How strategic facility management is transforming developments in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation. With projects becoming more ambitious in scope and scale, the early integration of Facility Management (FM) is now recognized as a pivotal strategy.

Today, nearly all real estate developers engage FM consultants early in their development process. By embedding FM principles throughout the entire lifecycle – from concept to handover – developers are optimizing long-term costs, prioritizing sustainability, and creating more adaptable and user-focused spaces. This proactive approach is not only redefining industry benchmarks but also significantly enhancing the value of real estate assets across Saudi Arabia.

The shift to early facility management engagement

Traditionally, FM was often implemented after construction, leading to operational inefficiencies, challenges, and misalignment between envisioned development and reality. The shift towards earlier FM involvement, significantly influenced by the country’s Vision 2030’s focus on innovative and sustainable infrastructure, aligns development with operational objectives from the outset. This proactive approach enhances project functionality and efficiency while paving the way for long-term success and highlighting developers’ growing recognition of the critical value of proactive FM engagement.

Strategic advantages

Three key factors are driving the transformation of the real estate industry through the early integration of FM:
 

1. Functionality and operability: Early FM involvement ensures developments are designed with operational needs in mind, guaranteeing that final constructions are visually appealing and functionally robust.

2. Cost efficiency: Engaging FM consultants during the design phase is a strategic move that pays dividends throughout the building’s lifecycle. By assessing and addressing potential maintenance or serviceability issues early, FM consultants help avoid expensive future modifications, optimizing overall lifecycle costs.

3. User-centric design: Facility managers, with their on-ground experience, understand the importance of designing for user experience. Their insights guide developers in creating spaces that meet tenant expectations. This focus on user satisfaction builds trust and loyalty, which is crucial for developers aiming to strengthen their market presence.

Enhancing human-centric developments through operational perspective

Introducing operational perspectives early in development enhances efficiency, reduces cost and improves quality of life by creating vibrant, inclusive communities. From an FM standpoint, operational efficiency and maintainability are key considerations in designing public spaces. The focus is on ensuring these areas can be managed cost-effectively while meeting high functionality standards. This involves evaluating how easily spaces can be cleaned, maintained, and monitored to remain safe and appealing for daily use.

Simultaneously, community management aligns these spaces with residents’ needs and financial objectives, strategically justifying service charges through high-quality, accessible communal facilities. This approach ensures public spaces effectively serve their purpose, maximizing value for community members and enhancing overall user satisfaction and engagement.

Prioritizing the customer journey

The customer journey is crucial in community-centric development. By mapping this journey, facility and community managers identify customer personas and touchpoints, ensuring each community interaction enhances user convenience and satisfaction. This detailed planning creates a seamless and enriching experience for all residents, directly impacting long-term community engagement and satisfaction.

Sustainable mobility and enhanced livability

Mobility is integral to human-centric development. Early FM involvement ensures the design of inclusive pathways and rights of way that support micro-mobility and universal accessibility. This approach accommodates diverse user needs, from children with scooters to parents with strollers and individuals using mobility aids, fostering a more connected and equitable community environment.

Realizing community goals through strategic design and review

Achieving these objectives requires a comprehensive strategy, with detailed planning and meticulous design assessments. By establishing clear operational strategies and implementation plans early on, the process aligns community interactions with overarching objectives, ensuring designs meet and exceed expectations for functionality and user engagement. This proactive methodology creates developments that thrive as dynamic, inclusive communities, setting a new standard in urban development that aligns with Vision 2030.

How FM drives sustainability and long-term value in communities

FM's role extends beyond immediate operational management to long-term urban development planning. By incorporating sustainability at every level—environmental, economic, and social—early in the planning process, FM ensures that developments adapt to future urban challenges. They also prioritize the long-term functionality and economic viability of these projects, designing systems for long-term operability and managing costs proactively. By preparing for operational efficiencies from day one, FM fosters developments that provide sustained value, ultimately enhancing the overall health and viability of urban environments.

The takeaway

Strategic FM integration is fundamentally changing Saudi Arabia's real estate sector. By prioritizing early FM involvement, developers can optimize costs, enhance functionality and create user-centric spaces aligned with Vision 2030. This proactive approach ensures that developments are designed with long-term operability and community engagement in mind, setting new standards for urban development in the Kingdom.

Our FM Consulting offers real estate owners a comprehensive strategic approach to optimize their facility management operations across their asset portfolios. Our expertise spans the entire lifecycle of properties, from initial planning and design through construction and handover, to ongoing operations and maintenance. We meticulously identify areas for improvement at each stage, ensuring maximum efficiency and value. While our services are available throughout the MENA region, we have a particular focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where we provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of these dynamic markets.