MEFMA honors 35 FM winners as regional standards rise

The Middle East Facilities Management Association recognized a record 35 winners and highly commended recipients at its fifth annual awards in Dubai, underscoring the region’s growing FM maturity. Two MEFMA members also earned Global FM Awards of Excellence 2026 wins, signaling broader international recognition for Middle East operators.

Why it matters: - The awards signal that facilities management in the Middle East is moving from basic service delivery toward higher technical and operational standards. - Recognition at both the regional and global levels suggests Middle East FM firms are gaining stronger international credibility. - The industry’s growth matters because FM affects the performance of workplaces, public spaces and large-scale developments across the region.

What happened: - The Middle East Facilities Management Association held the fifth MEFMA Awards of Excellence in FM at its annual gala dinner in Dubai. - MEFMA recognized a record 35 winners and highly commended recipients across 16 categories. - The ceremony brought together FM clients, service providers, suppliers and individual professionals from across the region. - Red Sea Global and Farnek Services were named winners at the Global FM Awards of Excellence 2026.

The details: - MEFMA said the 2026 awards highlighted excellence, innovation and achievement across a fast-growing regional industry. - Jamal Lootah, MEFMA President, said organizations across the region are raising standards, investing in people and capabilities, and delivering more sophisticated solutions. - Lootah said the record number of winners reflects both stronger competition and the quality of work across the sector. - Alaa AlBoali, MEFMA Executive Director, said the Global FM recognition showed regional organizations are reaching internationally acknowledged standards. - The 2026 awards were supported by Fine Solutions as Diamond sponsor. - Gold sponsors were Tork, Planon, Berkeley Services UAE and GECO Mechanical & Electrical Ltd. - The complete list of winners and highly commended recipients is available here.

Between the lines: - The size of the winner pool points to a more competitive field, not just a stronger top tier. - MEFMA is using the awards to frame regional FM as an increasingly mature profession, not a back-office support function. - The Global FM wins for two MEFMA members strengthen the case that Middle East operators are exporting best practices, not only adopting them.

What's next: - MEFMA said its focus is to keep raising the benchmark for the region’s FM industry. - The association will continue promoting knowledge sharing, professional development, research, events and networking to support best practices and standards. - Regional operators are likely to face higher expectations as more firms compete for recognition at both regional and global levels.