The Middle East Executive Roundtable revealed a region at a critical inflection point in the transition toward circular facility management. Rapid development, large-scale investment and growing alignment with global sustainability agendas create strong conditions for circular practices to be embedded at scale. At the same time, participants highlighted structural, commercial, and capability related constraints that must be addressed to translate ambition into consistent action.
Six interrelated insights emerged across the discussions.
Circular FM is increasingly framed as a value-creation opportunity
Participants consistently described circular facility management as a mechanism for generating operational, financial, and strategic value rather than solely a sustainability initiative. Opportunities such as waste to value, asset reuse, life cycle optimization and service-based business models were positioned as ways to reduce long-term costs, unlock new revenue streams, and improve asset performance.
This shift in framing suggests growing maturity in how circularity is understood across the region, particularly when aligned with commercial outcomes and performance-based engagement models.
Service-based models offer a practical pathway to embed circularity
The adoption of Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) models was highlighted as a promising mechanism for advancing circular outcomes. By shifting focus from asset ownership to performance and service delivery, these models can incentivize efficiency, maintenance and life cycle optimization.
Participants noted that XaaS approaches align well with the Middle East’s development context, wherein capital intensity, risk management and long-term asset performance are increasingly important considerations.
Structural & commercial barriers continue to limit scale
Despite clear opportunities, participants identified several constraints that slow or fragment adoption. These included short-term investment horizons, short duration FM contracts, inadequate contract language, uncertainty around asset ownership and fragmented supply chains.
These barriers suggest that circular FM adoption is often constrained not by lack of intent, but by misaligned incentives, governance structures and commercial models that prioritize speed and delivery over life cycle outcomes.
FM’s role as a cross-functional connector is central
Across all discussions, facility management was positioned as a critical connector between strategy and operations. Participants emphasized that FM is uniquely placed to collaborate with the C-suite, finance, procurement, IT, HR and real estate to embed circular principles into decision-making, procurement and performance management.
When empowered and engaged early in the asset life cycle, FM can help translate circular economy ambitions into practical, organization-wide action.
Government leadership & policy alignment are key enablers
Participants highlighted the influential role of governments and municipalities in shaping the circular FM landscape. Alignment with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, combined with clear guidelines, standards, incentives and public sector leadership, were seen as critical enablers.
Linking circular FM to national visions, In-Country Value (ICV) frameworks and local content strategies was viewed as particularly important for reinforcing economic as well as environmental value.
Measurement & communication underpin credibility & momentum
Finally, participants emphasized that effective measurement and communication are essential to scaling circular practices. Clear KPIs, life cycle metrics, digital tools, and structured reporting were seen as necessary to demonstrate value, build confidence and secure leadership support.
Two-way communication, supported by events, storytelling and data-driven insights, was viewed as a powerful mechanism for building organizational and market buy in.
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.