The Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing confirmed that the size of the local market in the facilities management sector reached about 180 billion riyals in 2024, with expectations of growth at an annual rate exceeding 7% until 2030. This growth is driven by Vision 2030 and the expansion of massive projects, which opens major investment opportunities for local and international companies.

During the inauguration of the International Conference and Exhibition for Facilities 2025 under the slogan “Facilities Intelligence”, it was stated that the Kingdom is leading the transformation towards the future with confident steps and an ambitious vision. This meeting represents a new milestone added to the record of national successes and serves as a dialogue platform to showcase the best global practices and discuss innovative solutions to develop a sector that represents the cornerstone of giant projects.

Enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in cities and adopting smart solutions in facilities management

It was explained during the events, which involve participation from more than 100 government, private, and international entities, over 50 local and global speakers, and a selection of experts, practitioners, and decision-makers from inside and outside the Kingdom, that Vision 2030 places great emphasis on urban infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in cities, and adopting smart solutions in facilities management.

It was indicated that the Ministry has adopted a strategic approach focused on raising the efficiency of municipal facilities and enhancing their operational readiness by establishing mechanisms and standards to evaluate their efficiency and developing relevant legislation and guidelines to ensure the sustainability of their performance and improve the quality of services provided to beneficiaries.

It was emphasized that the Ministry is working to transition from traditional contracts to performance-based contracts, in line with modern trends in increasing efficiency, spending quality, and enhancing competitiveness. It was clarified that facilities management is no longer limited to the concept of operation and maintenance but has become a pivotal element in building smart cities, improving quality of life, and achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability, with people at the center of this transformation.

It was also confirmed that the holding of the International Conference and Exhibition for Facilities 2025 is part of integrated efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a regional and international center for knowledge and innovation in this vital field.

Vision 2030

“Vision 2030” is a strategic framework and national development plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, officially launched in 2016. It outlines ambitious goals to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil, develop public service sectors, and transform Saudi society. The plan is a cornerstone of the nation’s modern history, aiming to position the country as a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents.

International Conference and Exhibition for Facilities 2025

The International Conference and Exhibition for Facilities 2025 is a major upcoming trade event for the facilities management industry, focusing on the latest innovations, technologies, and best practices. While it is a forward-looking event without a historical background, it continues the legacy of similar global gatherings that have connected professionals and driven the industry’s evolution for decades.

Facilities Intelligence

I am unable to provide a summary for “Facilities Intelligence” as it does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. The term typically describes a business function or department within an organization that uses data and technology to manage and optimize building operations, rather than a physical location with a history.

Kingdom

The term “Kingdom” most commonly refers to a sovereign state ruled by a monarch, such as the United Kingdom. Historically, kingdoms were the dominant form of political organization for centuries, evolving from tribal territories into complex nations with hereditary rule. Many modern constitutional monarchies, like Sweden or Japan, retain their royal families as cultural and ceremonial figureheads.

Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing is a government body in Saudi Arabia responsible for the development of urban and rural areas, including housing programs and municipal services. It was established to oversee the kingdom’s rapid urbanization and has played a central role in implementing key national visions, such as the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life and increase home ownership among citizens.