< Previous UPDATE www.fm-middleeast.com10 July 2021 On the occasion of World Environment Day 2021, Veolia Middle East, hosted an afternoon of talks, workshops and activities on the topic of Ecological Transformation. Taking place at KAVE in the Alserkal Avenue arts district of Al Quoz, the event brought UAE- based entrepreneurs together with Veolia's environment experts for sessions on achieving ecological transformation and a circular economy in the UAE. The speakers explored topics including slow fashion, food security, organic farming, sustainable agriculture, composting, and recycling. Veolia’s experts presented enlightening statistics and fi gures that highlighted the crucial importance of adopting eco-conscious practices. These include the fact that the UAE consumes almost 3 billion plastic bottles per year; the average UAE resident uses seven trees a year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees; and that most UAE families throw away about 50 kg of plastic per year, which could otherwise be recycled. Commenting on the event, Sebastien Chauvin, CEO at Veolia Middle East said: “Our mission at Veolia is to demonstrate that an ecologically sustainable way of life is not just a pipe dream, but entirely achievable via the solutions that we are delivering to millions around the world every day. Events like this give people actionable insight into creating a sustainable economy, instilling the confi dence that change is truly possible.” In addition, Veolia Middle East hosted a range of initiatives to commemorate World Environment Day 2021 and increase awareness of how individuals can support ecological sustainability, including a beach cleaning eff ort in Abu Dhabi in which 30 recyclers collected 176.2 kg of waste. STAT ATTACK ENVIRONMENT Veolia Middle East hosts knowledge sessions on ecological transformation 1GW Saudi Arabia’s Renewable & Project Development Offi ce (Repdo) has received bids from three consortiums for the Category B projects under the third round of the kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP). Repdo received the proposals from the three groups on 3 June for the photovoltaic (PV) solar projects. Category B of the NREP’s third round includes two projects with a total combined capacity of 1GW. 120MW Repdo received proposals from the following three consortiums on 3 May for the 120MW Wadi ad-Dawasir and the 80MW Layla photovoltaic (PV) solar projects: Acwa Power(local), Total Solar (France)/ Al-Blagha (local), and Alfanar (local). $cents1.04 a kilowatt hour The lowest tariff of $cents1.04 a kilowatt hour ($c/kWh) was submitted by Acwa Power for the Fasiliyah project, which was the largest Category B project in the second round. 200MW Acwa Power was also awarded the contract to develop the 200MW Qurrayat PV IPP under the second round. Beach cleaning.DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY KIT. 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RDS COMMERCIALINTERIORDESIGNMMERCIALINTERIORDESIGERCIALINTERIORDESIALINTERIORDESNTERIORD NEWS www.fm-middleeast.com12 July 2021 COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT Arada has selected Exalogic Consulting to deploy its flagship real estate management platform RealCube, which will digitise and automate all community management-re- lated operations at its real estate develop- ments in Sharjah starting from July 2021. The engagement between the Sharjah- based developer and Exalogic will include the deployment and optimisation of RealCube, which will offer Arada’s asset managers, as well as homeowners, access to a comprehensive digital services for the growing number of residents at its developments. The collaboration will continue for one year, and will be undertaken in three phases: an initial phase incorporating the full design and implementation of RealCube, followed by a secondary phase which includes stabilisation support and a third phase which includes continuous improvements and enhancements. The adoption of the RealCube real estate platform will also address long-term com- munity management digitisation needs through a single platform, leading to im- FLEET For two decades, Transguard Group cash vans, busses, cars, motor- cycles and more have been a common site on the nation’s motorways. In an effort to provide the best possible maintenance and service for these crucial vehicles, the leading business solutions provider inau- gurated its first dedicated workshop. “This is a significant day for Trans- guard,” said Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, chief executive officer, Transguard Group. “This workshop is a prime example of our proactive approach to efficiency and will allow us even greater versatility and flex- RealCube software deployment will digitise, automate and manage all community related activities for Arada’s asset managers as well as homeowners from July 2021 The Umm Ramool workshop will service Transguard’s full 1,500+ vehicle fl eet Transguard Group inaugurates dedicated vehicle workshop RealCube is a next generation property management platform. while synergistically enmeshing with its long-term IT vision and digitisation initia- tives. We look forward to working with Arada on this exciting venture to bring the best solutions and services in the industry to every one of its clients.” Deepa Das, vice president of technology and innovation at Exalogic, concluded: “Arada is one of its kind in the industry with an unparalleled clarity in launching services to improve its customers experi- ence and operational efficiencies. Under this engagement, we will collaborate with Arada team to reimagine community management and enable their customers to access all services from the comfort of their homes through omni channel.” ibility as we continue to serve our diverse customer base.” With a fleet of more than 1,500 vehicles – including 400 cash vans, 165 limousines, a soft fleet of 440 vehicles, 540 buses and many more automobiles – the mainte- nance regime for these vehicles alone is significant. “Creating this dedicated space and employing skilled, in-house profes- sionals to service our fleet will reduce downtime and make our entire trans- portation offering even more efficient,” explained Greg Ward, managing director, Transguard Group. Located in Umm Ramool, the new facil- ity will allow the Transguard team to flex workshop operating hours around non- peak times, adding an additional layer of efficiency to the new location. proved business processes and enhanced customer satisfaction, while optimising operational efficiencies. RealCube is a next generation prop- erty management platform that allows clients to innovate and transform the way communities live and function. It enables stakeholders to automate and self-enable community functions such as service charge billing, digital contracts, digital con- nect with customers, feedback manage- ment, service request management, ameni- ties booking, operational maintenance and other tailored services according to resident needs. Shrikant Kabboor, chief technology officer at Arada, said: “We are pleased to partner with Exalogic to implement their industry leading RealCube solution, which will bring transparency and improved omnichannel customer experience.” Naveen Kumar, chief technology officer at Exalogic, added: “We consider ourselves part of Arada’s extended team and are delighted to be a part of this important project. RealCube will provide critically important business advantages to Arada Arada awards community management technology solution to Exalogic Consulting The Umm Ramool workshop.NEWS www.fm-middleeast.comJuly 2021 13 CLEANING ROBOT Tafawuq Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group is the first FM firm in the UAE to leverage robotics by deploying self-driving robot cleaning solution “Leo- Mop” to drive smart and efficient opera- tions in collaboration with Hygiene Tech, a provider of environmentally friendly machinery solutions in the UAE. Facility managers are increasingly look- ing for technological solutions to improve services, and save time. Robotics is the most feasible and innovative solution for creating a healthier environment for cus- tomers and employees while also deliver- ing higher operational standards. Powered by LionsBot, a Singapore-based robotics company, LeoMop is purposefully designed to improve cleaning productiv- ity and consistency while emphasizing on safety and security. The robot is equipped with active AI and can clean for an aver- age of 17 hours per day. The autonomous cleaning robot is able to self-assign role with minimum human intervention and maximum efficiency. The robot has features such as water- saving technology, which uses 70% less water than other cleaning robots while achieving the same high-cleaning results, and an active-DryTech, which can save up to 40% of water drier floors due to more robust water extraction for safer surround- Tafawuq deploys the UAE’s fi rst autonomous cleaning robot to drive smart and energy- effi cient methods Mohammed Alsharaf, senior executive vice president, Tafawuq. ing operations, conditions, and hygiene compliance. Michael Nicholas, general manager, said: “Covid-19 has put cleaning and disinfec- tion at the center of facilities management. It is necessary to adapt innovative solu- tions to our day-to-day operations to man- age workforce deployment and support our ultimate goal of providing our clients with a safe and clean environment.” With an increasing number of robots being integrated into facility operations to provide advanced cleaning and meet the new level of need and expectation fol- lowing the pandemic, their value has been proven, and their place in the future of fa- cilities management has been established. The latest deployment of the AI-pow- ered cleaning robot, aligned with Eltizam Group’s technology investments, will reinforce Tafawuq’s position as the Middle East’s leading facilities management com- pany, the company stated. ings. LeoMop is also regarded as the quiet- est professional cleaning robot, allowing it to operate at any time without causing disruptions. The robot is also programmed with emotional responses such as expressive eyes and voice, and it is capable of inform- ing, entertaining, and exchanging simple conversations activated via QR code. Mohammed Alsharaf, senior executive vice president, Tafawuq, said: “The FM industry has seen a significant technologi- cal transformation in recent years. With the rise of IoT, AI, big data, machine learn- ing, and robotics, Tafawuq is committed to pioneering tech-enabled solutions to enhance our services, become more data and value-driven for the benefit of our clients, asset owners, and our company to be future-proof.” Multiple sensors and safety features on the cleaning robot use smart algorithms to navigate the environment, adjust travel speed, work around obstacles, and avoid task interruption. LeoMop was designed specifically to assist the existing cleaning crew while also allowing them to perform supervisory duties and provide greater cleaning consistency. The robot also includes a mobile app with 24x7 Cloud Service support and real-time performance data derived from predictive analysis to monitor clean- Tafawuq Facilities Management introduces the fi rst robotic cleaner in the UAE NEWS www.fm-middleeast.com14 July 2021 ELEVATOR KONE, a global firm in the elevator and escalator business, has introduced the world’s first digital elevator series to the Middle East and Africa. KONE DX Class elevators feature class-leading built-in connectivity, en- abling users to enjoy a new and enhanced experience that combines the very best in design, technology, new materials, apps and services. The KONE DX Class series is available across markets in the region, beginning with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt as focus markets for regional growth. The KONE DX Class — the DX stand- ing for “digital experience” — recasts the role of elevators in buildings, true to KONE’s 110-year history of innovation and industry leadership. The elevator is no longer merely a way to travel between floors, but an integral and integrated platform that offers intuitive, ambient and connected experiences that extend from the lobby throughout the building. For KONE’s customers, such as developers and building owners, where design and differentiation are critical, a key advan- tage is the ability to adapt and upgrade the elevator experience according to needs now and in the future. KONE’s flex- ibility can support any building, no matter its age, in levelling up its infrastructure at any time to become a smart building, regardless of whether the existing equip- ment is manufactured by KONE. When you step inside an elevator, the first thing you probably notice is how it looks. But beyond aesthetics, there are many invisible ways in which the smart materials and finishes in the new KONE DX Class elevators improve hygiene and add to peace of mind. Importantly, digital services can be activated remotely as cus- tomers need, without having to visit the site to install anything. With KONE DX class elevators, customers can also take advantage of planning tools, including our virtual car designer, tools for energy mod- KONE revolutionises the role of elevators in future smart buildings to meet citizens’ evolving expectations est DX Class which offers design options and innovations, including anti-stain, anti-scratch, and anti-bacterial surfaces and sustainable materials to meet green building criteria. This is our response to the ongoing evolution of the urban world and we will continue to deliver new experiences to users and — significantly — helping them stay safe and healthy in a region where life is changing at the speed of technology,” added Bilen. “Upgrades can be provided to any type of elevators, not only KONE equipment. Now, we can bring a completely new ex- perience to the building and to the eleva- tor, should customers need to upgrade. KONE DX enables existing buildings to become smart while helping to provide the benefits that smart elevators bring. This means any building of any age can be given a facelift, to provide the latest user experience. It means moving from “modernising because of age or obso- lescence” to “modernising for customer experience and building value”. “We have worked closely with our customers in the region to develop and define our KONE DX elevators to best meet their fast-changing needs. New technologies can help create an integrat- ed and easily adaptable building experi- ences. As buildings evolve, the elevators can also evolve in ways we have not seen before.” eling as well as People Flow and consulting services. These features are joined by a modern suite of function- alities perfectly in tune with such a future-focused region. The new KONE DX Class en- ables customers to tailor and plug in additional software and services for elevators throughout the entire lifetime of a building. By using open application programming interfaces (APIs), KONE’s approach makes it easy to manage and integrate different devices, apps and ser- vices with new and existing systems. For elevator passengers this brings a host of new, multisensory experiences inside the elevator, combining physical hardware and digital services. Ruban Bilen, regional managing direc- tor of KONE Middle East and Africa com- mented: “The KONE DX Class cleverly caters to the modern demands of our customers in the region, providing added convenience, safety, security and ease of use; particularly in the wake of COVID-19. As we further expand our pioneering smart building solutions, we’re bringing our customers in the Middle East and Af- rica the ability to mass-customise services for their tenants. The latest introduction of the DX Class gives building developers and managers the ability to upgrade the value of their building, for prospective buyers and tenants respectively, by creat- ing an integrated and easily adaptable building experience.” “In addition, GCC countries are priori- tising sustainability now more than ever before where green initiatives, sustain- ability goals and green building support are a major part of each nation’s devel- opment visions. KONE shares the same vision and aims to make the world’s cities better and more sustainable places to live in. This can be recognised through its lat- KONE introduces the world’s fi rst digital elevator series to the Middle East and Africa KONE’s fl exibility can support any building, no matt er its age, in levelling up its infrastructure at any time to become a smart building.www.fm-middleeast.com COMMENT July 2021 15 Committed to QUALITY, Committed to YOU. he Facilities Ma na ge m e n t Middle East awards, which took place on 1 June 2021 was a resounding success. But don’t take my word for it, the pictures inside will do the talking. (p.34) In my speech at the awards I said that the FM industry had been on its toes since the onset of the pandemic early last year. A pandemic still lingering but appears to have been alleviated to some extent. The FM industry’s role in alleviating it cannot go unnoticed. “Facilities Management is not just synonymous with cleaning, but is much more– Today, maintaining a hygienic environment is a matter of life and death.” I also announced that the FM Middleeast website will 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 Facilities Management Middle East awards was a well-received physical event. We have been serious and successful in what we pursue. Now on to our next chapter. RAJIV RAVINDRAN PILLAI A resounding success T About the author Rajiv Ravindran Pillai is the editor of Facilities Management Middle East. COMMENT be going behind a paywall starting starting July 1st. This is our next chapter. Since its launch in early 2018, the FM Middle East website (www.fm- middleeast.com) has been growing aggressively. The reason for such growth is due to a clear demand for FM-related new stories in and around this region. We hope that the value you get out of this website will help drive business decisions. In reality, maintaining such a high-value content comes at a cost as we intend to have regular updates, exclusive news and features pertaining to the FM sector. The paywall reflects the new reality of the media industry. There is evidently a decline of revenues from advertisers and print circulations over the past few years, while witnessing the successful roll out of subscription-based content. We are here to adapt and ring in the new! Thank you for being part of our journey at Facilities Management Middle East, and congratulations to all our winners and highly commended.www.fm-middleeast.com16 July 2021 FMME Awards 2021 in association with SILVER SPONSORSCATEGORY SPONSORSSTRATEGIC SPONSOR FACILITIES & CONTRACTING PLATINUM SPONSOR WINNERS REVEALED AT FMME AWARDS 2021 The winners and highly com- mended for the 14th edition of the FM Middle East Awards were revealed on 16 June 2021. The awards, which was held in Dubai, at the JW Marriott Marquis, was a successfully carried out physical event with all safety measures in place. The facilities management industry, which has been on its toes since the early onset of the pandemic last year, deserved its due recognition. In what appeared as history repeat- ing itself, this year too Ejadah bagged the Overall FM Company of the Year award, with Emrill taking home the Highly Commended. At last year’s FM Awards, which was done virtu- ally, these companies won in the same categories! On the big win, Tarek Nizameddin, senior executive director at Ejadah, said: “It was a very tough competition. The names on the shortlist were scary. It had all the big players. We are very happy to win the award for the second year for Overall FM Company of the Year.” “I consider all the other participants as winners, but there is only one that can be the best,” he said proudly with a smile. Mohamad Abou Laban, CEO of Deyaar Facilities Management, was crowned the most coveted FM Ex- ecutive of the Year 2021 award. The Highly Commended went to Stuart Harrison, the CEO of Emrill. On what makes one to be an FM Executive of the Year, Abou Laban revealed: “It’s all about being passion- ate about work. It’s about the team and helping others to succeed and grow, and to deliver good services to our cli- ents. The main quality that I live with is being passionate in whatever I do.” In his speech, the FM Middle East editor Rajiv Pillai said: “We have all been through a trying year. Now it’s time to celebrate your efforts and suc- cess which has helped us all to be here today. A few FM firms have broken barriers in coming up with new strate- gies in sanitisation and disinfection practices. This needs its due recogni- tion.” The other big winners included FM firms Farnek and ENGIE Solu- tions, with the former winning in the categories Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Facilities Manager of the Year. Farnek was also the first runner up on Technology Implementation of the Year and Cleaning Company of the Year categories. ENGIE solutions won Technology Implementation of the Year and Engi- neering Service of the Year. It also won the highly commended on Sustainabil- ity Initiative of the Year category. The sponsors included Ejadah as Platinum Sponsor; AG Facilities Solu- tions, Deyaar Facilities Management and Farnek as Silver Sponsors; Imdaad as Strategic Sponsor; Adeeb, Al Bonian Facilities Management, Adeptus, bfm, BK Gulf Facilities Management, Em- rill, ENGIE Solutions, Inspire Integrat- ed, Khansaheb Facilities Management and ServeU as Category Sponsors; and Facilio as Technology Sponsor. HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS AND HIGHLY COM- MENDED ACROSS ALL CATEGO- RIES: Technology Implementation of the Year • Winner: ENGIE Solutions for Proj- ect VisARble • Highly Commended: Farnek Services for its Farnek Smart Fleet Health and Safety Initiative of the Year • Winner: Grako for updating H&S documentation of Dubai Eye • Highly Commended: AG Facilities Solutions for its M-Coins Scheme and Sodexo for its 10 x 10 Challenge Education and Development Initia- tive of the Year FACILITIES MANAGEMENT MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2021 AS A PHYSICAL EVENT ONCE AGAIN, AT THE JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS, DUBAIwww.fm-middleeast.comJuly 2021 17 FMME Awards 2021 in association with CATEGORY SPONSORS TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR • Winner: Emrill Services for People development during the pandemic • Highly Commended: Ejadah for Learn on the Go Sustainability Initiative of the Year • Winner: Farnek Services for its Vertical Farm • Highly Commended: Enova & Majid Al Futtaim Hotels for LEED accredita- tion of hotel portfolio across the Middle East and ENGIE Solutions for Project Istedama Engineering Service of the Year • Winner: ENGIE Solutions • Highly Commended: Emrill Services Property Management Company of the Year • Winner: Cushman & Wakefield • Highly Commended: Emaar Commu- nity Management Cleaning Company of the Year • Winner: Idama - Ejadah • Highly Commended: MBM and Farnek Services Sanitation and Waste Management Company of the Year • Winner: Imdaad • Highly Commended: Bee’ah and Dulsco Security Company of the Year • Winner: Transguard Group • Highly Commended: Arkan - Ejadah FM Consultancy of the Year • Winner: Cushman & Wakefield • Highly Commended: Adeeb Group Supplier of the Year • Winner: Verteco • Highly Commended: AABTools Young Facilities Manager of the Year • Winner: Mays Bishtawi from ServeU • Highly Commended: Sangeeta Kishani from Grako and Prancesca M. Perey from Al Bonian Facilities Management Services Facilities Manager of the Year • Winner: Zohaib Azhar from Farnek Services • Highly Commended: Geetha Shanmu- gam from Ejadah and Imtiyaz Ansari from BK Gulf FM FM Executive of the Year • Winner: Mohamad Abou Laban, CEO of Deyaar Facilities Manage- ment • Highly Commended: Stuart Harrison, CEO of Emrill Services Unsung Hero of the Year • Winner: Mohammed Afzal Ali from Deyaar Facilities Management • Highly Commended: David Oluwabu- sayo from BK Gulf FM Overall FM Company of the Year • Winner: Ejadah • Highly Commended: Emrill Services www.fm-middleeast.com18 July 2021 FMME Awards 2021 in association with SILVER SPONSORSCATEGORY SPONSORSSTRATEGIC SPONSOR FACILITIES & CONTRACTING PLATINUM SPONSOR ENGIE Solutions wins Technology Implementation of the Year 2021 ENGIE Solutions won the Technology Implementation of the Year award for its Project VisARble initiative. ENGIE Solutions developed and implemented Project VisARable, a mo- bile application solution that provides live asset data to engineers and techni- cians in the field by means of Augment- ed Reality (AR) and BIM Technology. Through the insights received from the application, users can make proac- tive decisions regarding Operations & Maintenance of the assets, and therefore effectively maintain equipment and sig- nificantly reduce costs whilst increas- ing system reliability. On the mobile application, the user can instantly see a 3D model of the location and equipment, as well as live data from each asset. Fur- thermore, the user can remotely control and change values of assets if required. The system seamlessly integrates with BIM models, building management sys- tems and asset data to empower the user to make data driven decisions at their current location. The VisARble mobile application has several features, these include: (a) Room Layout – A 3D model of the room can be seen to support the user with navigation. (b) Asset Locator – Each asset within the room can be located, supporting the user with identification, even for hard to reach or see assets. (c) System Viewer – Each building system can be individually viewed, supporting the user with technical analysis. (d) Live Data – Live data for each asset can be seen by the user to support performance analysis. (e) Remote Control – Asset values can be changed through the ap- plication which is integrated with the building management system and assets. Bart Holsters, general manager – UAE, Engie Solutions, said: “We’re obviously very happy that we won this award as technology is at the heart of our operations and we try to take this award home every year. This year, we’ve been recognised for our implementation of artificial intelligence and augmented reality to help our technicians monitor and control plant rooms entirely. This is a novel solution that is as much about speed and reliability as it is about saving costs for our clients. Basically, it gives us remote control of everything that we do. I thank my team that made this technol- ogy implantation a success.” The highly commended went to Farnek Services for its Smart Fleet implementation. The judges applauded the highly commended company for its “excellent initiative and example to har- ness today’s technology to optimise the use, reliability and customer experience for a specific requirement”. ENGIE SOLUTIONS DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED PROJECT VISARABLE, A MOBILE APPLICATION SOLUTION THAT PROVIDES LIVE ASSET DATA TO ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS IN THE FIELD BY MEANS OF AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) AND BIM TECHNOLOGY Bart Holsters, general manager – UAE, Engie Solutions.www.fm-middleeast.comJuly 2021 19 FMME Awards 2021 in association with CATEGORY SPONSORS TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR GRAKO SCOOPS HEALTH AND SAFETY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD Commercial cleaning service company Grako has won the Health & Safety Initiative of the Year for its work on up- dating health and safety documentation associated with the Ain Dubai project. Commenting on the win, Alain El Tawil, CEO and founder of the compa- ny, said: “This award is very important for us because everything we stand for starts from health and safety. Our job is critical and risky, involving elaborate procedures and details. Our rope access technical manager Christopher Smith has been responsible for us winning this award. He has been working on this project for a year. And he has been involved with all the different compa- nies and government sectors, making sure that everyone that visits our client is safe, and this was our priority from day one.” On his part, Smith said: “Our priori- ties for the rest of the year are aimed towards putting health and safety first, pushing forward, innovating and work- ing towards the end goal.” According to one judge, the winner “has made an outstanding contribu- tion to Dubai and the UAE through its thorough review and update of the Ain Dubai evacuation strategy. This is a great example of the type of action needed within the regional FM community.” Highly Commended in this category went to Sodexo for its 10 x 10 challenge, which meant introducing 10,000 steps every day for 10 weeks across 4 cross functional teams, and AG Facilities Solutions for its Welfare Motivational Scheme called Motivational Coins (M- Coins). Meanwhile, other companies and/or authorities nominated for the title were Farnek Services; Adeeb Group; Inspire Integrated; BK Gulf Facilities Manage- ment; Etisalat Facilities Management; Emrill; Imdaad; Transguard; Enova; Ejadah; and Global Village. HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR THE CATEGORY WENT TO SODEXO AND AG FACILITIES SOLUTIONS L to R: Alain El Tawil, CEO and founder, Grako, with rope access technical manager Christopher Smith.Next >