Doha: HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah inaugurated on Sunday the Qatar International Facility Management Conference and Exhibition (QIFMCE), and the LED Power and Renewable Energy Expo (LEPEX). Organized by the Qatar Society of Engineers, the conference brought together government agencies, national institutions, and companies specializing in facility management and sustainable energy.
According to Qatar News Agency, during the opening, His Excellency toured the exhibition's pavilions, where he was briefed on the latest innovations and technologies in facility management and renewable energy, including smart lighting technologies and sustainable building solutions, which mark the significant progress Qatar is witnessing in this field.
In her opening remarks, Chair of the Qatar Society of Engineers Engineer Amna Mohammed Al Naama, emphasized that this global engineering event represents an integrated scientific platform that combines engineering thought and technical innovation, enabling the exchange of practical expertise between local and international engineers and experts.
She added that the conference aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), aiming to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for smart energy and facility management, while enhancing the national capacity to design engineering projects that meet the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency.
Eng. Al Naama explained that the conference marks the beginning of a new phase of collaborative work. Over the coming days, scientific papers, recommendations, and discussions will lay the foundation for a roadmap to develop the facility management sector across the region. She affirmed that the Qatar Society of Engineers will adopt the conference's outcomes and transform them into practical programs and initiatives aimed at advancing professional practices, preparing national talent, and instilling a culture of innovation and sustainability in engineering workplaces.
In conclusion, the Chair of the Qatar Society of Engineers expressed hope that the conference would be successful and impactful, further strengthening Qatar's position as a regional and global hub for engineering knowledge and technological innovation. She confirmed the Society's continued support for initiatives that contribute to building smart and sustainable cities and advancing the engineering sector in line with the country's future aspirations and strategic vision.
According to the themes and working sessions of the QIFMCE and the LEPEX, which will run for three days and feature the participation of a select group of experts and specialists from Qatar and abroad, a wide range of vital topics will be discussed that reflect global and local trends in the development of the facility management sector.
Among the main topics on the agenda is the role of facility management in achieving QNV 2030. This includes a focus on the integration of facility management with sustainable urban planning, with contributions from CEOs of major real estate companies in Qatar such as Qatari Diar, Barwa, Msheireb Properties, and Al Waab.
Other sessions will address the importance of digital transformation in facility management, the use of artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, and evaluating facility readiness for transformation through structural equation modeling.
The conference will also tackle legal and regulatory challenges facing the sector, with a dedicated session on discussing new laws and their role in stimulating the facility management sector. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Municipality, and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority will also participate in the session. Additionally, topics such as cybersecurity for automated buildings, digital crisis management strategies, and the experiences of GCC countries in enhancing the resilience of critical facility infrastructure will be explored.
Another theme is linking engineering performance to the human experience. One session will discuss how facility management can be a driver for enhancing the well-being of individuals in the built environment by improving indoor air quality, implementing sustainable architecture strategies, and connecting technical data to tangible health and psychological outcomes. The conference will also explore sustainability, environmental and social governance, and the role of facility management in supporting smart cities and empowering the national workforce in this vital sector.
The participation of a select group of experts and specialists from over 11 countries in the conference sessions will add special significance, making it a global platform that brings together engineering thought and technical innovation in the heart of Doha. This will converge visions and expertise to shape the future of facility management and smart energy in the region.
The conference will allow experts and engineers with an opportunity to engage in interactive scientific sessions and knowledge exchange, while the accompanying exhibition will serve as a platform to bring scientific ideas to life. It showcases the latest technical solutions and innovations in the sector, reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional center for engineering expertise, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.