What Sets Facility Management in the Middle East Apart? Global Insights from Tariq Chauhan

In this episode, Director of IFMA EMEA, Lara Paemen, interviews one of IFMA's Global Board of Directors and CEO of EFS Group, Tariq Chauhan, about the rapidly evolving facility management landscape in the Middle East. They discuss major trends reshaping the GCC region — from accelerated market growth and large-scale investment in the built environment to the rise of technology, ESG frameworks and the shift from O&M to strategic FM. Tariq also highlights the region’s skills gap, the need for upskilling, and what international FM professionals should understand when entering this dynamic, fast-growing market.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:43 Discussion with Tariq Chauhan
• 01:35 Tariq Chauhan's Role and Experience
• 02:25 Current State of Facility Management in GCC
• 03:04 Technological Advancements and ESG in Middle East
• 03:46 Global Comparisons and Skill Deficit
• 06:26 Challenges and Opportunities in GCC
• 14:36 Future of Facility Management in GCC
• 15:42 Advice for International FM Professionals
• 17:45 Conclusion

Connect with Us:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
• X: https://x.com/IFMA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
• Visit us at https://ifma.org

Related Episodes