May 16, 2017: A high-quality facilities management (FM) practice contributes significantly to the health, safety, productivity and wellbeing of the people living in a built environment, experts at the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA) said during the celebration of World FM Day on May 17, 2017. Themed ‘Enabling Positive Experiences,’ MEFMA highlighted the vital work of FM professionals and the industry’s contributions to the building sector worldwide, noting that World FM Day is an opportunity among professionals to share knowledge, exchange experiences and celebrate industry successes.

World FM Day 2017 aimed to emphasize the FM sector’s impact on global growth as it manages buildings in order for a wide breadth of industries such as leisure and tourism, health, education, residential and commercial spaces to deliver exceptional customer experiences. The global FM sector, with market projections of up to USD 57 billion by 2021, plays a significant role in maintaining a positive atmosphere within buildings which affects the people residing or working in them. Studies have shown that indoor environmental quality in office buildings significantly affects the comfort and wellbeing of employees, and researchers continue to address the link between these factors and productivity.

Ali Al Suwaidi, Board Member of MEFMA as well as the Global FM, said: “It brings me great pride to be part of the celebrations for World FM Day. Once a year, the global FM community gathers together to celebrate and give recognition to professionals and the industry itself. This year's theme, 'Enabling Positive Experiences,' throws the spotlight on the unified efforts to increase awareness on the significance of FM and the essential role it plays in influencing health, safety, productivity and the well-being of people across a built environment. We remain confident that the FM industry will continue on its journey towards helping create a world that is totally sustainable and eco-friendly.”

MEFMA, the dedicated platform for the industry and by the industry serving the Middle East FM community, monitors the performance of personnel and buildings, linking up FM strategies to energy management patterns. It regularly conducts initiatives that raise awareness on the importance of the FM sector in the region’s economic growth and helps raise the profile of FM professionals by updating them with the latest and most advanced global practices through networking events, workshops, training, and CONFEX, a yearly conference and exhibition.