com HERE IS THE LIST OF WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: Technology Implementation of the Year • Winner: Engie Cofely • Highly Commended: Enova Health and Safety Initiative of the Year • Winner: Emrill • Highly Commended: Khansaheb FM Education and Development Initia- tive of the Year • Winner: Engie Cofely • Highly Commended: Emrill Sustainability Initiative of the Year • Winner: FARZ (Imdaad) • Highly Commended: Engie Cofely Engineering Service of the Year • Winner: Emrill • Highly Commended: Engie Cofely Property Management Company of the Year • Winner: Cushman & Wakefield • Highly Commended: Provis Estate Management Cleaning Company of the Year • Winner: Ejadah • Highly Commended: Farnek Sanitation and Waste Management Company of the Year • Winner: Bee’ah • Highly Commended: Dubai Municipality SEE WHO WON BIG AT THE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2020 FM_1507_16-17_FM Awards_11308587.indd 1629/06/2020 11:52:13 AMwww.fm-middleeast.com July 2020 17 CATEGORY Security Company of the Year • Winner: Arkan • Highly Commended: Farnek FM Consultancy of the Year • Winner: Cushman & Wakefield • Highly Commended: Inspire Integrated Services Young Facilities Manager of the Year • Winner: Hariharan Arumugam from Emrill • Highly Commended: - Thomas Friswell from Khansaheb FM - Zohaib Azhar from Farnek Facilities Manager of the Year • Winner: Sriram Ananda Ram from Emrill • Highly Commended: Kelvin Vargheese from Farnek FM Executive of the Year • Winner: Gary Reader of ServeU • Highly Commended: - Engineer Ansari from Adeeb Group - Stuart Harrison from Emrill Unsung Hero of the Year • Winner: Taher Ali Maqbool from ServeU • Highly Commended: Amanath Shahal from Emrill Overall FM Company of the Year • Winner: Ejadah • Highly Commended: Emrill FM_1507_16-17_FM Awards_11308587.indd 1729/06/2020 11:52:24 AMwww.fm-middleeast.com 18 July 2020 PLATINUMSILVER FACILITIES & CONTRACTING ENGIE COFELY WINS TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YEAR Engie Cofely took home the Technology Implementation of the Year 2020 award. According to a judge, the winner of this category “Clearly demon- strated the benefits of their technology platform to monitor and control assets providing real time data to deliver ef- ficiencies”. Vincent Montanet, chief business development officer, Engie Solutions (Engie Cofely), said: “We implemented our very own IoT platform (iCEE) to monitor and maintain the condition of both assets and the environment by means of IoT sensor technology. This tool has enhanced customer experience significantly and reduced their carbon footprint. “We are completely honored to receive appreciation for our ongoing efforts and investment to provide our industry and customers with digitised solutions with clear benefits. The regional industry needs long term play- ers, we need more companies to put in long term commitment and similar investment in new technologies, this will allow clients to procure alternative service solutions and stop the cyclical, prescriptive tendering which is bringing costs and our industry down, reducing overall value to the client.” Enova was awarded the highly com- mended in this category, with Rachid Hamida, technology & performance director, Enova, stating: “At Enova, ‘In- novative to be Sustainable’ is a key value. It is an integrated part of everyday busi- ness and both operational and HQ teams continuously strive for new ideas and methods to improve efficiency, add value to our existing offer and support clients in reducing their carbon footprint.” Enova’s smartphone app with live IEQ data gives its clients a view on their real-time energy & facilities man- agement data. THE FIRM WON FOR IMPLEMENTING ITS OWN IOT PLATFORM ICEE Engie Cofely’s IoT platform (iCEE) monitors and maintains the condition of both assets and the environment by means of IoT sensor technology. Highly Commended: Enova FM_1507_18_FM Awards_11309629.indd 1829/06/2020 11:53:31 AMwww.fm-middleeast.comwww.fm-middleeast.com July 2020 19 EMRILL WINS HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD Emrill won the Health and Safety Award 2020 award at the FMME Awards 2020. One of the judges stated that Emrill’s initiative to “extend the welfare standards of its own team and adopt the same throughout it supply chain’s employees, emphasises their belief that everyone within the company’s opera- tion, (direct staff or suppliers) be treated well in all regards”. Talking about the win, Suzie Razmjou, commercial director, Emrill said: “The safety of our people is a core pillar of everything we do. However, our respon- sibility doesn’t stop there. Through this initiative, we have improved the living experience of not only our employees but also those within our supply chain. We’re actively encouraging not only the facilities management sector but also the wider region to play their part in improv- ing welfare standards because together we can affect a real change. “Winning this award demonstrates that acting ethically and responsibly while strengthening partnerships and re- maining commercially viable is possible and can result in great success.” Since the awards was carried out online, Razmjou said that the “ceremony worked well”. She added: “While we missed the opportunity to interact and celebrate in person with our peers and clients, it was incredibly uplifting to come together virtually. We’re looking forward to meeting up with everyone again soon.” The highly commended in this catego- ry was won by Khansaheb FM. The firm introduced an ‘HSE Premier League’ program for managing performance of its “human factor” within its safe system of work. Oliver Sawle, general manager, said: “This idea was derived from the English Premier League and applied into the company’s operations to drive HSE performance and behavioural change. One of the biggest challenges in the FM industry is monitoring every employee for compliance to health & safety stan- dards and this program helped KFM in creating an interdependent safety culture within the company.” Highly Commended: Khansaheb FM “THE SAFETY OF OUR PEOPLE IS A CORE PILLAR OF EVERYTHING WE DO,” SAYS SUZIE RAZMJOU, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR CATEGORY Suzie Razmjou, commercial director, Emrill. FM_1507_19_FM Awards_11308606.indd 1929/06/2020 12:09:44 PMNext >