Unlocking a Smart Future

Embracing Global Changes: Insights from MEFMA CONFEX 2023

MEFMA CONFEX 2023 opening ceremony

Riyadh, October 24, 2023 — His Excellency Eng. Ihab bin Ghazi Al-Hashani, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing, inaugurated the 11th edition of the annual Middle East Facilities Management Association’s Conference (MEFMA CONFEX 2023) on October 15, 2023.

The 11th edition of the conference, titled “Facilities Management in the Digital Age – Embracing a Smart Future,” was under the Patronage of the Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing, and included active participation from both government and private sectors, including strategic sponsor Aramco, and Diamond sponsor the Saudi Facilities Management Company FMTECH.

In his opening speech, Mr. Jamal Lootah, President of MEFMA, explained that the conference comes in light of the global changes and developments in the facilities management sector, emphasizing the importance of keeping up with these changes and increasing cooperation and collaboration among all countries to achieve desired goals.

Mr. Talal Marri, Aramco Senior Vice President of Community Services, said, “We must all come together to shape the future of facilities management, with all the different stakeholders, from facility managers to service providers and tech entrepreneurs working together to share data, innovate and integrate, to reach future expectations.”

Mr. Mohammed Alduraibi, board member of MEFMA and the Managing Director of Oud Real Estate Company, said, “We are hosting this year’s edition in Riyadh, coinciding with the tremendous development that the Kingdom is witnessing, including giant projects, promising new sectors, and a competitive business environment to build a great global economy that aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

The conference program included specialized workshops and sessions on the latest trends in the sector, such as technology and data-driven facilities management, the journey of facilities management towards achieving sustainability, and the impact of facilities management on the future and vision of Saudi Arabia.

In addition, workshops were held on topics such as performance management in facilities management contracts, the essential impact of facilities management on megaprojects, enhancing functional interaction and work environment, and the applications of artificial intelligence in smart and sustainable facilities.