As we look ahead to another new year, adopting AI-driven technologies, supporting
and complying with government net zero objectives and enabling connected
workforces will be pivotal to the success of progressive FM companies throughout the
GCC countries and beyond.
Markus Oberlin, CEO of UAE-based Farnek, shares his thoughts on how these three
critical trends will continue to shape the future of the region’s FM industry in 2025.
AI-Driven Operations
Artificial Intelligence is transforming facilities management, driving operational efficiency
across smart cities and mega-projects in the region.
The way in which AI can potentially improve FM performance is both broad and far
reaching. AI can analyse historical data and sensor inputs to predict when equipment is
likely to fail, enabling proactive maintenance, reducing downtime. AI algorithms can
also analyse occupancy data to optimise space utilisation, helping organisations make
better and more informed decisions about layout and resource allocation.
Of course, improved energy management is a major benefit. AI can monitor energy
consumption patterns and suggest improvements, leading to cost savings and a
reduced carbon footprint. Through automated work order management, AI can
prioritise and assign work orders based on urgency and resource availability,
streamlining operations and improving response times.
Moreover, AI can integrate with IoT devices to automate building systems, for
enhanced comfort, and efficiency. It can streamline asset tracking, improving inventory
management and reducing downtime losses as well as analysing spending patterns
to forecast future costs, helping facilities managers make more informed budgeting
decisions.
AI also automates data collection and reporting, providing real-time insights that not
only help facility managers make data-driven decisions, but it can also track and
analyse sustainability metrics, helping organisations meet their environmental goals and
comply with regulations.
Connected workforces
Empowered by mobile apps, IoT-enabled tools and cloud-based platforms, FM teams
are now more connected than ever before, enabling seamless communication, real-time
task tracking, and enhanced service delivery. Essentially the communication and
workflow is asset to central or remote hub to FM technicians. In addition, virtual
assistants or chatbots can manage tenant inquiries, schedule maintenance, and provide
information, improving communication and service delivery.
This avoids unnecessary costly maintenance visits irrespective of whether it is routine
or due to asset failure. Through hand-held devices and or wearable technology, FM
technicians are fully aware of the issue at hand, before arriving, armed with historical
data, the appropriate tools and if required spare parts and the exact location. And of
course we should not forget the safety benefits!
The SAFETEK app, developed by our in-house team at HITEK, is designed to help
anticipate and prevent incidents rather than just react to them. The app’s proactive
focus is supported by its alert features, efficient incident reporting capabilities, and the
use of data analytics for further investigation.
Net-zero strategies
With the UAE and other GCC countries prioritising net-zero goals, FM providers are
leading the way with innovative energy management, water conservation and
sustainable building solutions.
By monitoring and controlling air conditioning, water temperature and pressure,
recycling and managing waste, highlights a building’s sustainability efforts, this is
particularly relevant to hotels, with guests becoming ever more environmentally
conscious.
Staying with hospitality, on average approximately 15% of a hotel’s total revenue is
spent on energy, water and maintenance. So, applying that to an average Dubai hotel
with 200 rooms, utilities and maintenance costs could work out to around five million
dirhams, without including energy and waste intensive F&B operations, as well as
spas and other leisure facilities, such as swimming pools and gyms.
In general, this issue is going to become even more critical as time passes and
governments edge closer towards their interim carbon reduction targets. For example,
businesses operating in Abu Dhabi, that produce 500,000 tons or more of carbon
dioxide per year must now participate in tracking and reporting their emissions,
according to legislation that came into force on 28 th December 2024.
This follows an announcement made by the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD)
which launched an international standard carbon measurement, reporting, and
verification (MRV) program to standardise greenhouse gas emissions reporting, within
Abu Dhabi’s industrial and energy sectors in the emirate. I am sure other emirates will
soon set up their own monitoring and reporting systems.
It is blatantly clear that these three trends are in fact inextricably linked. Advanced AI-
driven technologies offer a safe, sustainable, efficient and cost-effective return,
providing a win-win situation for all stakeholders and the FM industry needs to be at
the forefront of this smart and green transformation.