Yup, things move quickly here. And I’m glad…

With the summer and holy month of Ramadan behind us, talk from the industry of a Q4 revival is getting louder. In fact, it seems a new atmosphere of collective confidence is pervading Dubai as a whole. Whether it's the Metro affect and its statement of intent to prove to the world the city-state, despite its much reported problems, will be a Metropolis to be reckoned with in the near future; I'd like to think so.

But you just have to look around to see the bigger picture. The Emirates Road near the Green Community roundabout, heading toward Abu Dhabi and back into Dubai, has taken on a new, snake like shape. Quite dangerous to the uninitiated, but it signals the nearing completion of infrastructure works which so markedly stopped back in November.

Or the Al Khail Road which connects Sheik Zayed Road to Emirates Road, that too is now bursting at the seams as construction on the new road in the middle of the highways cracks on apace. Abu Dhabi is quietly pushing on with massive infrastructure works as well complex developments such as Aldar Properties' Yas Island. Phase one is in the final stages and on-track to meet the capital's Formula One Grand Prix race day on November 1st.

Nine brideges and one underpass have been built in Abu Dhabi to allow access to both sides of Yas Island. The second access is 1.125km underwater tunnel, which is expected to improve connections to the Al Raha Beach development. Furthermore, some 7,000 personnel have been mobilised in preparation for the opening of seven hotels, including Aldar's Yas Hotel, which will be open from race day onwards.

But, the best bit of news I've heard is that a number of FM providers are now recruiting which, they say, validates market up-turn. Not only that, there is evidence of new FM business models which can be benchmarked to market maturity - and in just one year. You can read all about it in the interview with Christian Roberts, Emcor CEO here.

Yup, things move quickly here. And I'm glad, it's the most exciting place to be in the world.

Paul Collett is editor of facilities management Middle East.

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