EXPRO Wins Global FM Gold Award

The Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) has been awarded the Gold Award by the Global Facility Management Association (GLOBAL FM), in recognition of its operational excellence, maturity of practices, and its demonstrated capacity for research, innovation, and sustained leadership in transforming facility management. This achievement reflects EXPRO commitment to aligning with the highest local and international standards.

"This award represents the culmination of diligent efforts undertaken by EXPRO and its government partners to foster a culture of excellence and adopt best practices in facilities and assets management. Such endeavors ensure that current facility and infrastructure needs are met with efficiency and effectiveness, while simultaneously guaranteeing future readiness. This is achieved by addressing challenges related to efficiency, costs, and resource waste, and by promoting operational excellence and technological innovation, ultimately leading to sustainable development", said Eng. Hani Abdulrahman Mirza, the acting Executive Vice-President of Assets and Facilities Management at EXPRO.

Mirza further added that EXPRO endeavored to enhance the utilization rate of idle assets through meticulous performance and task analysis. This initiative identified facilities and assets spanning over 20 million square meters with low utilization rates. EXPRO subsequently re-purposed these assets in collaboration with relevant entities, resulting in a financial impact valued at SAR 3.8 billion in both operational and capital expenditure savings.

EXPRO, in collaboration with government entities, developed the National Manual for Asset and Facilities Management. This Manual has become a reference in the facility management sector, standardizing criteria across all facets of asset and facilities management. The Manual consists of 17 volumes, each comprising a comprehensive collection of standards, operational procedures, and best practices informed by both international and local references.

EXPRO has placed significant emphasis on localizing employment within the facility management sector, contributing—in collaboration with several government entities—to the national initiative of localizing operations and maintenance contracts across public entities, resulting in the employment of over 200,000 Saudi men and women. Moreover, EXPRO has invested in capacity building through a dedicated training and development program, which has trained more than 4,500 individuals since 2021. In addition, EXPRO continues to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development through the "Buna" Knowledge Center, launched under the initiatives of the Committee for the Localization of Operation and Maintenance Contracts in Public Entities. Buna features a growing repository of knowledge, including over 200 scientific articles, 30 educational videos, and 40 awareness and educational infographics, all designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute effectively to national development objectives.

EXPRO has developed the "Shared Maintenance Initiative", designed in collaboration with government entities to address the challenge of multiple independent maintenance contracts held by different entities within the same geographic area. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of traditional maintenance practices by transitioning from a corrective model to a planned, performance-based system. By consolidating maintenance contracts within a single geographic area, the initiative has enabled greater cost transparency, improved service quality, and enhanced operational efficiency. Notably, it has resulted in an 18% improvement in unit cost efficiency, contributing to more effective public spending.

As part of its commitment to research and innovation in facility management, EXPRO, in collaboration with various government entities, launched the 3D Printing Initiative. This initiative marked a significant advancement in the production of spare parts through cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The initiative achieved a 96% reduction in manufacturing costs, an 88% improvement in supply speed, and a 200% increase in the lifespan of the produced components. It effectively addressed key challenges such as long lead times and obsolescence in the manufacturing of certain spare parts. These endeavors align with the priorities of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation and technological advancement as drivers of national progress.

In the healthcare sector, EXPRO, in collaboration with its partners, sought to enhance the utilization of medical equipment through the redistribution of ventilators. This effort led to a 30% increase in the availability of these devices, generating a financial impact of SAR 43 million and improving patient care by enabling healthcare facilities to treat a greater number of patients simultaneously. Moreover, EXPRO’s initiative to enhance operational efficiency in medical laundry services resulted in a 30% reduction in laundry costs and a 52% decrease in reliance on low-skilled labor, contributing to more efficient and sustainable healthcare service delivery.

Regarding the award, GLOBAL FM—established in 2006—stands as a leading international authority in the field of facility management. Serving as a global umbrella organization, GLOBAL FM brings together national and regional facility management associations from around the world. Its network includes a wide range of specialized member organizations across key regions such as the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting the association’s broad global reach and influence within the industry, Through this broad membership, GLOBAL FM aims to foster collaboration, advance knowledge, and promote a deeper understanding of best practices within the facility management sector.

EXPRO works in close collaboration with government entities to enhance expenditure efficiency, optimize public procurement processes, and improve the quality of projects, assets, and facilities. In addition, it contributes to the strengthening of infrastructure, programs, initiatives, and operational planning. Further, EXPRO plays a key role in the development of policies, regulations, and methodologies, while actively investing in the development of national talent and institutional capabilities.