Exclusive: MEFMA President Jamal Lootah on the Strategic Role of FM in the GCC
As facilities management takes centre stage in project planning, its role in driving long-term asset performance is rapidly expanding across the GCC.
30 April 2026
Facilities management is no longer an afterthought in the GCC construction industry. Increasingly embedded from the earliest stages of project planning, it has evolved into a critical driver of long-term asset performance and operational success. As the sector matures, the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA) is moving beyond awareness-building to play a more active role in shaping industry standards and direction. In this exclusive interview, MEFMA President Jamal Lootah shares insights on how facilities management has evolved across the GCC, and what the next five years could hold for the sector.
How has the role of facilities management evolved over the past five years in the GCC construction sector?
Over the past five years, facilities management in the GCC has shifted from a traditionally operational function to a strategic, value-driven role. FM is now integrated early in the project lifecycle, contributing to design decisions that enhance long-term performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability. There has also been a strong move toward data-driven operations, with the adoption of digital tools, IoT, and smart systems enabling predictive maintenance and improved asset management. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that FM is not just about maintaining assets, but about optimising their performance and supporting business continuity.
In recent years, MEFMAโs role has evolved from being primarily a professional association focused on networking and knowledge sharing, to becoming a strategic enabler for the FM industry in the region. The focus has shifted toward driving professionalisation, standardisation, and capability development across the sector.
This evolution is reflected in the expansion of accredited training programs and certifications, stronger engagement with regional stakeholders, and the introduction of initiatives that support industry benchmarking and best practices. MEFMA has also strengthened its role in facilitating dialogue around key themes such as sustainability, digital transformation, and FM governance.
Key milestones reflecting this evolution include the consistent release of industry whitepapers and technical studies, the development of regional FM knowledge-sharing platforms, and the integration of research insights into training and certification programs. Together, these efforts position MEFMA as a reference point for FM knowledge and standards in the region, rather than only an event-based association.
With sustainability now central to GCC projects, how does FM ensure these sustainable goals are maintained post-construction?
Sustainability in the GCC is now a key part of building performance and user experience. Facilities management ensures these goals are maintained by continuously monitoring energy, water, and system efficiency, while optimising operations through data and smart technologies.
By focusing on efficient resource use and occupant comfort, FM helps reduce environmental impact and ensures sustainability is sustained throughout the buildingโs lifecycle not just achieved at handover.
Facility management practices are increasingly being shaped by globally recognised sustainability frameworks that support both environmental performance and operational efficiency.
Many leading projects and organisations are aligning with standards such as LEED certification, Estidama Pearl Rating System (UAE), and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, in addition to ISO 41001 for Facility Management Systems. These frameworks help structure FM operations around measurable sustainability targets, energy performance benchmarks, and continuous improvement cycles.
Operationally, this has led to clear improvements, including reduced energy and water consumption, better HVAC optimisation through smart controls, and more effective preventive and predictive maintenance practices. In addition, FM teams are now leveraging sustainability KPIs and ESG reporting tools to track performance more accurately, supporting both regulatory compliance and long-term asset efficiency.
Can you highlight any projects in the region that have set benchmarks in FM, improving operational performance and asset longevity?
A strong benchmark in the region is Dubai Silicon Oasis, which has demonstrated how structured facilities management and operational excellence can directly enhance asset performance and longevity. Through a data-driven and integrated approach to asset management, the project has successfully improved operational efficiency, optimised maintenance practices, and extended the lifecycle of key infrastructure assets. This achievement was further recognised when Dubai Silicon Oasis received the MEFMA Award of Excellence in FM (2022), reinforcing its position as a leading model for FM best practices in the region
What are the biggest challenges FM faces in aligning with GCC sustainability and smart infrastructure targets?
One of the biggest challenges is awareness of the importance of implementing sustainability best practices and understanding the return on investment of both sustainability and technology infrastructure.
Without strong facilities management involvement, it becomes difficult to fully realise these objectives. FM plays a critical role in bridging this gap ensuring that investments in sustainability and smart technologies translate into measurable performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
How can FM teams contribute to cost optimisation without compromising quality and sustainability?
FM teams can achieve cost optimisation by shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected failures and associated costs. Leveraging data analytics allows for better resource planning and energy optimisation, leading to measurable savings.
Integrated FM models also play a key role by streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Importantly, focusing on lifecycle cost rather than short-term savings ensures that cost optimisation does not come at the expense of quality or sustainability. Technology enables FM teams to maintain high service standards while improving overall efficiency.
Key tools and strategies being implemented include CAFM and CMMS platforms, IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring, and performance dashboards that provide actionable insights. Integrated FM models and lifecycle-based planning are also widely used to streamline operations and ensure long-term value without compromising quality or sustainability.
Looking ahead, what innovations or trends do you foresee shaping FM in the next 5โ10 years across the region?
The next phase of facilities management in the region will be defined by the power of connected data. The ability to integrate information from across the built environment and translate it into real-time, actionable insights will be a game changer.
AI-driven platforms, digital twins, and advanced analytics will enable FM teams to predict performance, anticipate risks, and optimise operations before issues arise. Smart building technologies will become more intelligent and interconnected, supported by dynamic dashboards that provide a holistic view of assets and performance.
Ultimately, this shift will move FM from a reactive function to a predictive, intelligence-led discipline one that not only manages buildings, but actively enhances their value, sustainability, and user experience over time.
One of the most important trends for the region is the shift toward data integration across the built environment, turning fragmented data into actionable intelligence that drives performance and decision-making. This will be further accelerated by AI, digital twins, and smart building technologies, enabling a more predictive and proactive approach to facilities management.
From our perspective, we are actively exploring initiatives that focus on advancing digital transformation within FM, promoting the adoption of smart technologies, and building industry awareness around data-driven operations. We are also working on enhancing professional development and knowledge-sharing platforms to equip FM professionals with the skills needed to lead this transformation.
These efforts aim to position FM as a strategic driver of sustainability, efficiency, and long-term asset value across the region.
