www.fm-middleeast.com EDITOR’S LETTER May 2026 3 LIVE AND UNFILTERED Over the past few weeks, we’ve been reminded just how quickly the operating environment around us can shift. Organisations have been on heightened alert. Behind the scenes, it is facilities teams and security teams, who are often the fi rst to respond, ensuring business continuity, safety, and stability. Another reminder of just how resilient we are as an industry. At the same time, the region is moving into a new phase of development, with giga projects, advancements in digital infrastructure, and more. At the FM Leaders Conference, we brought bold topics to the table and even bolder voices, delivering a record-breaking edition for us in terms of attendance. The energy and discussions in the room truly made the day what it was. Flip through the next pages for a photo gallery from the day. Our cover story looks at how du’s headquarters is redefi ning building performance. As Abdulhadi Ali explains, its 95-point LEED score goes beyond sustainability targets, refl ecting a building that is continuously learning. This issue also takes a closer look at Saudi Arabia’s FM market and how it is evolving, alongside an update on the giga projects that continue to defi ne the region’s ambitions, even as realities start to reframe timelines and priorities. We explore how ongoing tensions are aff ecting mental health on-site, something that is not always visible but very real, and also why roofs, often overlooked, remain one of the most critical lines of defence for a building. The next time many of us will get together will be at the 20th edition of the FM Awards in June. Nominations are open until May 5, so take the time to put forward the work and people that truly deserve the spotlight. The industry runs on eff ort that often goes unseen. This is your chance to bring it to the surface. I look forward to celebrating with you. MUST READ IN THIS ISSUE SAVE THE DATE The FM Middle East Awards will take place on June 24 in Dubai. Submit your nominations by May 5 to participate PAGE 7 COVER STORY du’s Head of Corporate Services on using real-time data, AI, and circular strategies to build a future-ready workplace PAGE 18 SPECIAL REPORT A look at Saudi FM: Vision 2030 is driving maturity, but integration gaps, uneven digital uptake and workforce constraints remain PAGE 26 Almas Tholot Group Editor ON THE COVER ABDULHADI ALALYAK Creative Direction Angitha Pradeep Photography Ajith Narendra Location ITP Media Group Studios FM_May2026_3_Editor Letter_13887474.indd 3FM_May2026_3_Editor Letter_13887474.indd 330/04/2026 11:1830/04/2026 11:18www.fm-middleeast.com4 May 2026 16 IN PICTURES A look back at the FM Leaders Conference, attended by over 200 FM professionals, where experts discussed key industry issues, including FM contracts, seamless handovers, and more COVER STORY Abdulhadi Alalyak, Head of Corporate Services at du, explains how real-time data, AI optimisation, and circular strategies are shaping a future-ready corporate environment 26 SPECIAL REPORT While Saudi Vision 2030 is accelerating maturity in the Saudi FM industry, delivery is still being shaped by integration gaps, uneven digital adoption, and workforce capability constraints 34 SAUDI GIGAPROJECTS A roundup of the latest updates across NEOM, Qiddiya, Diriyah, and other major developments shaping Saudi Vision 2030 2618 18 FM_May2026_4-5_Contents_13887475.indd 4FM_May2026_4-5_Contents_13887475.indd 430/04/2026 11:1930/04/2026 11:19www.fm-middleeast.comMay 2026 5 42 42 38 46 50 SECURITY The convergence of AI-powered surveillance and cybersecurity is reshaping how facilities are managed, secured, and optimised MENTAL HEALTH Experts reveal how recent regional tensions are taking a hidden toll on mental health, and what managers can do to support their teams on site CHECKLIST While ground-level defences are critical, the roof remains a building’s fi rst line of defence and is often its most overlooked vulnerability SURVEY FM professionals weigh in on whether recent geopolitical tensions have impacted salaries across the GCC, and, if so, the extent of that impact 3438 46 FM_May2026_4-5_Contents_13887475.indd 5FM_May2026_4-5_Contents_13887475.indd 530/04/2026 11:1930/04/2026 11:19www.fm-middleeast.com6 May 2026 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Business and Technology: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Group Editor: Thomas Mackie Group Editor: Almas Tholot Tel: +971 4 444 3845 email: almas.tholot@itp.com Features Writer: Akshata Kamath Tel: +971 4 444 3262 email: akshata.kamath@itp.com Commercial Editor: Angitha Pradeep Tel: +971 4 444 3278 email: angitha.pradeep@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director: Anup Nagpurkar Commercial Director: Vinay Ravindran Tel: +971 4 444 3155 email: vinay.ravindran@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Group Video Editor: Bharat Tahiliani Videographer: Sumeet Katira Videographer: Karan Sumadari MARKETING Head of Events: Eleanor Ashton email: eleanor.ashton@itp.com Senior Events Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events Manager: Gavin Moeketsi Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager: Maria Trishina Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga Events Coordinator: Bobbie Rosario PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Senior Production & Distribution Manager: Balasubramanian P Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. To fl ip through previous editions of Facilities Management Middle East magazine, visit fm-middleeast.com/emagazines/digital-magazine PUBLISHED BY AND © 2026 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. FM_May2026_6_Flannel_13887476.indd 6FM_May2026_6_Flannel_13887476.indd 629/04/2026 17:1029/04/2026 17:108 May 2026www.fm-middleeast.com The programme is a multi-year initiative to train thousands of fi bre technicians to support the expansion of data centre infrastructure across the United States. It aims to create new pathways, as demand for AI-driven infrastructure shoots up. With a strong background in managing high-profi le operations, crisis response, and multi-property security frameworks, Somanna Vanchira is set to strengthen safety standards and operational excellence at the Taj property. Musanadah FM announced the appointment of Brad Robbins as business development director, reinforcing its leadership structure as the company continues to expand its IFM presence across Saudi Arabia. Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria) has awarded an FM services contract to MUMTALAKAT, a subsidiary in which Al Akaria holds a 60% stake, for its portfolio of residential and commercial properties in Riyadh. WHAT'S TRENDING ONLINE fm - m iddle e as t .co m META and CBRE Launch 'LevelUp' to Train Next-Generation Data Centre Workforce Taj Dubai Appoints Somanna Vanchira as the New Director of Security Musanadah FM Appoints New Director to Drive Growth in Saudi Arabia Al Akaria Awards $13M FM Contract for Riyadh Portfolio WHAT OUR READERS THINK... On our FM Leaders Conference “'Start Right, Design Right, Build Right, Operate Right'. This was the key takeaway from the FM Leaders Conference” — John-Mark Kruger, Land Sterling, Senior Manager – FM On our FM Leaders Conference “Glad to be part of the event that portrayed the uniqueness of the FM industry across UAE. Such gatherings create future FM leaders” — Riyas Khalid, Reliance FM, Business Head – FM FM_May2026_8-9_Online_13888293.indd 8FM_May2026_8-9_Online_13888293.indd 829/04/2026 17:1129/04/2026 17:11May 2026 9www.fm-middleeast.com ONLINE In Qatar’s facilities management sector, performance expectations have evolved, but not perceptions. Despite increasing emphasis on compliance, lifecycle planning, and asset stewardship, FM continues to be viewed primarily as a cost centre. Budget decisions remain driven by short-term savings, even as the long-term impact of maintenance on asset value becomes more evident. FM in Qatar Is Still a Cost Centre, and That's the Real Problem FM_May2026_8-9_Online_13888293.indd 9FM_May2026_8-9_Online_13888293.indd 929/04/2026 17:1129/04/2026 17:11Next >