Firm to manage facilities of 14 pavilions at Expo 2020

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

The UAE economy is getting further momentum as business activities accelerate ahead of the Expo 2020 Dubai. More companies are becoming part of the global event by entering agreements with various participating pavilions. Companies see Expo 2020 as a big platform for growth and a networking opportunity with global exhibitors and investors.

ServeU, one of Union Properties’ subsidiaries, has won the bid to manage the facilities of 14 pavilions participating at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is set to open this October.

The company is leading facilities management firm based in the UAE.

The company explained that the contracts, which are valued at Dhs18 million, will be executed by ServeU’s team of experts, technicians, and specialists to maintain the demands of facilities covering a total area spanning 30,000 square meters of the Expo 2020 land with a team of 300 experts, technicians and specialists.

The agreement includes providing the human resource (HR) and staffing services for the pavilions, such as guide management, cleaning, security and administration, and logistics.

Khalifa Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Union Properties, the mother company of ServeU said: “We are pleased to announce that ServeU, a subsidiary of Union Properties, has won these contracts in a new indicator that reflects the company’s leadership in the facilities management services. This also reaffirms the market’s growing confidence in the technical expertise and specialised competencies of our teams. These contracts will open new opportunities for the company to boost its presence, enhance competitiveness in the local and regional markets, as well as highlight our capabilities in maintaining high quality standards and efficiency in the FM industry.”

He added: “We assure our clients that the services which will be implemented under these contracts follow leading international standards and apply the best practices and systems as well in the field. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our capabilities and expertise and exceed the expectations of our international stakeholders participating in the Expo. We are confident that our teams are competent and equipped with the skills and knowledge to fulfil the work required for a major global event such as Expo 2020.”

For his part, Gary Reader, General Manager, ServeU, said: “We are proud to be awarded these contracts, which is an excellent opportunity to deliver our innovative solutions and services to companies, entities and pavilions participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. We aim to enhance the experience of visitors and guests of the pavilions and contribute to the success of our customers during their participation in this global platform. Our modern technologies, integrated systems and three decades of experience in the industry will be utilised to meet the goals.”  It is noteworthy that the 14 new contracts are the latest addition to the company’s agreements with the pavilions participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. Aside from these new contracts, the company has earlier entered an agreement with the United Kingdom to provide its pavilion with human resources services and additional manpower. The awarded contracts further cement ServeU’s reputation as a leading FM organisation, known for its capability in providing quality and efficient services through its automated systems and digital innovations.

Last April, ServeU has been awarded the Human Resources (HR) and staffing services contract for the United Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The UK Department has been awarded the contract for the Pavilion for International Trade.

As part of the collaboration, ServeU, along with its subcontracting partners Talents UAE, Big Fish, and Beyond limits, will be responsible for providing overall HR and staffing services, including Pavilion and guide management, cleaning, security, administration, and logistics.

Services will be provided to the UK’s Department for International Trade and supporting government departments who will be participating in the showpiece event starting this October.

The stunning UK Pavilion, designed by brand experience specialists Avantgarde with British artist and designer Es Devlin, inspired by Prof Stephen Hawking’s ‘Breakthrough Message’. A must-see highlight of the Expo 2020 Dubai campus occupies a prime location in the Opportunity District, near the central Al Wasl Dome and Plaza.

Expo 2020 Dubai is projected to attract millions of visits over a period of six months, with 70% of visitors expected to come from outside the UAE.