Saudi Arabia Embraces Digitalization and AI to Enhance Asset, Facility Management Efficiency

Asharq Al-Awsat

27-01-2025

A recent research study presented during the International Conference on Asset, Facility Management, and Maintenance, held in Jeddah, underscored the deep impact of efficiency and economic sustainability on reducing operational costs and improving institutional performance.
The study revealed that implementing effective facility management strategies can lower operational costs by up to 20%, creating opportunities for organizations to invest in innovation and development. Moreover, adopting sustainable solutions can reduce energy consumption in public facilities by as much as 30%, directly contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Held under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Province, the conference is held from January 26 to 28 and features participation from over 100 experts representing 25 countries.
The findings highlighted that organizations employing sustainable development strategies achieve measurable improvements in operational efficiency ranging from 20% to 30%, along with a notable 25% boost in productivity. Additionally, these strategies drastically reduce contract failure rates by 70%.
Advanced Infrastructure
Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the event aims to establish a specialized platform for the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the fields of facility management and maintenance. He emphasized that the conference introduces innovative solutions for preserving essential infrastructure and vital facilities, such as airports, hospitals, roads, and university campuses.
Al-Sarraj also stressed the importance of training and empowering Saudi youth with the professional skills and expertise required to manage these resources effectively. He noted that Saudi Arabia stands among the leading countries in terms of extensive real estate holdings and advanced infrastructure, developed through multi-billion-riyal national plans.
The official further highlighted Saudi Arabia's strong technical and human capabilities, which position the Kingdom as a leader in this sector. This leadership is further enhanced by the country's rapid strides toward digitalization, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
He explained that smart solutions enable precise and efficient decision-making through advanced data analysis, reducing the reliance on large maintenance teams. According to recent studies, the adoption of smart systems can decrease maintenance costs by up to 25%, thanks to proactive policies that minimize waste and improve operational efficiency.
The Secretary-General also underscored the role of asset and facility management in achieving sustainability and enhancing infrastructure performance.
Shaping Future Directions
Dr. Mohammed Al-Fouzan, Chairman of the Arab Operations and Maintenance Council, said in his keynote address that digitalization is transforming every aspect of life, fundamentally reshaping asset and facility management. He outlined four key pillars—essence, appearance, function, and goals—that are critical in shaping strategies and future directions in this field.
The first day of the conference witnessed the inauguration of AFM Expo, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations in facility management and maintenance. The exhibition highlighted advanced technologies in preventive maintenance and digitalization, with a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
The conference serves as a crucial platform bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and investment communities, fostering collaboration and driving practical solutions to the challenges faced in facility management.