Manal Saleh, Operational Systems Manager in one of the government sectors, was honored to attend the 22nd of International Conference on Asset, Facilities and Maintenance Management OMAINTEC FM 2025: and took an in-depth look at sustainable operational excellence.
The OMAINTEC FM 2025 conference, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah from January 26-28, was an enriching experience focused on “Sustainable Operational Excellence for Digitalization of Assets, Facility, and Maintenance”. The conference brought together professionals, experts, researchers, and practitioners from various fields, including asset management, facility maintenance, and engineering. As an attendee, I was impressed by the comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge advancements and pressing challenges in the industry.
Technical Advisor Manal Saleh stressed that the conference is one of the important events, as it represents an ideal platform to showcase the latest technologies and innovative solutions that enhance, develop and enable digital transformation in the Kingdom and the region. It also contributes to achieving sustainable operational excellence through digitizing assets, facilities and maintenance, which drives the digital transformation towards a more advanced and efficient future.
During the conference, the industry focused on sustainable operational excellence for digitizing assets, facilities and maintenance. The event witnessed the attendance of an elite group of professionals, experts, researchers and practitioners from various fields, including asset management, facilities maintenance and engineering.
As an attendee, I was impressed by the comprehensive exploration of the latest developments and pressing challenges in the industry. My experience was rich and enjoyable, as the conference provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and communicate with industry leaders.
Engaging with Key Industry Professionals
The conference was designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. I had the opportunity to network with facility managers, asset managers, maintenance managers, engineers, technology providers, academics, researchers, government officials, and consultants. It was a fantastic chance to connect with peers, industry experts, and representatives through networking sessions and social events, fostering valuable connections.
A Diverse and Enriching Program
The conference agenda was diverse and enriching, featuring scientific sessions, interactive workshops, specialized panel discussions, and an innovation exhibition.
Interactive Workshops: I participated in practical workshops led by industry experts, exploring real-world applications of asset management, facility management, and maintenance strategies. These workshops offered case studies, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Dynamic Panel Discussions: Thought-provoking panel discussions featured top experts and researchers, covering topics from the latest trends in asset improvement to sustainable facility management practices. I gained valuable insights by interacting with the speakers.
Scientific Sessions & Presentations: I attended scientific sessions and presentations covering a range of topics, including asset lifecycle management, predictive maintenance techniques, energy efficiency, and facility management. Researchers and practitioners shared their experiences and innovative solutions.
Innovation Exhibition (AFM EXPO): The AFM EXPO showcased the latest products, services, and technologies in asset and facility management. I gained direct insights into advanced solutions and industrial progress through interactive displays and product demonstrations.
Poster Presentations: I explored poster presentations that highlighted research findings, case studies, and innovative projects.
ThinkTank Sessions: Collaborative sessions led by industry experts explored innovative solutions and addressed challenges through discussions and problem-solving activities.
Focus on Key Topics
Her focus, research and exposure were on the following important topics: providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s key areas:
Electrical Systems: Discussions included net-zero carbon emission initiatives, the role of digitalization in decarbonization, and the applications of artificial intelligence in electrical grid system transformations.
Roads and Transportation Systems: I learned about smart transportation infrastructure maintenance, autonomous transportation, sustainable roadway maintenance practices, and cybersecurity for digital road maintenance data.
Maintenance Systems and Management: The conference highlighted key performance indicators, predictive maintenance, digital facility and maintenance management systems, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of the Internet of Things.
Water Systems: Sessions focused on smart water management, asset integrity, water quality monitoring, and resilience planning for water supply systems.
Buildings and Facilities Management: I gained insights into sustainable building maintenance, digitizing facility management, and integrating IoT devices for real-time monitoring.
Communications Systems, Smart Maintenance, and Cybersecurity: Discussions included the integration of the Internet of Things, cybersecurity measures for smart infrastructure, and predictive maintenance strategies.
Education and Training: The conference also covered interactive education systems, professional apprenticeship, and employee training programs to adapt to digital transformation.
On the sidelines of the conference, and in order to train national cadres, I was also pleased and honored to participate in the Professional Facilities Management Program, presented by His Excellency Dr. Eng. Omar Kamal Younis. The Excellence in Asset Management Program was held with Eng. Hazem Mansour, Operations Manager at Al-Mokhtas Engineering Consulting Company, and Eng. Basem Sayel, Secretary General of the Arab Council for Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management.
Global Perspective and Industry Recognition
OMAINTEC offered a global platform to connect and collaborate with professionals, broadening my understanding of international industry standards. The conference also featured the Arab Award for Asset, Facilities, and Maintenance Management, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field.
Overall, my experience at the OMAINTEC FM 2025 conference was extremely valuable. The focus on sustainability, digitization, and operational excellence provided me with new perspectives and practical knowledge in asset, facility, and maintenance management. The conference not only offered a platform for professional development but also inspired innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for future advancements in the industry.
Acknowledgements
In order to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and to achieve the vision headed by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect him – which focuses on economic diversification and developing all non-oil sectors.
Technical Advisor Manal Alamri extends her sincere thanks and appreciation for this great work that contributes to achieving Vision 2030, and represents an important step in the development of asset, facility and maintenance management. She also expresses her deep gratitude for hosting her at this distinguished conference, which includes an elite group of the best national cadres from various sectors.
She extends her thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Zuhair Mohammed Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the International Conference on Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management, for his valuable efforts in organizing this pioneering event, and Dr. Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al-Fawzan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Council for Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management, for his continuous support and outstanding contributions in this field.
Eng. Manal Alamri’s experience at the OMAINTEC FM 2025 conference was extremely valuable. The focus on sustainability, digitization and operational excellence provided her with new perspectives and practical knowledge in asset, facility and maintenance management. The conference was not only a platform for professional development, but also a source of inspiration for innovation and collaboration, paving the way for future progress and development in the industry, in addition to enabling digital transformation in the Kingdom and the region.
The conference also showcased the latest sustainability, digitization and operational excellence solutions designed to support various sectors on their journey towards digital transformation, within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance its position as a global leader in the digital economy
