The future looks bright

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Launching a facilities management exhibition in the UAE is difficult enough considering the FM market is still at an embryonic stage. But launching one in Abu Dhabi takes determination, drive and an enthusiasm to succeed.

The construction boom in the Emirate has brought many industries to the forefront of its expansion plans and facilities management is no exception.

But was Abu Dhabi ready for an FM exhibition? Working Buildings Middle East might have been a brave launch by its organisers CMPi, but it managed to attract a higher number of visitors than the first Cityscape Dubai did.

"We've always been really positive about launching this sort of event, but also aware that in year one you establish a platform. From that, you aim to grow in the future along with the industry. An exhibition works as a snapshot of an industry. The FM industry in Abu Dhabi is young and we had the key players exhibiting who are driving that market forward," says Chris Fountain, group director, CMPi UAE.

Abu Dhabi's developments currently stand at an estimated US $150bn. In a build up to the show, CMPi commissioned Frost & Sullivan to conduct research into the GCC's FM market.

It found that while Dubai is leading the FM market, Abu Dhabi is not far behind. "Unlike Dubai, it has more well-planned developments and seems to have a relatively better understanding of the full value of facilities management," cites the report.

Paul Ramsay, divisional director for international sales at Norbain, agrees with the report. "We know that from 2009 to 2010, Abu Dhabi will see a lot of investment structure coming on board and it's the right place for an FM show."

A mix of service providers, consultants and product companies showcased their business at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition centre last month. And although visitor numbers were not as high as expected, all exhibitors were pleased with the quality of people attending.

"This is our very first exhibition and marketing experience in 17 years," claims Stan Mitchell, director, Key FM. "We haven't had hoards of people coming through, but we've had a fantastic quality of visitors. So for us, the show has been a fantastic success."

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