Graham Easton, the UAE General Manager of ENGIE Solutions, highlights the rapid growth of the UAE retail sector, which is expanding at a rate of 5% annually. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the construction sector's expansion, the increasing demand for facility management services in both commercial and residential buildings, and the rise in industrial projects across the country. Furthermore, the focus on green building practices and smart city initiatives is driving the demand for sustainable facility management solutions.
"This growth is in line with the broader expansion of our industry, which is projected to reach $7.62 billion by 2024 and $10.53 billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.68%. Consequently, the future of the retail facility management sector looks bright, with substantial growth anticipated in the coming years," said Graham Easton.
Easton also noted significant technological advancements in retail facility management (FM) within the UAE and the GCC. "IoT sensors, combined with IoT gateways integrated into smart platforms, optimize comfort levels, while AI-integrated HVAC systems adapt to real-time occupancy and continuously monitor AC system performance. The most notable evolution has been the transition from reactive and preventive to proactive maintenance approaches, driven by AI-powered predictive maintenance that utilizes data analysis in strategies and planning," he added.
Moreover, platforms equipped with AI and machine learning technologies assist facility managers in enhancing efficiency and responsiveness, revolutionizing retail space management. "These innovations are particularly evident in mega-malls and shopping complexes, where smart systems manage energy use and customer comfort," Easton stated.
The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has transformed the management of retail destinations in the Gulf. "By creating detailed digital twins of retail complexes, BIM enables swift, data-driven decisions for everything from store layouts to maintenance schedules. This technology is especially beneficial for the GCC's cross-border retail operations, allowing centralized teams to monitor and manage facilities across multiple countries through remote maintenance capabilities," Easton explained.
With the aid of smart platforms integrated with IoT sensors and on-premise Building Management Systems (BMS), modern retail spaces facilitate efficient energy management with advanced HVAC control logics that adapt to occupancy and conditions. "This shift to predictive maintenance boosts efficiency, cuts costs, and enhances service quality across various locations," Easton concluded.
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