GCC facility management market accelerates towards $115 billion with focus on smart city transformation
With the GCC Facility Management (FM) market valued at approximately US $70 billion in 2025, the sector is firmly establishing itself as a strategic value creator, fueling the region's rapid urban transformation. This was underlined at the 12th MEFMA CONFEX, held from 28 to 30 October 2025 in Dubai and sponsored by Dubai Municipality. The event, which featured the 4th edition of the MEFMA Awards, brought together over 800 participants from 12 countries, highlighting the growing significance of FM in driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience across the built environment.
The GCC FM market continues to benefit from sweeping government-led infrastructure development initiatives aligned with national visions such as UAE Vision 2021, Saudi Vision 2030, and Oman Vision 2040. These comprehensive programs are stimulating investments in urban infrastructure, healthcare, and smart city projects, creating increased demand for sophisticated facility management solutions. Market intelligence sources report that the GCC FM market is expected to grow annually by around 5.2%, potentially reaching values between $77.5 billion and $115 billion by 2030, driven by expanding commercial and residential sectors and the flourishing tourism industry.
MEFMA’s flagship CONFEX event functioned as a vital platform for industry leaders to exchange knowledge and blueprint the future of FM in the region. Anchored in verifiable regional data, discussions illustrated the measurable operational benefits of FM frameworks. For instance, a leading Middle Eastern airport operator achieved a 30% reduction in compliance incidents by applying integrated risk and business continuity systems, while a coastal community project reduced post-handover issues by 40% through improved documentation completeness.
A prominent theme that emerged was the critical importance of technology adoption and digital transformation within FM. Tarek Nizameddin, General Manager of Elegancia Facilities Management, presented research revealing that cultural and organisational factors, notably budget limitations and client conservatism, are more significant barriers to smart FM implementation than technological constraints. The findings advocate for enhanced leadership and GCC-wide standardisation, such as adherence to international standards like ISO 41001, to accelerate the region’s digital FM transformation.
Keynote speakers, including Ali AlSuwaidi, Vice President of MEFMA, and Duncan Waddell, International Chairman of ISO/TC 267 – FM, discussed AI readiness, workforce evolution, and the operational impact of data-driven practices. Their insights reinforced the sector’s pivotal role not just in maintaining buildings but in actively engineering smarter cities that prioritise long-term sustainability and resilience.
MEFMA’s refreshed brand identity, unveiled during the 15th anniversary celebrations, symbolises the sector’s journey towards a strategic roadmap centred on innovation and international best practices. The conference provided interactive workshops, B2B networking opportunities, and a consultation hub, all instrumental in fostering collaboration among service providers, technology suppliers, and clients.
The event’s successful completion culminated in the prestigious MEFMA Awards Gala, recognising innovation and leadership across multiple categories within FM. Jamal Lootah, President of MEFMA, summed up the sector’s forward momentum: “You can’t have a smart city without smart FM.” He emphasised the importance of the insights generated at CONFEX in accelerating sustainable urban development and thanked partners such as Dubai Municipality and sponsors, including HITEK AI, Musanadah Facilities Management, FINE Solutions, and Marafiq, for their continued support.
Looking forward, the GCC FM market’s sustained growth, underpinned by technological innovation, workforce transformation, and adherence to international standards, primes it as a cornerstone of the region’s vision for smarter, more resilient urban environments. The 2025 MEFMA CONFEX thus not only celebrated past achievements but charted a strategic pathway for the next era of built environment excellence across the Middle East.