< Previous10 December 2024www.fm-middleeast.com UPDATE A blockchain-powered sustainable marketplace concept developed by a team led by a student from American University of Sharjah (AUS) won fi rst place at the Islamic World Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization’s (ICESCO) Youth Climate Leaders Camp - Arab Chapter held at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park recently. Called Thimmar, this innovative platform connects consumers with farming communities and off ers AI-optimised grocery subscriptions to cut food waste and connect. It will debut in the ICESCO Pavilion in COP29 in Azerbaijan this month. Thimaar, which aligns with two key areas of the UAE Year of Sustainability 2024— responsible consumption and planting wisely—brings this year’s slogan, “Plan to Action,” to life. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: No Hunger, Good Health and Well- being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals. Thimmar platform connects consumers with farming communities “Our motto is reach, relive and reward. Through the platform, AI-calculated portions will help our customers to minimise food waste. They will also virtually connect with the farmers who grow their food, experiencing organic farming from home while also supporting the organic agriculture industry through micro-fi nancing,” said Izma Fatima, an AUS international studies student who presented the concept on behalf of her team. “Additionally, customers receive loyalty points and gifts with organic and food waste collection. Waste is repurposed to benefi t local organic farming communities in Sharjah, in alignment with the UAE’s eff orts to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.” By embracing a circular economy model, Fatima noted that Thimaar achieves three key goals: “making organic and sustainably produced products accessible, promoting a culture of organic farming, and minimising food waste.” Emphasising a bottom-up approach that fosters healthy consumer habits, rather than fl ooding the market with sustainable products that have low demand, the team—comprising seven female students from Oman, Qatar, Sudan and the UAE— focused on female homemakers in the region as their target. “The organic food market in the UAE is projected to reach USD500m by 2025, with female homemakers representing about 10% of that market. For Thimaar, this equates to a target market of approximately USD50m. By tapping into this market, the platform not only aligns with the UAE’s sustainability initiatives but also off ers a scalable solution that meets the growing demand for healthy, sustainable food options,” said Fatima. Proposed key partners for the platform would include organic farms and markets, sustainability-focused brands and local governments. Having designed and presented the elevator pitch for the fi nal project, Fatima highlighted how the multidisciplinary education she received at AUS contributed to her ability to approach the project from diverse perspectives. AUS student leads team behind online platform for sustainable food and waste reduction Proposed key partners for the platform would include organic farms and markets, sustainability-focused brands and local governments FM_Dec2024_8-10_Update_13456943.indd 1026/11/2024 19:15Discover how Tork sustainable hygiene solutions for offices help free up your cleaners’ time, reduce complaints and improve efficiency. Better hygiene for better workplace satisfaction torkmeia.com Tork, an Essity brand Efficient hygiene Efficient business Untitled-8 129/11/2024 17:4412 December 2024www.fm-middleeast.com UPDATE The H Dubai announced two key personnel changes within its Offi ce Tower, aimed at enhancing its leasing and operational services. Mariza Joson, will be stepping into the role of Leasing Manager, while Aylin Dacer, has been appointed as Assistant Offi ce Tower Operations Manager. Mariza Joson holds over 14 years of expertise in commercial and residential leasing across the UAE, a career marked by an in-depth knowledge of local real estate regulations and a reputation for building meaningful client relationships. Her extensive experience will be invaluable as she transitions into the role of Leasing Manager. Taking over from the previous Leasing Consultant, Annie Vladimirova, Joson will oversee tenant relations, negotiate leasing agreements, and manage renewals, ensuring each transaction aligns with Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) guidelines and market. Aylin Dacer, who has been a dedicated Transguard Group has revealed it has signed an MOU with Micropolis Robotics, the UAE robotics manufacturer and trailblazer in autonomous driving security platforms. “Technology-driven security is the future of the industry and Transguard is determined to be at the forefront of these developments,” explained Rabie Atieh, CEO. “This MOU signifi es our willingness to push the boundaries of what is currently possible within the security fi eld here in the UAE and beyond.” “Transguard is very clear in their requirements and I am confi dent that Micropolis’ agile and responsive The H Dubai announces personnel changes in its leasing and operations department Transguard Group signs deal with Micropolis Robotics L to R: Mariza Joson, Leasing Manager, and Ayline Dacer, Assistant Offi ce Tower Operations Manager L to R: Rabie Atieh, CEO, Transguard Group and Fareed Aljawhari, CEO, Micropolis Robotics approach will create a solution that will propel both companies toward a more sustainable and secure future,” added Fareed Aljawhari, CEO, Micropolis member of The H Dubai team for over fi ve years as a Senior Housekeeping Supervisor, will now serve as the Assistant Offi ce Tower Operations Manager. In her role, Dacer will focus on optimising daily operations, enforcing safety and security standards, and ensuring tenant satisfaction through proactive issue resolution and maintenance coordination. She will also oversee all annual maintenance and cleaning contracts to keep both tenants and the building in top condition Sophie Blondel, the General Manager at The H Dubai Complex, commented on the promotions: “At The H Dubai, we believe in empowering our team to grow and make a diff erence. The appointment of both women represents an exciting new chapter for our team, and we would like to take this time to thank Annie Vladimirova, for her service and insight to every interaction. I have no doubt that Mariza’s contributions will bring a positive impact to our vibrant H Tower Community.” Robotics. Transguard intends to debut an autonomous robotic security patrol vehicle during Intersec 2025. The H Dubai is located at Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Agreement signals Transguard’s further exploration of robotics and artifi cial intelligence FM_Dec2024_12_Update_13456978.indd 1226/11/2024 19:15FACILITIES ON LOCKDOWN? UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY Untitled-4 123/07/2024 16:2514 December 2024www.fm-middleeast.com POWER 50 POWER 50 The region’s top 50 FM companies in 2024 POWER 50 www.fm-middleeast.com14 December 2024 FM_Dec2024_14-15_Power 50 Opener_13467716.indd 1426/11/2024 19:16December 2024 15www.fm-middleeast.com POWER 50 The Middle East’s Facilities Management sector is dynamic, competitive, and constantly evolving. To celebrate its leading players, we’ve compiled a power list of the top 50 FM fi rms making their mark in the region. However, before going into the list, it’s important to explain the methodology behind it. Our ranking process combined both subjective and objective elements, creating a discussion-worthy and open- to-interpretation list. We don’t claim to be the defi nitive experts—after all, the clients who work with these companies daily are in the best position to judge their impact. What we off er here is a snapshot based on the data provided and our research. To ensure fairness, we invited fi rms to participate in the process by fi lling out a detailed questionnaire. This questionnaire asked about various performance indicators, including company size, the number and scale of projects handled, profi tability, and the extent to which the company demonstrated all-round excellence. The more information a company shared, the stronger its position in the rankings. However, we also considered active players in the market who didn’t respond, ensuring their contribution to the industry wasn’t overlooked. These inclusions were based on our observations of their ongoing visibility and infl uence within the FM sector. In such cases, we also drew on public domain information and past data to ensure fairness and inclusion. Ultimately, this list is as much about inclusion as it is about ranking. Whether a company is ranked at the top or further down, being featured in this power list signifi es recognition as a leader in one of the world’s most vibrant FM markets. Each fi rm here is a testament to the innovation, and service excellence that drive the Middle East's Facilities Management sector forward. Looking ahead, we are already excited about what 2025 holds. The FM sector in the Middle East continues to grow, innovate, and adapt, and we can’t wait to see how the next year unfolds. Now, let’s dive into the companies shaping the future of FM in the region! POWER 50 December 2024 15www.fm-middleeast.com FM_Dec2024_14-15_Power 50 Opener_13467716.indd 1528/11/2024 16:0716 December 2024www.fm-middleeast.com POWER 50 For the fi nancial year 2024-25, which spans from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025, Imdaad’s projections refl ect continued growth and expansion. Approximately 80% of its revenues for the year have already been secured through its existing long- term contracts. The fi rm expects a further 12% to be fi nalised through renewals of ongoing agreements, solidifying its base. The remaining 8% of its projected revenue is anticipated to be derived from new tender awards. The company possesses a signifi cant pipeline of submitted tenders and opportunities, for the 2024-25 fi scal year. Mahmood Rasheed, Chief Operating Offi cer at Imdaad, says: “Over the next 12 months, the single biggest opportunity for Imdaad lies in the realm of Smart Technology Integration. As digital transformation accelerates and smart buildings become more prevalent, our focus will be on leveraging advanced IoT-based solutions and analytics. This integration will allow us to monitor and optimise energy consumption, enhance equipment usage, and signifi cantly reduce operational costs. “Embracing this technology aligns with the global trend towards more effi cient, sustainable, and responsive building management systems. By harnessing the power of IoT and AI, Imdaad is poised to not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of our clients, ensuring our leadership in the facilities management sector and setting new standards for service excellence. This strategic focus is expected to open new avenues for growth and client engagement, fi rmly establishing Imdaad as a frontrunner in the integration of technology within the FM industry.” IMDAAD 1 Over the years, Imdaad has signifi cantly expanded its reach across the Middle East, establishing itself as a leader in integrated facilities management services. Its strategic focus has been on markets that off er growth opportunities and align with its capabilities to provide high-quality services. Rasheed adds: “The biggest challenge facing Imdaad over the next 12 months revolves around cost pressures and client budget constraints. In a market where clients are increasingly looking to optimise expenditures, there is a signifi cant push towards cost reduction, leading to potential contract renegotiations or reduced scopes of service. This trend places considerable pressure on us to maintain profi tability while continuing to deliver high standards of service. Adapting to these fi nancial constraints without compromising on quality will be critical.” MAHMOOD RASHEED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Number of years in the role: 12 Total number of years in the company: 17 Number of years working in the Middle East: 28 EMPLOYEES: 10,522 OPERATORS AND ENGINEERS: 4,344 FEMALE STAFF: 1,228 FM_Dec2024_16_Power List_13444625.indd 1626/11/2024 19:19December 2024 17www.fm-middleeast.com POWER 50 With a workforce exceeding 10,000 dedicated individuals, the primary opportunity for Emrill lies in its people and their unwavering commitment to providing world-class facilities management (FM) solutions that add value. This focus on human capital, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence, positions Emrill to continue its trajectory as a leading FM company in the Middle East. At the core of Emrill’s success lies its commitment to employee welfare. The organisation recognises that its workforce is its most valuable asset. In the coming year, Emrill has a signifi cant opportunity to expand its welfare and employee happiness initiatives further, building on the success of existing programmes such as the Sentinels of Safety, Annual Emrill Carnival and ‘A Better You’ initiatives. In 2023, Emrill launched ‘Sentinels of Safety,’ a comprehensive programme focused on health, safety, and wellness across its 235+ contracts, empowering employees to take responsibility for their own safety and that of colleagues, customers, tenants, and visitors. Emrill has a unique competitive advantage: its executive leadership team has remained consistent over the past fi ve years. This stability allows for a deeper understanding of employee needs and concerns, resulting in a more cohesive and engaged workforce. Stuart Harrison, CEO, has played a critical role in creating a corporate culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Harrison says: “Emrill fosters an inclusive and collaborative workplace environment, supported by the introduction of multiple learning and career development initiatives accessible to its workforce of over 10,000 employees. Guided by a seasoned leadership and training management team boasting decades of experience and proven expertise, Emrill’s people development programmes propel its workforce toward career excellence and FM service delivery EMRILL 2 excellence. Our executive leadership team actively shares knowledge and expertise within and across the wider industry landscape.” Emrill primarily conducts its training initiatives in-house at its Centre of Excellence (COE). With 18,530 learning sessions and 467,317 learners, Emrill is dedicated to nurturing its workforce and continues to provide industry-leading training. The fi rm has received international accreditations from BICSs and CPD, further validating its commitment to excellence in training, education and people development. Emrill has advanced its technology journey with Techsphere, enhancing the capabilities of its facilities management digital solutions to meet evolving industry demands. Building on its initial success, Techsphere now off ers a wider range of services and more customisation options. STUART HARRISON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Number of years in his role: 5+ Total number of years in the company: 9 Number of years working in the Middle East: 12 EMPLOYEES: 10,095 OPERATORS AND ENGINEERS: 2,572 FEMALE STAFF: 1,167 FM_Dec2024_17_Power List_13444630.indd 1726/11/2024 19:1918 December 2024www.fm-middleeast.com POWER 50 It has been an incredibly busy year for Farnek, the company states. In January, Farnek achieved record sales revenue, securing a host of new and retained contracts, valued at more than AED607m, over the course of 2023. In total Farnek was awarded more than 300 contracts, an average of 25 every month and overall, more than 2,500 additional members of staff were mobilised to sites across the UAE. In March, Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Farnek’s Sustainability & Consultancy was invited to address delegates, at the ‘Sustainable Cities in Action Forum 2024, held at Expo City Dubai. Again, in March, through its sustainability and consultancy division, Farnek, helped the Burj Khalifa achieve LEED O+M Platinum Certifi cation, the optimum international standard for the operation and maintenance of green buildings. In April, HITEK signed a JV partnership with Virgin Mobile Saudi, as the preferred technology partner to enable a joint strategic approach to developing smart cities across Saudi Arabia. In June, Hitches & Glitches, Farnek’s residential maintenance company launched a dedicated mobile application, that is specifi cally designed to improve the uptime and lifespan of commercial kitchen equipment. In July, Farnek secured a raft of new security contracts, valued at more than AED25m, with technology playing a key role in its successful market proposition. In August, HITEK announced it had signed strategic agreements with Saudi Arabian organisations such as the Safari Group and Omni Facility Management, which underscored HITEK's diversity and commitment to supporting the kingdom’s development goals in healthcare, education, and cultural preservation. In September, HITEK successfully developed and activated a cutting-edge FARNEK 3 community app for leading UAE real estate developer MAG. Markus Oberlin, Chief Executive Offi cer, Farnek says: “One of the biggest commercial opportunities that we have identifi ed is the momentum towards the digitalisation of the FM industry and the reason we launched our own in-house technology solutions company HITEK in 2022. “The focus placed on digitalisation by the FM sector has accelerated the adoption of more advanced technology. The current expectation is not just to activate CAFM along with contractual SLA, KPIs and Asset Management, to deliver scheduled Planned Preventative Maintenance and register breakdown and corrective maintenance; rather the focus is now to bring data analytics into the equation from digital workfl ows, making CAFM a tool to make FM even smarter.” MARKUS OBERLIN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Number of years in the role: 19 Total number of years in the company: 26 Number of years working in the Middle East: 19 EMPLOYEES: 9,259 OPERATORS AND ENGINEERS: 768 FEMALE STAFF: 903 FM_Dec2024_18_Power List_13444632.indd 1826/11/2024 19:20December 2024 19www.fm-middleeast.com POWER 50 Ejadah is a semi-government organisation, along with its subsidiaries IDAMA Facilities Management Solutions and Arkan Security Management Solution, manages a diverse portfolio of landmark developments that have come to symbolise the UAE. Founded in 2005, Ejadah claims to be the region’s leader in asset management, providing a comprehensive range of total community solutions to small, medium and large market sectors and operates all over the UAE, managing 132 million square feet of real estate assets most of which are global and iconic landmarks. The organisation, made up of more than 16,000 employees, is spearheading the growth of the FM industry at large and is driven by the commitment to deliver exceptional quality community solutions for real estate assets including residential, commercial, retail, leisure, public, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. It aims at maximising yields and ROI for landlords, developers and owners, continuity and sustainability for tenants and residents. Ejadah diff erentiates itself by three critical aspects which are: employing exceedingly innovative solutions tailored to each client’s needs, providing cutting- edge technology incorporated into all operations, and having a highly skilled and continuously trained workforce. Ejadah EJADAH 4 has evolved into an integrated business that delivers these services to the market through its three business verticals — Idama (Integrated Facilities Management), Arkan (Integrated Security Management), and Shabaka (B2C). Abdulla Abushabib, Senior Executive Director - Ejadah Commercial, says: “The biggest opportunity for Ejadah in the next 12 months is the recent integration with Nakheel, which includes the Nakheel Global TFM tender. This tender consists of 14 packages that cover major assets such as Palm Jumeirah, International City, Discovery Garden, and Design District. Additionally, Ejadah will handle Total FM Services for Abu Dhabi Mosque and ADNOC Substations across the UAE. This expansion positions Ejadah for signifi cant growth and operational infl uence in key regions and sectors.” EMPLOYEES: 16,032 OPERATORS AND ENGINEERS: 4,126 FEMALE STAFF: 1,983 ABDULLA ABUSHABIB SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - EJADAH COMMERCIAL Number of years in the role: 19 Total number of years in the company: 19 Number of years working in the Middle East: 30 FM_Dec2024_19_Power List_13444636.indd 1926/11/2024 19:20Next >