The Middle East Facility Management Association hosted the 12th edition of the MEFMA CONFEX & Awards under the auspices of Dubai Municipality at the JW Marriott Hotel Marina, Dubai, marking its first fifteen years with a major rebrand.
The opening day brought together over 500 participants, including leaders from 12 countries, government representatives, and FM experts all joining to celebrate MEFMA’s transformative journey and the evolution of the FM sector in the region.
This year’s edition was a milestone as MEFMA celebrated 15 years of advancing FM excellence across the region.
As part of this celebration, a refreshed brand identity and special 15th-anniversary emblem were unveiled, a visual representation of the organization’s journey of growth, innovation, and collaboration over the past decade and a half.
It mirrors MEFMA’s evolution from a visionary idea in 2009 into a leading regional platform representing more than 3,000 FM professionals and 150 corporate members.
The new logo reflects a commitment to sustainability, progress, and community, with a design inspired by the balance between the built environment and the natural world.
It also embodies a legacy of progress while underscoring a forward-looking vision to continue shaping the future of the FM industry across the Middle East.
During a keynote speech, MEFMA President Jamal Lootah highlighted findings from a collaborative report developed with Frost & Sullivan which reports the facilities management sector is experiencing rapid growth regionally, with the GCC market valued at approximately USD 54.6 billion and projected to reach USD 72 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7 per cent.
The opening ceremony also witnessed two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by Lootah, - one with Abdulla Yousef Al Ali, President of the UAE Society of Engineers, and another with Khalid Al Ammar, Assistant Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
The agreements aim to strengthen regional collaboration in training, accreditation, and knowledge exchange to further develop professional standards in facilities management across the GCC.
They will also support joint initiatives designed to enhance workforce capabilities, promote sustainability, and align FM practices with national development agendas.
Facilities management has evolved into a strategic force that supports every aspect of urban life, from sustainability and innovation to safety and community wellbeing.
Speakers emphasised that the industry is moving beyond maintenance toward a model that integrates technology, data intelligence, and human capital development as core enablers of value creation.
The sessions also reinforced the need to align regional FM practices with international frameworks, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and resilience across the built environment, as well as preparing a workforce capable of managing the smart, sustainable cities of tomorrow.
"The sector’s role today extends far beyond maintenance; it is about shaping smarter environments, optimising resource efficiency, and ensuring the resilience of the built environment in an era of rapid urban growth.
As we mark 15 years of MEFMA’s journey, this platform continues to strengthen the dialogue between government, industry, and experts, ensuring that FM remains a cornerstone of sustainable urban development across the Middle East.
Together, we are building the foundations for cities that are not only efficient, but truly livable for generations to come.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to Dubai Municipality and His Excellency Eng.
Marwan Bin Ghalita, Director General, for their continued support and leadership, as well as to our valued partners and sponsors whose collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the growth and excellence of the facilities management sector across the region.”
The three-day event included a B2B Arena and FM Consultation Hub with focused networking and expert advisory sessions, and concluded on 30 October with the MEFMA Awards Gala Dinner.
