DU highlights unified approach when implementing best practices for asset management

Biggest trend in the Middle East is the adoption of ISO 55001 as a standardised framework

Dubai, UAE, 7 May 2014: Leading telecommunications provider du will highlight the importance of implementing a cohesive approach towards asset management in the Middle East, at the third annual Government and Enterprise Asset Management Congress in Dubai later this month. 

From Dubai Expo 2020 to the Qatar FIFA Olympics 2022 and countless infrastructure mega projects across the Middle East, asset-intensive sectors will face enormous growth in the coming years.

Taking place at The Address Hotel, Dubai Mall from 19-22 May, the congress will share practical learning solutions on the all-new ISO 55001 standard, offer in-depth masterclasses and present real-life case studies on proven asset management strategies from leading international and regional speakers.

Delegates will hear firsthand from leaders of Middle Eastern utilities and telecommunications companies on why the emerging discipline of asset management is vital to the region.

Abdulhadi Alalyak, Vice President – Asset Management & Corporate Administration, du said: “The biggest trend at the moment in how assets are being managed by government and enterprise asset owners in the Middle East is the adoption of ISO 55001, as a standardised framework for the management of assets. Asset-intensive industries are becoming more aware of the importance of having a unified approach in implementing best practices.
“Asset management plays an important role in an organisation’s ability to extract value from its resources. This also applies to its entire supply and value chain. It is important that we all identify ourselves as stakeholders in the region.”

Another of the speakers, Matar Al Mehairi, Head of Asset Management, DEWA said: “There is a rapid, continuing growth and interest for actively managed assets in the following sectors in the Middle East; Electricity and water utilities, transport, municipalities and health authorities.”

Sharing his top three tips on how asset management can be enhanced in the region, Mehairi said: “Setting up effective benchmarking strategies for worldwide best practice in asset management, securing top management buy-in and integrating effective asset management programmes with Smart Cities’ initiatives and plans” are key ways to improve asset management practices.

The international line-up of speakers for the four-day conference includes some of the most respected figureheads in the industry, among them Dr Najib Dandachi, Asset Management Director, Transco; Matthew Hannaway, Head of Project Risk and Value Management, Network Rail (UK) and Frank Ruffa, Group Manager, Asset Management Group, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART).

Frank Ruffa, Group Manager, Asset Management Group, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) said: “The USA faces a multi-trillion dollar infrastructure rehabilitation challenge.  All aspects of the infrastructure are affected, such as water, electric power distribution and transportation networks including roads, rail and pipelines.

“We are one of the organisations that face an immediate backlog of deferred maintenance and capital rehabilitation needs that far outstrip the available fiscal resources. I would like to share our experience and approach with the delegates. Particularly, I would like to discuss one of the most challenging elements, that of changing the organisational culture.”

Organised by IIR Middle East, the congress is sponsored by CH2MHill, with asset management consultants QASR as a strategic solutions partner.

An opening day series of master classes by QASR will focus on effective data and information strategy and developing and improving asset management capabilities.

Richard Chilton, Director, QASR commented: “QASR is committed to bringing best practice asset management to the GCC, and sees the congress as the ideal forum to discuss this important topic.”