More competitive pricing structures help push demand for facilities management services in the UAE

Corrections have been introduced in the rates of facilities management (FM) services in response to the global financial crisis, resulting in more competitive pricing structures and higher demand for FM solutions in the UAE, noted Sungwon OBO, a member of Makateb Holding, the first Office Building Operator Company in the world. Sungwon OBO also revealed that it has noted a significant increase in the number of developers and building owners that are now aggressively seeking suitable FM solutions to boost business value and improve revenues.
 
Recent industry reports have indicated a decline of up to 30 per cent in construction costs per square foot, a prevailing trend that has helped keep construction activities on track. Sungwon OBO however noted that falling property prices and demand issues are bound to be short-term growth barriers for developers and real estate firms, forcing most of them to actively look for alternative resources such as facilities management solutions to drive business and enhance long-term sustainability.
 
"Consolidation is the key in this period of economic difficulties and facilities management solutions are important consolidating measures that definitely help developers and building owners boost business and asset value. Although we are all facing a major economic downturn, business has actually been very healthy for Sungwon OBO as several clients are now focusing more on their long-term business prospects through Sungwon's high-quality facilities management services. Timely strategic measures such as introducing a competitive pricing structure and efficient marketing campaigns have certainly helped us overcome the ongoing economic challenges," said Wahid Attallah, Chairman of Sungwon OBO.
 
Sungwon OBO has recently signed a number of key projects as the company continues to entertain clients from a wider spectrum of industries, including a one-year renewable contract to provide exclusive facilities management services to Michigan State University (MSU) Dubai.
 
Sungwon OBO was formed as a result of a partnership between Sungwon, the pioneering facility management company in South Korea, and Makateb Holding. Sungwon OBO, which is now the Facilities Management Division of Makateb Holding, delivers a full range of integrated facilities management services, including mechanical and electrical maintenance, cleaning, security, FM consultancy and energy management.