The Middle East is an exciting place to be – bearing witness to its 24/7 development and being an element of that is fantastic. That said, relentless construction throws up many challenges: planning, infrastructure, design and build, lifecycle maintenance/management, legislation, recruitment and health and safety are all elements of the modern facilities management role.

Last year’s inaugural facilities management Middle East Awards ceremony was a great success, but the landscape has changed and will continue to do so as the region evolves. In such times of market realignment, pending legisaltion and standardisation, the uptake of new technologies and the need for sustainable buildings, the role of FM in an industry that is predicted to hit $10bn by 2012, has never been so important.

With this in mind, the facilities management Middle East Awards ceremony aims to help raise the profile of the industry and recognise and reward those who have made significant contributions to its development.

Organisations that have educated and excelled, plus individuals who have delivered above and beyond the call of duty, will be among the award winners. Also celebrated will be those who have endeavored to implement best practice to ensure the highest standards of safety are met and customer service achieved.