The Unsung Heroes of Facilities Management

On the occasion of World Facilities Management Day, REM TIMES honours the unsung heroes from some of the leading FM companies in the UAE

May 07, 2024 | Deepa Natarajan Lobo | UAE | Facilities Management

Hidden in the vast realm of Facilities Management is an entourage of unsung heroes who battle against challenging circumstances to ensure the safety, comfort, and functionality of our workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public areas. They excel in rapid response to crises, adeptly troubleshoot intricate systems, and pioneer innovative methods to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

Whether it's the HVAC technicians enduring extreme conditions or the plumbers confronting leaks, these dedicated professionals guarantee that the safety and well-being of a community will always be a top priority. They stand as the silent champions of the built environment, enriching our lives behind the scenes with minimal acknowledgment.

On the occasion of World Facilities Management Day, some of the top companies in the UAE nominated their unsung heroes for a special campaign by REM TIMES and we are proud to present the first set of nominees. In the coming weeks, we plan to honour many more dynamic professionals from countries across the globe.

Ahmad Mansour

AVP, Operations - Whitespot Facilities Management

Ahmad Mansour is a seasoned Facilities and Owners Association Management Executive with more than 20 years of diverse experience. Currently the AVP heading Whitespot Operations, he excels in operational excellence, enhancing performance, and driving customer satisfaction through strategic planning and effective team leadership.

Ahmad has a proven track record of launching innovative services and improving client satisfaction across residential, commercial and hospitality properties. His unwavering dedication and unheralded persistence truly make him an unsung hero in the FM industry.

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Asharful Islam

Area Crew Manager - AG Facilities Solutions

A dedicated employee who is consistently available to support his team during any issues that arise, Asharful Islam uses his sharp problem-solving abilities to the best of his capabilities.

With a keen understanding of instructions and requirements, he effectively implements emergency plans with the other workers during forecasted rain, constantly seeking improvement to ensure plans stay on track.

Islam is dedicated, attending clients/staff calls around the clock and his proactive approach is evident as he constantly seeks to expand his knowledge.

Consistently exceeding expectations, he demonstrates a commitment to excellence, and in times of understaffing, he willingly takes on additional responsibilities to ensure project continuity.

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Atul Kumar and Masum Bilal

Technicians - BKA Facilities Management

Atul joined BKA FM in 2019 as an HVAC Technician, while Masum has been an Assistant Technician since 2009. This exceptional team maintains a residential building under BKA FM's management and is regularly applauded by the client representative for its outstanding work and professionalism.

The duo’s dedication was never more evident than during the recent storm as they worked tirelessly around the clock, addressing numerous major issues caused by the storm, including severe water leakages, deep flooding, and façade damage. Despite the lack of support teams or materials due to their inability to reach the building, they didn’t give up. By the next morning, all the water leaks had been repaired, the flooded basement car park dry, the façade damages secured, and debris cleared.

The two’s remarkable efforts not only saved the day but also served as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Atul and Masum's exemplary performance aligns with the core values of BKA FM and embodies the spirit of true professionalism.

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Bikram Sahoo

Plumber - EnFM

Bikram Sahoo consistently demonstrates a knack for generating innovative ideas aimed at mitigating risks effectively. His proactive approach and creative thinking make him an invaluable asset to any team. His outstanding contributions have earned him the prestigious title of Employee of the Month on two separate occasions, a testament to his dedication and hard work. Furthermore, Bikram’s commitment to his work is unparalleled, as he is always available, ready to tackle challenges and lend his expertise whenever needed, even working tirelessly around the clock. Bikram’s unwavering dedication and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty make him a standout performer and a reliable team player.

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Chaminda Ekanaya

Housekeeping Attender - BFM

Chaminda Ekanayaka is an outstanding employee working in the Bloom Garden community at Abu Dhabi. His hard work, sincerity, and honesty has always been appreciated by the BFM management, residents and client. His dedication extends far beyond his daily tasks as was seen during the recent crisis when heavy rains lashed across Dubai.

The hardworking technician didn't hesitate to go above and beyond to clear the waterlogged community. He worked 16 hours a day for more than three days to ensure proper functioning of the drainage system by clearing blocked manholes. He also tackled flood water and cleared excess water from pump rooms, clubhouse, guard rooms, and the mosque, ensuring their continued operations and hygiene.

Chaminda's leadership and ability to work effectively as part of a team shined bright during this time. His proactive approach and willingness to take initiative helped the team respond swiftly and effectively to the storm's impact. His exceptional efforts not only minimized disruptions but also ensured the safety and well-being of everyone during this challenging time. He is truly an unsung hero.

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Deepa Dayani

Senior Supervisor - Berkeley Services Group

Deepa Dayani, who is currently a senior supervisor at one of Berkeley’s esteemed sites, epitomizes resilience and determination. Her two-decade journey in Berkeley, from Sri Lanka to Dubai reflects her unwavering spirit. Starting as a cleaner at Berkeley Services group, Deepa's rise through the ranks showcases her remarkable perseverance and unyielding dedication.

Leaving her four-year-old son behind in pursuit of financial stability, Deepa faced numerous challenges head-on. Her relentless commitment and tireless work ethic propelled her forward through adversity and obstacles. Today, her proudest achievement stands tall as her son graduates in Computer Science, a testament to her sacrifices and unwavering support.

Beyond her professional success, Deepa's multi-faceted roles as a mother, leader, and inspiration resonate deeply. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and determination for countless individuals striving to overcome their own challenges and achieve their aspirations.

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Fakhar Iqbal Zafar and Ummer Farook Alavi

Plumbers - Farnek

The duo of Fakhar Iqbal Zafar and Ummer Farook Alavi have always demonstrated honesty, integrity and dedication. But it was during an unforgettable shift at Dubai Airport, last November, that they truly emerged as the unsung heroes of Farnek.

Amidst the usual hustle and bustle at the world’s busiest international airport, a passenger accidentally dropped her precious diamond ring into a wash basin at the Emirates Lounge. The dynamic duo sprang into action, promptly dismantling the basin and drainage, retrieving the ring and presenting it to a grateful owner. This demonstrated remarkable honesty and an outstanding commitment to customer service.

The Dubai Airport Operations team was also impressed by the exceptional display of honesty exhibited by our staff. Their dedication and determination was clearly evident, throughout this episode, they not only managed to locate the missing diamond ring but also ensured that it was safely reunited with its owner. 

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Khin Thet Win

Housekeeping Supervisor - Mirdif Hospital

Hailing from Myanmar, Burma, Khin Thet Win joined Transguard Group LLC as a housekeeper in Keolis  and was later, internally shortlisted for the role of a supervisor in Mirdif Hospital. She was interviewed by the client and  instantly impressed them with her attitude and communication skills and was moved to Mirdif Hospital in December 2022.

In no time, Khin picked up her duties and has, on numerous occasions, gained the customer and client appreciation for her honesty, diligence, hardwork and leadership skills. She is known for leading the female cleaners effectively and efficiently.

On the eventful day of the rains - April 16, she stayed back at the hospital along with the other female cleaners as the night shift employees could not come in. She worked tirelessly for 24 hours and was on rounds continuously with minimum rest and ensured that her staff took rest. She is a true leader and an unsung hero of Mirdif Hospital.

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Menrose Listanco Lotivio

Manager HSEQ and Head of the HSEQ Department - eFM

Menrose Listanco Lotivio has been working at Etisalat Facilities Management (eFM) and Etisalat Services Holding (ESH) for almost 10 years as Manager HSEQ and Head of the HSEQ Department. Her team is providing quality services to satisfy our valued clients and partners and extending services to other business units of ESH.

She has been appointed since 2016 as the Management Representative (MR) of the company and is responsible for company standard certifications and documentation such as TBT, forms, templates, checklists, SOP’s, MS, policies, processes, and procedures. She is also responsible for the existing eFM ISO HSEQMS Standards and BICSc renewal and was able to manage additional certifications in OSHAD and ISO 41001:2018 FMS Standards.

Additionally, she has been appointed as the eFM Champion for the following:

  • Employee Voice Engagement
  • Accommodation Tenancy Contracts Committee
  • Non-Medical Insurance Committee
  • Business Impact Analysis (BIA) by e&
  • Operational Risk Assessment by e&
  • Risk Appetite by e&

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Mohammad Mansuri

MEP Technician - Emrill

Since joining Emrill in 2015, Mohammad Mansuri has honed his skills to become a versatile, multi-skilled MEP technician, greatly impacting the communities within which he works. Mohammad’s passion for providing excellent FM services and his commitment to exceeding client expectations inspires his colleagues and has made him a valued member of the team.

What truly distinguishes Mohammad is his pursuit of continuous improvement and innovative approach to problem-solving. He has been instrumental in developing and implementing collaborative cost-effective solutions to benefit Emrill’s clients, including maintaining and enhancing outdated security and management systems, resulting in significant cost savings and increased client satisfaction.

Mohammad’s commitment extends beyond his professional duties. He actively contributes to community activities, including distributing Iftar meals, and promotes environmental sustainability. He established an electronic service centre to significantly reduce landfill pollution caused by electronic waste disposal. By repairing and reusing 99% of electronic components on-site, Mohammad has exemplified proactive measures towards a greener future for the UAE.

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Mohammed Khorshed

Soft Services Team Leader - TTE FM

The duo of Fakhar Iqbal Zafar and Ummer Farook Alavi have always demonstrated honesty, integrity and dedication. But it was during an unforgettable shift at Dubai Airport, last November, that they truly emerged as the unsung heroes of Farnek.

Amidst the usual hustle and bustle at the world’s busiest international airport, a passenger accidentally dropped her precious diamond ring into a wash basin at the Emirates Lounge. The dynamic duo sprang into action, promptly dismantling the basin and drainage, retrieving the ring and presenting it to a grateful owner. This demonstrated remarkable honesty and an outstanding commitment to customer service.

The Dubai Airport Operations team was also impressed by the exceptional display of honesty exhibited by our staff. Their dedication and determination was clearly evident, throughout this episode, they not only managed to locate the missing diamond ring but also ensured that it was safely reunited with its owner. 

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Mohammod Mohidul Islam

Supervisor - Cleaning, Idama Facilities Management Solutions

An integral part of Idama’s facilities team, Mohammod Mohidul Islam is an epitome of perseverance, hard work and dedication. During the recent rains in Dubai, Mohidul displayed exceptional dedication and leadership and ensured that the site was brought to normalcy in less than a day.

He displayed exceptional reporting and was appreciated by the RTA authorities as well as the organisation’s customers who had entrusted him with critical tasks of dealing with residents, ensuring exceptional communication and managing the staff.

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Pasisa Elias

Security Guard, Arkan Security - Ejadah solution

When chaos strikes, true heroes emerge, often unexpectedly. Such was the case for Pasisa Elias, a dedicated security guard at Arkan Security in the Mudon community, who went above and beyond his call of duty when the area faced unprecedented flooding who demonstrated remarkable bravery and commitment during the crisis.

With homes inundated and residents trapped, Elias, who is employed as a security guard, took on an extraordinary role—he became a lifeline for his community. Each morning, Elias reported for duty, not just as a guard but as a rescuer, navigating the flooded streets in a boat to save trapped residents. His actions were driven by a sense of duty and selflessness that underscored his heroic spirit. In a community overwhelmed by flooding, Elias emerged as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of being "ready, willing, and able" to act decisively when it mattered most.

 Elias' dedication has been widely recognised, and his heroism stands as a testament to the extraordinary acts ordinary people can perform in times of crisis. Through his tireless efforts, he not only ensured the safety of many residents but also reminded all of the profound impact a person can have when they step up to help others in need.

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Rekha Dharji

Cleaner - EnFM

Rekha Dharji pays close attention to detail and takes pride in her work, ensuring that every nook and cranny of the facility is kept immaculately clean and well-maintained. With a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, she tackles each task with enthusiasm and dedication, consistently going above and beyond. Her commitment to prioritizing client satisfaction shines through in her actions, making it her utmost priority. Whether it's ensuring cleanliness or completing tasks with precision, she consistently delivers exceptional results, earning recognition for her dedication and reliability. Her unwavering focus on quality and her willingness to put in the effort make her an invaluable asset to the team, fostering a positive work environment and leaving a lasting impression on both colleagues and clients alike.

 

 

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Shahab Ahmad

Group Facilities Supervisor - Adeeb

With over 14 years of dedicated service as a Senior Supervisor Specialist in Central Cooling Systems at Adeeb Group, Shahab Ahmad has stood as the sentinel of proficiency and reliability in the realm of central cooling systems, embodying the quintessential essence of an unsung hero.

In the realm of cooling systems management, Shahab's expertise shines brightly. His profound knowledge and technical acumen have been instrumental in the meticulous maintenance and adept troubleshooting of central cooling systems, cementing him as the go-to authority within Adeeb Group.

Yet, Shahab's impact extends far beyond the realm of machinery. In moments of crisis, such as the recent tumultuous hailstorm and erratic weather conditions, Shahab emerges as a steadfast ally. No challenge is too daunting for him; whether faced with a system malfunction or a sudden breakdown, his unwavering resolve ensures timely resolution and minimal disruption.

What truly distinguishes Shahab is his proactive ethos. With a keen eye for detail, he anticipates potential issues and implements preventive measures, thus fortifying Adeeb Group against operational setbacks. His strategic foresight and meticulous planning have undeniably spared the organization countless resources and headaches.

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Shelton

Senior Supervisor/Draftsman - Albonian FM

In the dynamic eco-system of facilities management, a key asset to the team of Albonian FM at Meydan is its Senior Supervisor/ Draftsman Shelton. A humble and dedicated employee, Shelton’s day-to-day duties involve working closely with the client and management staff. He is at the forefront of the planning process with his knowledge of all the blueprints and drawings of the iconic building at Meydan.

Even during the recent heavy rains in Dubai, Shelton and his team’s unwavering commitment to the organization shone bright. His swift response and his team’s efforts into mobilizing resources played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the rain and ensuring the safety for our staff. It also exemplified the true spirit of partnership and collaboration.

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Waqar Ahamed

Group Facilities Supervisor - Adeeb

With over 14 years of unwavering commitment to Adeeb Group, Waqar Ahamed has not only fulfilled his role as a Senior Supervisor Specialist in Electrical Systems and Pumps; but also emerged as the cornerstone of operational excellence and a beacon of reliability within the organization. At the heart of Waqar's remarkable contribution lies his innate ability to transcend the confines of his job description.

Beyond being a proficient technician, he is a trusted teammate who exemplifies resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity. Waqar's expertise extends far beyond mere reactionary measures; he is a strategic thinker, adept at preempting potential challenges and orchestrating proactive solutions. His foresight is a catalyst for seamless operations, as he meticulously plans and prepares for contingencies, ensuring that Adeeb Group remains one step ahead at all times.

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