Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's facility management market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected market value increase from $6.83 billion in 2024 to $12.33 billion by 2033, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.90%, according to a recent study by Astute Analytica.
This expected growth of over 80.5% is largely attributed to rapid infrastructural development and dynamic real estate activities, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Key developments, such as the UAE capital's Yas Bay waterfront project and Expo City Dubai, have significantly raised the demand for comprehensive facility management (FM) services.
These large-scale projects - along with sustainability-driven initiatives like Masdar City's green-certified buildings - are accelerating the need for eco-friendly FM solutions, the study said.
Technological advancements have also been reshaping the market. IoT-enabled predictive maintenance and AI-based solutions are now widely adopted to enhance asset longevity and operational efficiency, the report added.
For instance, smart building management systems in areas like Dubai Internet City and robotic cleaning solutions at high-profile sites like Dubai International Airport are improving service quality and reducing operational costs.
The study found that the commercial real estate sector remains the dominant end-user of facility management services, with major developers such as Aldar and Emaar driving demand.
Sectors like healthcare, with entities such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and the hospitality industry, led by Jumeirah Group, are also significant contributors, it added.
Managing Diverse Facilities
Despite its growth, the UAE's FM sector faces challenges, particularly in managing the complexity of diverse facility types, the research found.
This is especially true in mixed-use developments and specialised sectors like healthcare and cultural sites, which require highly customised and advanced management solutions.
Hard services, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing maintenance, dominate the market, driven by the UAE's extensive infrastructure.
In-house facility management remains the preferred service model, with over 63% market share, as organisations favour direct control over operations to ensure compliance and responsiveness.
Overall, the UAE FM market's robust growth is fuelled by a combination of rapid infrastructure development, technological advancements, and an increasing focus on sustainability.
As the country continues to expand, the demand for sophisticated, tech-driven facility management solutions is expected to rise, positioning the UAE as a leader in the regional market.
