Participants consistently emphasized that while organizational action is critical, the broader policy and regulatory environment plays a decisive role in shaping the pace, consistency and scale of circular facility management adoption in the Middle East. Discussions highlighted the influence of global sustainability expectations alongside the need for regionally grounded government leadership.

Alignment with Global Sustainability Agendas

Participants noted that global sustainability frameworks are increasingly shaping expectations across the Middle East. Commitments such as the Paris Agreement and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were specified as important reference points that influence national strategies, corporate priorities and investor expectations.

Rather than viewing these global agendas as external pressures, participants described them as structuring mechanisms that can help legitimize circular economy practices within regional contexts. When national visions and development strategies explicitly link to these commitments, circular FM becomes easier to position as part of a broader, long-term transformation agenda.

Government Leadership & Leading by Example

A recurring insight was the expectation that governments and municipalities should lead by example. Participants suggested that public sector leadership can normalize circular practices by embedding them into public procurement, infrastructure projects, and government- owned assets.

This leadership role was described in several ways:

  • Demonstrating circular FM practices within public buildings
  • Integrating circular criteria into tendering and procurement processes

Such actions were seen as powerful signals that can influence private sector behavior and accelerate market readiness.

Regulation, Standards & Clear Guidance

Participants emphasized the importance of clear guidelines, parameters, and standards to support circular FM adoption. While sustainability frameworks exist in many Middle Eastern countries, participants noted that circular-specific guidance for FM remains uneven.

There was particular emphasis on:

  • Enforcing circular requirements at the tendering stage
  • Defining performance and initiative criteria aligned with circular FM
  • Using classification or rating mechanisms to recognize circular performance
  • Adoption of recognized standards, such as ISO frameworks

Clear and consistent regulation was viewed to reduce ambiguity, support compliance and create a level playing field across markets.

Incentives, ICV & Economic Alignment

Participants highlighted the role of financial incentives in accelerating circular adoption. Incentives were discussed not only in terms of direct funding or grants, but also through broader economic alignment mechanisms.

Examples included:

  • Government grants to encourage better product and service selection
  • Incentives for compliant companies
  • Linkage to In- Country Value (ICV) and local content scoring
  • Reward and penalty systems to reinforce desired outcomes

These mechanisms were viewed as particularly relevant in aligning circular FM with national economic diversification agendas and local market development.

Infrastructure, Supply Chains & Market Enablement

Participants noted that policy influence extends beyond regulation into market enablement. Governments were seen as having a role in supporting the infrastructure and ecosystems required for circular FM, including supply chains, business networks and knowledge-sharing platforms.

References were made to:

  • Investment in infrastructure that supports circular economy practices
  • Engagement with chambers of commerce and business groups
  • Improved supply chain support to enable reuse, refurbishment and remanufacturing

Such interventions were framed as necessary to move beyond pilot projects toward scalable implementation.

Education, Awareness & Knowledge Sharing

Finally, participants emphasized the role of governments and municipalities in fostering education and awareness. This included sustainability education in schools, public awareness campaigns, and support for industry events and conferences.

Knowledge sharing among public sector partners was seen to build credibility, reduce duplication and reinforce leadership through visible action.

International Facility Management Association (IFMA) supports over 25,000 members in 140 countries. Since 1980, IFMA has worked to advance the FM profession through education, events, credentialing, research, networking and knowledge-sharing.