< Previous UPDATE www.fm-middleeast.com10 June 2021 Inspire Integrated, a purpose driven real estate solutions, facilities management and project delivery solutions company based in the UAE, is collaborating with Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, to build a school in Nepal under the company’s corporate social responsibility platform “Inspire for Good” which aims to improve the lives of people and communities. The partnership with Dubai Cares’ ‘Adopt a School’ fundraising initiative will empower underprivileged children in the country with access to quality primary education and a sustainable environment with a school equipped with basic facilities. According to UNICEF, more than 770,000 children aged 5 to 12 are out of school in Nepal due to poverty and lack of schools. Inspire Integrated strongly believes that education is a fundamental human right, and organisations must play their part in improving people's lives by making education accessible. Dubai Cares’ “Adopt a School” initiative provides the community with an opportunity to adopt a school in remote communities around the world, where schools are not available or are in bad condition. Stephen Thomas, managing director, Inspire Integrated said: “We understand the importance of equal educational opportunities and have partnered with Dubai Cares in making primary education accessible in the underdeveloped areas of Nepal. Educate to Inspire is our way to connect people and improve their well-being. Our commitment to the cause of education is very close to our hearts. Dubai Cares, a reputable organisation, has played a massive role in promoting education in developing countries." STAT ATTACK CSR Inspire Integrated to build a school in Nepal with Dubai Cares to support underserved children 10-week Sodexo recently launched a 10-week walking challenge called ‘10x10 Challenge,’ to raise awareness on the importance of mental and physical wellbeing, encouraging its employees to follow a healthier work-life balanced lifestyle. 10,000 steps Launched at the Quality of Life services provider’s regional headquarters, the walking challenge has been widely received by Sodexo’s employees, recording approximately 10,000 steps daily. 100 Million Meals To add further value and give back to the community during the Holy month of Ramadan, Sodexo Middle East will convert the total number of recorded steps into donations to support UAE’s ‘100 Million Meals’ initiative. 22.4 million steps The ‘10x10 Challenge’ has received an overwhelming response, with every Sodexo team member, including the Senior Leadership Team, engaging in a healthy competitive spirit to take on the challenge, recording over 22.4 million steps. The signing ceremony.#choose_to_ vaccinate NEWS www.fm-middleeast.com12 June 2021 APPOINTMENTS Mace, the global consultancy, construction and facilities management company, has appointed new regional leads to its facilities management business. The move comes as the business continues to increase its service offer glob- ally with workplace clients. Following a year of transformation for the facilities management business, CEO for Operate Ross Abbate has announced new leads for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. In line with the 2026 strategy, the busi- ness intends to solidify its presence across its global hubs. By working with Mace’s wider Engine, the FM division intends to target and win work with more leading TRAINING EFS Facilities Services Group (EFS) has accelerated its mission to upskill their blue-collar workforce through Mobile Microlearning Platform ‘Talim’ on May Day, this year. Talim is EFS’s mobile microlearning platform in collaboration with their tech- nology partners, MobieTrain, to empower and guide EFS frontline workers and en- courage the passion for learning and de- velopment. In addition, the platform will provide diverse content to users based on self-learning, daily workflow, inductions, HSEQ and updates through one seamless in-app experience. EFS celebrates May Day by unveil- ing this platform, Talim, with an aim to provide accessible, affordable and flexible education that their frontline workers can avail on the go. This initiative comple- ments the Company’s ongoing strides in The FM division intends to target and win work with more leading global occupiers, expanding its presence in its established markets Talim, is the mobile microlearning platform for blue-collar staff meant to provide accessible and fl exible learning based on EFS’s blended learning approach EFS unveils mobile microlearning platform for its blue-collar staff in the region Parris Ullrich. rector overseeing the corporate real estate portfolio for one of Mace’s strategic clients, from the regional hub in the Middle East. M’Crystal will be responsible for grow- ing Mace’s operations within Asia Pacific, utilising Mace’s experience across the property lifecycle to secure projects with new and current clients. arenas of Transformation and Upskilling. Tariq Chauhan, group CEO of EFS exclaimed,” There is no better way to rec- ognise the efforts of our blue-collar work- ers than by empowering them through learning and development. Talim is one such platform that shall provide holistic learning and development avenues for employees in a digital format with flex- ibility and easy access. CEO and founder of MobieTrain, Guy Van Neck, “At MobieTrain we’re proud to contribute to the vision and open learning culture of EFS to empower their frontline workers with the training experience they deserve. Together we see the value in co-creation to develop an integrated training ecosystem where the EFS-people are in the driving seat of their own career development. ” Over the years EFS has commemorated the first of May with multiple initia- tives be it from the launch of EHSAAS, touch of compassion initiative or senior leaders spending a day in the boots of frontline workers or mementos and fun- day activities in their honour. “This year EFS has added a different perspective to recognise their efforts as well as empower them through Talim that will enhance their skills and develop them and their colleagues in the long run,” commented Saima Ahmad, group director – human resources. global occupiers, expanding its presence in its established markets. Parris Ullrich, who returns to Mace after a year away, will assume the role of operations director for Middle East. She will oversee the established business within the region to retain current projects and win business with new corporate real estate clients. Ullrich previously held the position of head of facilities management at Transguard and brings with her a wealth of knowledge, with over 25 years’ experi- ence in the corporate real estate manage- ment sector. Operations director for Asia Pacific, Paul M’Crystal, has been with Mace since 2016 and was previously the Global Account Di- Mace appoints new regional leads for Operate division EFS team.A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Awards FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES VINAY RAVINDRAN Group Sales Manager T: +971 4 444 3155 GSM: +971 55 810 1197 E: vinay.ravindran@itp.com FOR TABLE BOOKINGS ANTHONY CHANDRAN Sales & Marketing Executive T: +971 4 444 3685 E: anthony.chandran@itp.com FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES EBONIE PLATFOOT Events Manager T: +971 4 444 3689 E: ebonie.platfoot@itp.com FM-MIDDLEEAST.COM/AWARDS #FMMEAwards WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021 JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL, DUBAI PLATINUM SPONSOR CATEGORY SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR STRATEGIC SPONSOR NEWS www.fm-middleeast.com14 June 2021 AWARDS Imdaad was honored with a five-star ranking for the second time, at the fourth edition of the Taqdeer Award held recently at the Sheikh Rashid Hall of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai. In addition, three employees of Imdaad received individual recognitions for their contributions through the group towards the growth of Dubai’s economy and strengthening UAE’s reputation. The award recognises Dubai firms for implementing global best practices in labor rights protection besides honoring individual workers for their noteworthy contributions to Dubai’s growth and economic success. This year’s grand cer- WASTE Abu Dhabi Waste Manage- ment Center (Tadweer) has collected 588,425 tonnes of waste from all regions within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of 2021, the Center revealed. Collected through the waste collection and transportation service providers con- tracted with Tadweer, this waste includes municipal solid waste (both recyclable and non-recyclable), commercial and industrial waste, mixed solid waste, green waste, construction and demolition waste, animal waste from farms and ranches, slaughterhouse waste, poultry farm waste, fallen stock, used tires, and medical and hazardous waste, among others. Of this, Tadweer facilities handled 262,380 tonnes of municipal solid waste including 154,410 tonnes of non-recy- clable municipal solid waste, 134,104.43 tonnes of green waste, 7,990 tonnes of construction and demolition waste, 155,436 tonnes of animal waste from farms, 3,265 tonnes of slaughterhouse and poultry farm waste, and 2,240 tonnes of The award recognises Dubai fi rms for implementing global best practices in labor rights protection besides honoring individual workers for their noteworthy contributions to Dubai’s growth and economic success The Center also collected 15,730 tonnes of bulky waste, 1,332 tonnes of used tires and 5,947 tonnes of other types of waste Tadweer collects 588,425 tonnes of waste in Q1 2021 Imdaad team with the award. and companies were awarded across five categories this year. The awards were presented to the winners by HE Major General Obaid Muhair bin Surour, Chair- man of Taqdeer Award and the Perma- nent Committee of Labour Affairs (PCLA) in Dubai and Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai). The five-star rating recognises Imdaad as a leading group in terms of implement- ing the best global practices in safeguard- ing labor rights and fostering an open- door culture to encourage communication and engagement between the workers and the management. fallen stock. The Center also collected 15,730 tonnes of bulky waste, 1,332 tonnes of used tires and 5,947 tonnes of other types of waste. The environmental service providers contracted with Tadweer collect various types of waste from across the emirate of Abu Dhabi and transport it to the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities for treatment, recycling and disposal in line with the highest environmental standards. Tadweer utilizes the latest technologies and solutions in the treatment of the waste collected, such as the production of organic fertilizer from agricultural and biodegradable waste, contributing to the development of the agricultural sector in the emirate. HE Dr Salim Al Kaabi, Director General of Tadweer, said: “To carry forward our achievements last year and contribute to the fulfillment of the Emirate’s ambi- tious Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, Tadweer has stepped up its efforts since the beginning of 2021. In addition to promoting sustain- able development, these efforts go a long way in meeting the Emirate’s current and future needs in integrated waste manage- ment, while encouraging the members of society to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle that achieves the Emirate’s long-term vision. “By applying safe and effective disposal methods in waste management, and processing it into useful inputs for other sectors, we ensure the optimal utilization of waste, and continually promote envi- ronmental sustainability in the Emirate.” emony was attended by top government officials, diplomats, business leaders from the private sector, professionals from the government and private sectors, as well as representatives of the winning companies and their employees. A total of 91 workers Imdaad receives fi ve-star rating at Taqdeer Award Tadweer bins.www.fm-middleeast.com COMMENT June 2021 15 he Facilities Ma na ge m e n t Middle East Awards is upon us and now is the time to celebrate — with great safety, of course. I hope you are all vaccinated before the event. The UAE said that vaccinations against Covid-19 will be mandatory for people attending all “live events” from 6 June 2021. According to Reuters, “the policy applies to all sports, cultural, social, arts exhibition, activities and events, a spokeswoman for the ministry of health said late on Tuesday. Attendees must also present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken at least 48 hours before the event”. Personally, I think it is great that the UAE is taking such stringent measures to keep all 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 pandemic has (or should) reset our mindset and attitude. At the FMME Awards 2021, and in this journey ahead, let’s all win together. RAJIV RAVINDRAN PILLAI Let’s celebrate, safely T About the author Rajiv Ravindran Pillai is the editor of Facilities Management Middle East. COMMENT of us safe. The FM industry too has been doing this for quite a while since the outset of the pandemic. The awards event should therefore be a time for, pardon my alliteration, recognition and reflection on resilience. FM firms have stuck to their guns and bravely adapted to the new normal through the adoption of technology and new mindset in general. Let’s hope we have this same resilient mindset once the tide passes. This awards is also a testament to the strong existential nature of the industry itself. As I have reiterated ad infinitum, at this year’s FMME Awards we received the maximum number of nominations in all our 14-year journey of Facilities Management Middle East as a brand. I would say the pandemic has (or should) reset our mindset and attitude. At the FMME Awards 2021, and in this journey ahead, let’s all win together, let’s all empower one another. Godspeed! COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.com16 June 2021 THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED DUBAI 2040 URBAN MASTER PLAN WILL BRING ABOUT HUGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FM SECTOR I n March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the ambitious Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which maps out a comprehensive plan for a sustainable urban development in Dubai. It is the seventh development plan for the emirate since 1960. Between 1960 and 2020, the population of Dubai has multiplied 80 times from 40,000 in 1960 to 3.3 million while the urban and built area of the emirate increased 170-fold from just 3.2 square km. Keeping the population growth into perspective, the key objectives, in brief, of Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan are to: upgrade Dubai’s urban areas; improve the efficiency of resource utilisation; develop vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities; provide sustainable and flexible means of mobility; foster greater economic activity and FM 2040 COVER STORYCOVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.comJune 2021 17 Between 1960 and 2020, the population of Dubai has multiplied 80 times. attract foreign investments to new sectors; enhance environmental sustainability; safeguard the emirate’s cultural and urban heritage and strengthen citizens’ attachment to older neighbourhoods; and develop a comprehensive legislation and plan a governance model to support sustainable development and growth. Several FM players in Dubai see these objectives as an inherent boost to the FM sector which can bring about several opportunities. Stuart Harrison, chief executive officer, Emrill, says: “The increased infrastructure required to realise the plan will require FM providers to do more and offer greater levels of services into a full range of sectors, including residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare and public services. The emphasis on expanding and creating a greener, healthier future for the emirate will require FM providers to align their offering with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.” Emrill claims to have already aligned its objectives towards sustainability. It launched Emrill’s Journey to Net Zero, which is a grass- roots programme that empowers clients, communities and residents to take a more active role in making more sustainable and environmentally friendly choices, such as recycling, harvesting home-grown crops of fruits and vegetables, and switching to greener alternatives to traditional chemicals. Tony Martin, chief executive officer, Al Bonian FM, reveals that “the opportunities are endless” with such a plan. However, he adds that one of the main impacts that the FM sector should be focusing on is to involve FM professionals in the pre-design and discussion stage and then have continued involvement right through until the master plan is complete. He explains: “This continuity can only be a good thing for all parties. FM should be involved from the very beginning until you see bicycles going down paths or guests booking into hotel rooms.” The Master Plan aims to encourage mass transit use, walking, cycling COVER STORY COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.com18 June 2021 THE INCREASED INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO REALISE THE PLAN WILL REQUIRE FM PROVIDERS TO DO MORE AND OFFER GREATER LEVELS OF SERVICES INTO A FULL RANGE OF SECTORS, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, HOSPITALITY, HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC SERVICES. STUART HARRISON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EMRILL and the use of flexible means of transportation, besides developing a comprehensive planning database to support decision-making and enhance transparency. John Grainger, chief operating officer, Dulsco Environmental Solutions, says: “The Dubai 2040 Master Plan has been created to develop a model that offers the best quality of life for residents and citizens, and creates conditions for sustainable prosperity. One of the key pillars in sustainable prosperity is working towards creating a zero- waste culture. Wasted and consumed materials are a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and so in reducing a country’s overall waste, money is saved, local environment is protected, jobs are created, and emissions are decreased. As we work toward a zero-waste culture, we must first focus on establishing principles such as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover and explore the opportunities of organic waste management.” ROLE OF FM As per the plan, by 2040, Dubai will have achieved the following: green and recreational spaces will double in size; nature reserves and rural natural areas will constitute 60% of the emirate’s total area; several green corridors will be established to link the service areas, residential areas and workplaces; the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and sustainable mobility means across the city will be facilitated; land area for hotels and tourist activities will increase by 134%, and for commercial activities, it will increase to 168 square kilometres; land area for education and health facilities will increase by 25%; and the length of public beaches will increase by 400%. So what role should FM play in such a grand plan? Harrison reveals that the past twelve months have demonstrated the importance of flexibility, innovation and continuous improvement. He says: “Emrill has adapted to the challenges of a pandemic, made possible through its robust business continuity plan and agility. The future will see more of the same. Whilst we may not face another pandemic, there is no doubt the future market requires the services we offer to evolve to meet new challenges and requirements. Experts in the FM sector will need to assess, improve and refine existing processes, procedures and methodologies to align with the Dubai 2040 Master Plan. “Built on a foundation of sustainability that puts people and the environment at the forefront, FM providers will need to implement training plans and schedules to upskill existing teams so they are well-positioned to best utilise new technologies. We will need to build and nurture relationships with developers and clients, developing value partnerships that ensure future builds are aligned to the plan’s objectives. We will also need to work closely with supply chain partners to establish long-term solutions.” From a waste management point of view, Grainger says: “As we see an exponential growth in population Stuart Harrison, chief executive offi cer, Emrill.COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.comJune 2021 19 THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR WILL EXPAND RAPIDLY BECAUSE OF THE 2040 PLAN, DUE TO THE INTEGRAL ROLE IT PLAYS IN ACHIEVING THE LONG-TERM VISION WHICH IS ALREADY GROWING, AND EVER EXPANDING. JOHN GRAINGER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DULSCO ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS John Grainger, chief operating offi cer, Dulsco Environmental Solutions. practice. Giving an example, he says: “An electrician in the future will still be an electrician; however, the skillset will organically evolve as the technology associated with electrical distribution develops.” Emrill claims to be the first facilities management company in the region to create a Centre of Excellence (COE). Its technicians within Dubai as part of the 2040 plan (the plan is aiming for the population to swell from 3.3 million to 5.8 million within 20 years) we will be faced with the opportunity to spread awareness on the importance of diverting waste away from landfill and creating a circular economy, something that Dulsco is already working hard to achieve. There is an opportunity to educate our communities on the importance of recycling and highlight that everyone has their own role to play in working toward a zero-waste culture.” Martin however reveals that it is too simplistic to quantify the FM sector’s role in this plan. He says: “I believe the authorities must put in place a government-appointed FM department to liaise with all parties, and to work closely with all FM companies identified as part of the plan; again the biggest advantage would be continuity of the build from beginning to use. The roles are so numerous, it’s impossible to list them.” SKILLSETS On the skillsets required by the FM industry to execute such a plan, Martin says that there are “very few FM companies that can deliver such infrastructure services without heavily relying on the specialist providers”. FM companies would need to consider launching their own infrastructure departments with skilled experienced managers, who can self-deliver and efficiently manage these services. “A variety of softer skills are going to be core in the waste management sector, such as innovation, adaptability, resilient and flexibility. Change management will also be a critical skill, and there is a requirement to understand and influence organisational culture, spotting and challenging barriers and room for change, and helping to transform business models. The skillset adapted in change management includes having a passion for the environment and embracing sustainable development and its key issues and benefits,” adds Grainger. Harrison has the view that the core skillsets required will be much the same as they are now but will incorporate updated training on the use of emerging technology and best Next >