Insights

If you work in building management, you’re probably acutely aware of the challenges faced when trying to keep up with modern cleaning demands. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has led to a huge increase in the demand for cleaning services in the region (up 95% in the first year of the Covid-19 crisis). At the same time, COP28 taking place in Dubai and the nation’s wider environmental goals as set out in the ambitious and wide-ranging Vison 2030 plan, have served as a pertinent reminder of the importance of sustainable business practices.

Water scarcity in the UAE is a significant problem that every organization and individual can take action to solve. Businesses can play an important role by reducing water consumption and waste. It’s not just the responsible thing to do but can also save costs and create a good impression within the community. Here’s what building managers need to know and do.

Geographic and cultural features pose particular challenges for air quality in the UAE. Your choice of HVAC systems and facilities management provider can help influence indoor air quality and improve comfort, but you need to make the right choices to get the full benefits. Here’s what you need to know.

Over the past decade, facilities management has evolved to encompass roles that were previously outside their traditional scope of work. Nowhere is that more evident than in Dubai and the Middle East, where rapid growth has necessitated the adoption of a more collaborative approach. Facilities, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use have grown to expect service over and beyond the ordinary to provide their residents and visitors with an enhanced experience that meets requirements across sustainability, ecology, energy efficiency, and health and wellbeing. As client needs evolve, so do the expectations for facility managers to meet their demands. Consequently, facility managers have had to change their approach and adopt a model where stakeholders work closely with customers to better understand their needs, and to provide them with services that meet their expectations for healthy, efficient, and sustainable living and working environments.

Introduction

Imdaad Facilities Management has been supporting Dubai and the region’s stellar growth with maintenance services across assets of all types. Nowhere is that more evident than in the provision of regular maintenance for commercial and mixed-use buildings. Commercial building maintenance involves the provision of regular inspections, servicing, tests, repairs, and replacements, which are designed to contribute to efficient operations, ensure health and safety, and affect preventive and precautionary measures instead of costly repairs and replacements. Supported by its sister companies providing complementary services for energy efficiency, sustainability, maintenance, and repair, Imdaad has grown to be relied on by its customers to deliver comprehensive services integral to their smooth-running operations and long-term value preservation.

Introduction

Facilities management plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety for employees and visitors. From preventing accidents to managing emergencies, facilities management is involved in every aspect of workplace safety, and requires collaboration and coordination with all the other departments and stakeholders of an organization. This includes HR, IT, finance, and legal departments, as well as external stakeholders such as vendors, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

The global Facilities Management (FM) industry was valued at around $1,250 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to around $1,900 billion by 2029 – at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. During this forecast period, the still in-growth-stage Middle East and Africa FM market is estimated to register a CAGR of 7.6%, significantly outpacing more mature markets such as Europe and the United States.

In today’s busy world, few people have the time to spare for adequate preventive home maintenance or regular inspection of homes and household equipment and appliances. Where previous generations relied on Do It Yourself (DIY) for household improvements or for fixing things around the house, modern life often means that there just isn’t time. Besides in many cases, people would understandably spend their precious free time enjoying their family and friends rather than on home maintenance.

According to the Ministry of Interior, over 2,000 fires were reported across the emirates in the UAE last year. Although most were limited and minor, around 66% were in residential buildings, and the number of blazes in residential units, including villas and apartment blocks, increased by 8.4 percent from the previous year. The major causes of fire in residential units come from the kitchen, although smoking, burning incense, improper storage of flammable material, and inappropriate electrical equipment are also major contributors to fires at home.