UAE should follow UK FM model

25 September 2008

With the Strata Title Law expected to come into force in October in the United Arab Emirates, international asset management firm Currie & Brown is calling on developers in the region to follow the UK and European practice of involving experts in Facilities Management at the earliest stage of construction projects.

According to Currie & Brown this approach ensures the efficient management and design of a building which will ultimately protect the value of the asset.

According to Paul Hillier, Divisional Director at Currie & Brown in Dubai, FM expertise should be brought in alongside the project and cost management services already widely used by developers in the region, as part of a "Total Asset Management" philosophy.

He said: "The introduction of Strata Title Law can fundamentally change the way FM services are delivered in the market place. Added to that, the projected potential oversupply of property in Dubai over the next three years will see a flight to improved quality leading to better buildings as developers seek to make their properties more attractive to potential investors and informed buyers than their competitors' offerings.

“Developers in the UAE should look to best FM practice in the UK and Europe, where FM experts are often brought in to look at the efficient value management, life cycle costing and design of a building long before construction even starts. If the FM consultancy element of the project is left until construction is underway, developers are reducing their ability to minimise ongoing operational costs and potentially lower total construction costs. This in turn could put their investment at risk by possibly underestimating the impact of inevitable higher running costs through inefficient design, usually resulting in a higher energy consumption over the life of the building. Bringing in the experts early will be money well spent in the long-term."

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