< Previous20 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com towards integrated solutions, marking a departure from point solutions. Looking ahead into 2024, it’s evident that the demand for platform-driven models will persist, but the winners will be those purpose-built and impact-driven solutions.” Cost optimisation remains a paramount concern for property operators. In a recent survey of 500 facility managers, the top KPI tracked was maintenance spend and cost savings. Ramachandran adds: “In response to this, we foresee an increasing reliance on automation for cost optimisation, particularly in the areas of energy effi ciency and business process automation. “We also expect software buying decisions to become more strategic; a piecemeal approach to software buying will be replaced by portfolio level priorities. Despite tech spend reductions in various industries, there is a considerable uptick in demand for AI-driven tools that directly impact revenue by lowering operational and energy costs. For real estate owners and operators, the focus in 2024 will be on improving workforce effi ciencies and enhancing tenant experiences. These priorities align with the industry's evolution towards purposeful and impactful proptech solutions. “With stringent regulations on energy usage and carbon emissions coming into force in many countries, decarbonisation will continue to be a top priority. Yet many building owners don’t know where to start or how to navigate the path to net zero. IoT- led building operations software will play a critical part in fast-tracking this journey, and we advocate the “crawl, walk, run” approach - fi rst monitor, then predict and fi nally optimise/control.” In summary, he says that the year ahead will be marked by a continued embrace of platform solutions, an increased reliance on automation for cost optimisation, the integration of AI to enhance workforce effi ciencies and tenant experiences, and the pivotal role of IoT in achieving net zero and energy optimisation. Talking about the Saudi market, Nigel Wright, Managing Director at Musanadah Facilities Management, says: “The single biggest opportunity is to address the growing customer need in Saudi Arabia for cost-eff ective, world-class FM service delivery standards consistently delivered by FM service providers with highly skilled and professional staff who are trained to internationally recognised training standards.” A recently released 2023 report by Frost and Sullivan places CAGR for the KSA FM market at between 5-6 % for the period through to 2027. However, considering the play of a range of accelerators, this CAGR could range up to 10% as well over the forecast period for total FM services. Continuing growth of the FM sector in Saudi Arabia is underpinned by increased outsourcing of FM services by asset Increasingly, businesses are looking to develop their portfolios again and are looking to retrofi t or move to more effi cient facilities supported by smarter, more adaptive technologies and fl exible, hybrid approaches to design Parris Ullrich, Regional Director for MENA and APAC, Macro, formerly Mace Operate John Grainger, COO, Dulsco Environment Parris Ullrich, Regional Director, Macro Karthikeyan Ragothaman, GM, bfmPrabhu Ramachandran, CEO, FacilioJanuary 2024 21 www.fm-middleeast.com COVER STORY owners and building managers across the Kingdom Wright adds: “Consistency is key. More Saudi-based FM clients are seeking consistent, world-class FM service delivery standards off ered by FM providers, especially those adhering to BICSc and IAM training standards, such as Musanadah.” Musanadah’s growth rate is currently 21% (CAGR) – nearly double the industry growth rate, evidencing growing industry acceptance of its internationally benchmarked FM services in the Kingdom. Parris Ullrich, Regional Director for MENA and APAC, Macro, formerly Mace Operate, chimes in and concludes: “For our business, the biggest opportunities in the next 12 months come from renewals with existing strategic clients in the global fi nancial services sector. “More generally, the potential for growth in our global markets is signifi cant in the post-pandemic era. Increasingly, businesses are looking to develop their portfolios again and are looking to retrofi t or move to more effi cient facilities supported by smarter, more adaptive technologies and fl exible, hybrid approaches to design. We are talking to a broader range of potential clients than ever before in our business development teams.” It becomes evident that 2024 marks a watershed moment for the FM industry. The executives who graciously unveiled their fi rms’ priorities and objectives have laid bare the intricate challenges and triumphs that defi ne the path forward. In this era of unprecedented change, where technology intertwines with sustainability, and innovation becomes the compass guiding strategic decisions, the narrative of facilities management is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Andreas Hadjioannou, MD, Virtual IT IoT and cloud-enabled solutions can optimise energy consumption and enhance asset performances22 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com SMART CITIES An MBRF news report explores innovation in urban sustainability and smart cities AN URBAN AFFAIR U rban sustainability is closely linked to smart cities and is concerned with designing, developing, and managing cities and urban communities in a way that ensures environmental, economic, and social sustainability. It aims to achieve sustainable development, improve the quality of life in cities, and enhance effi ciency by using modern technology, promoting community participation, and improving infrastructure. To achieve this, urban sustainability and smart cities rely heavily on knowledge and technology, where they both play a vital role in improving urban environmental quality and reducing adverse impacts. Their achievement requires the application of theories of sustainability and fl exibility in the design, management, and operation of urban communities, further providing necessary methods of access to an optimal living framework, eff ectively providing energy, water, and other resources, improving the quality of air, water, and soil, encouraging the adoption of public transport, walking, and cycling, and improving urban infrastructure. URBAN SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES The prevalent environmental challenges are a result of increasing natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in cities, contributing to climate change and environmental pollution. These factors have a serious adverse impact on human health and the environment. Urban sustainability plays a major role in reducing these environmental impacts by promoting the use of renewable sources of energy, improving waste management, and conserving biodiversity. This can be achieved by regulating the usage January 2024 23 www.fm-middleeast.com SMART CITIES of resources and adopting clean technology to improve air, water, and land quality. Urban sustainability and the concerted eff orts of various stakeholders contribute to a delicate balance between urban growth and sustainability, allowing cities to become more attractive places to live and work where urban sustainability is a comprehensive solution to those pressing challenges. The Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) launched the Knowledge Summit, a special annual event and one of the most important and prominent international gatherings involved in the exchange of experiences and the transfer of knowledge. The sessions address broad sustainable development themes such as energy, education, and global partnership, as well as health and water. The summit is part of an eff ort to support the UAE’s vision of empowering knowledge in society. It is a leading platform for sharing experiences, ideas, and communication in the fi eld of knowledge dissemination. The Knowledge Summit is a major contributor to sustainable development, providing knowledge, expertise, and modern technologies that improve quality of life and achieve sustainable development worldwide. The UAE, being one of the leading countries in organising these kinds of summits, provides the right environment for participants and off ers the support needed to achieve sustainable development goals. URBAN SUSTAINABILITY AND SMART CITIES Smart cities promote community participation, promote transparency in 24 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com SMART CITIES Urban sustainability innovations are based on AI, IoT, cloud computing, and augmented reality decision-making, contribute to sustainable development goals, and transform cities into centers of innovation, inclusion, and well-being. These cities rely on technological infrastructures that include fast internet, 5G networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to collect and analyse data and improve the services provided and the quality of the urban environment. INNOVATIONS IN URBAN SUSTAINABILITY Urban sustainability innovations and smart cities are based on modern technology such as AI, IoT, cloud computing, augmented reality, and blockchain digital transactions. These innovations aim to develop sustainable and smart cities with digital security and a digital economy. It further includes smart transport, green infrastructure, renewable energy, waste management, and smart water solutions. These innovations enhance urban quality of life and effi ciency using technology, promote community participation, and improve infrastructure. They also contribute to enhancing sustainability and reducing adverse environmental impacts, making cities more attractive and prosperous. The MBRF is one of the most important institutions supporting scientifi c research, development, and innovation in the UAE. It seeks to promote a culture of reading and knowledge in Arab society and encourage young people’s creativity and innovation through numerous initiatives and pioneering knowledge projects, including the Knowledge Project, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which is based on three indicators to strengthen knowledge-based societies and policies as a means of achieving sustainable development. It further contributes to promoting eff ective dialogue and raising awareness of the importance of knowledge and policies for sustainable development. The indicators include the Arab Knowledge Index, the Arab Reading Index, and the Global Knowledge Index, which measure knowledge globally as a comprehensive concept closely linked to sustainable development. THE ROLE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTERNET TECHNOLOGY IN ENABLING SMART CITIES ICT and the internet play a key role in enabling smart cities to meet their goals and challenges. These technologies include fast and reliable communication, citizen interaction platforms and online services, the use of sensors to collect data and interact with users, data analysis, and the use of AI, along with the delivery of important notifi cations. It further contributes to improving life in smart cities and enhancing sustainability through their application in e-governance, improving energy effi ciency in homes and built environments, enhancing security and household networks, reducing consumption and maintenance costs, as well as increasing effi ciency in the workplace. ENERGY INNOVATIONS Energy innovation is one of the most crucial factors aff ecting urban sustainability and smart cities. Achieving sustainability requires the use of renewable energy sources and reducing fossil fuel dependence. Energy innovation includes many areas, such as the use of solar, wind, water, and thermal power for electricity generation and the use of energy storage techniques to conserve and subsequently utilise surplus energy. Innovations include smart energy infrastructure, such as the use of smart electricity and gas networks to improve energy distribution and consumption, smart lighting, and the collection of recyclable waste for power generation. It also includes green infrastructure that uses sustainable building materials and January 2024 25 www.fm-middleeast.com SMART CITIES The MBRF supports scientifi c research, development, and innovation in the UAE building design that improves energy use and promotes thermal insulation. WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING Waste management and recycling are important environmental issues in cities, and innovations in this area provide many benefi ts for citizens. These innovations include recycling materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and metals, as well as electronic and organic waste. It leads to pollution reduction, environmental protection, and improved air and water quality in cities. Recycling enhances citizens’ quality of life by reducing pollution and harmful emissions that arise from the manufacturing of new materials. It further contributes to reducing waste accumulation, minimising the risk of infectious disease spread, and improving public health. THE IMPACT OF INNOVATIONS ON CITIZENS’ LIVES Innovations in urban sustainability and smart cities contribute to environmental quality of life and reduce negative impacts on the environment. These innovations improve energy and resource management for sustainable development and promote sustainability and effi ciency in cities using modern technology. In addition, it promotes community participation and enhances infrastructure. The impact of these innovations is evident in smart cities across sectors such as smart transport, which contributes to reducing traffi c congestion and improving air quality and safety. Smart transport, technology, and data are used to monitor streets and vehicles and improve emergency response, enhancing urban services, infrastructure, health, and well-being. These innovations have a positive impact on communication and engagement across applications and social media sites, facilitating the provision of online services. These innovations further provide opportunities for learning, skill development, and increased employment opportunities. They also play an essential role in improving knowledge and leisure in cities by enriching activities and events and making cities more vibrant and active. 28 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com By Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director- Residential Communities, Dubai Holding Asset ManagementByBBBy ByBy AhmAhmAhmAhmededed dded dAl Al Al Al ASSSuwSuwSuuwuwuuwSuaaaaidaididaii,i,MaMaananaMaagiagiiiagngng ngDirDirDectector-or-roReRReesidsidsidsententiaiaalalalCoCoCmmummumunnnitnitiiesiesss, D DDD,,ubaubaubaubaububi Hi Hi HHoldoldoldoldiingingingingngAsAsssAsetetssesMMaMaMaManagnaggnnnagnnneeemeemementntnt Why investing in community building is a profi table long-term strategy LIVING IN CLOSE QUARTERS T he term community is a broad concept in the world of real estate. There is ‘community’, defi ned by the measurable boundaries of a gated residential complex. Then there’s ‘community’, an attitude or experience that nurtures belonging. It’s easy to build a community in the former sense of the word – contractors, architects, operators and maintenance teams can help construct and preserve beautiful environments and structures for people to call home. Building a community in the latter sense, however, requires much more than proximity to one's neighbours. Several studies have found that social interactions, inclusion and belonging are fundamental to human experiences and directly infl uence mental health. Studies from across diff erent age demographics and cultures, from those surveying communities in Canada (Michalski, 2020) to a global community sample survey (Cramer, 2023), Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director found a direct correlation between a sense of belonging, community and personal happiness, and well-being. Belonging to a community has been found to reduce mental health conditions, such as depression, and impact happiness across all age groups. Our social inclinations have been recorded extensively in politics, philosophy, and scientifi c research throughout history. And yet, residential complex managers deprioritise the strategic and long-term profi t of investing in community building. Common spaces such as public gardens, rooftop terraces, recreation facilities, and play areas physically nurture communities. They provide an external environment in which neighbours can organically familiarise themselves with one another, laying the foundations for interpersonal bonds. These, however, are just the start of a multi-pronged approach to community building. Gaining a deep understanding of one’s community fabric helps refi ne the programme to be more resident-centric, whether through insights gained when onboarding new residents or through periodic surveys that secure fi rst-hand January 2024 29 www.fm-middleeast.com OPINION information. Diversity of cultures and age groups, shared interests and challenges, or common values provide invaluable indications of the kinds of experiences that resonate with your community. Creating platforms, hosting events and launching initiatives where neighbours can interact, collaborate, and nurture interpersonal relationships. A year-long programme of entertainment, experiences and workshops communicate that community owners and operators are invested in residents’ health and happiness and provide a direct channel of engagement between those who live in a community and those who manage it. They devise a common ground for neighbours to interact – a social starting point that catalyses belonging. In the past year, Dubai Holding Asset Management hosted more than 60 events and activations across our portfolio of 15 residential communities. We organised gardening workshops, happiness events in line with the UAE’s Happiness Agenda, family-focused experiences, themed live music events and more. Such events allow us to communicate our values as an organisation to residents and promote national pillars such as sustainability, mindful living, and cultural diversity. Community engagement goes beyond events to activations and gestures that show residents they remain at the heart of all activities. Our Neighbourgood Bikes initiative leverages celebrations such as A year-long programme of entertainment, experiences, and workshops communicate that community owners and operators are invested in residents’ health and happiness Common spaces such as public gardens and recreation facilities nurture communities Mother’s Day and Emirati Women’s Day to distribute gifts and vouchers to our residents as a token of appreciation. This has become a conduit for our community managers to build stronger personal relationships with residents to serve their living experience better. In the long run, such eff orts help us build and preserve the loyalty of our individual residents and corporate partners. These eff orts aren’t vanity projects but directly impact tenant retention and occupancy. As Dubai’s real estate market becomes increasingly competitive and developers and landlords vie for attention, community engagement and customer service play subtle and invaluable roles in resident decision-making. Focusing on building interpersonal bonds and prioritising belonging as a community USP, community managers can attract and retain residents, invest in their health and happiness and secure long-term relationships with tenants. Next >