The Middle East region's leading facilities management event, FM Expo 2019, opens its doors today (September 17) at the Dubai World Trade Centre showcasing hands-on demonstrations of the latest products in the FM sector.

Now in its 14th edition, the Middle East’s leading facilities management event, was officially inaugurated by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman Dubai Airports.

The expo is hosting 50 exhibiting companies, 20+ CPD certified workshops and the Waste & Recycling Summit until September 19, said the organisers.

With dedicated product showcases and educational opportunities, the event is expected to play a pivotal role in driving forward the GCC facilities management sectorm, they added.

Paddy O’Neil, the project manager of FM Expo said: "Due to trends of digitalization, innovation of service and service integration hitting the region’s market, demand continues for a dedicated platform to bring facilities management professionals together."

"With a wealth of features this year, both product and content focused, there is ample opportunity for visitors to browse and trade the latest solutions on the market and to discuss current trends and challenges in the industry," he added.

Major participating brands like Imdaad, Ejadah, Boecker, eFM, FSI Middle East, ZOLL, Evac+Chair and Dussmann are showcasing the latest industry products and solutions both at their stands and in the all new ‘Theatre of Inspiration’ at FM Expo.

The event offering covers Technology, Specialised Support Services, Cleaning Services, Waste and Recycling, and Energy Management.

More than just an exhibition, FM Expo 2019 also features an insightful education agenda in association with Headline FM Forum Sponsor, Tafawuq Facility Management. Made up of more than 20 free-to-attend and CPD (continued professional development) certified workshops, FM Forum sessions run for all three days of the event.

Chris Roberts, CEO, Eltizam Asset Management (Tafawuq) said: "We believe that now is the time for our industry to harness new technologies in order to achieve efficiencies that lead to lower operating costs for asset owners, and this is a key reason of our partnership with FM Expo."

"Educating employees about these technologies contributes to growth as it plays a huge role in shaping the future trends and success in the sector. All companies are obligated to ensure their staff are up to speed and able to explore various options with a view to adopting them to best serve facilities," he stated.

Major international and local thought leaders are taking part in the FM Forum, including Stephen Morris, Global Head of FM Sector at RICS, Arun Stanly, Senior Business Development Manager at Frost & Sullivan,Tolga Candan, Head of Strategic business Development, Al Futtaim Engineering &Technology, Alexander Kolpakov, Associate director for Digital Project Delivery at Aecom and Suhail Arfath, Head of Consulting (Middle East & Turkey), AutoDesk.-TradeArabia News Service