Factors affecting the growth of facilities management in Saudi Arabia

Purpose: This research explores the factors influencing the growth of the facilities management (FM) industry in Saudi Arabia, identifying essential skills and challenges faced by facilities managers. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a literature review and a questionnaire survey of 70 practicing FM professionals in Saudi Arabia. The survey assessed skills, challenges, and growth factors shaping the FM industry. Findings: The study identified 14 critical skills, with leadership (90%), technical knowledge (85.7%), and problem-solving (72.8%) ranking as the most essential. Further, 9 key challenges were identified, with technology integration (74.3%) and climate-related maintenance (67.1%) ranking highest. The study also assessed 16 growth factors, categorized into economic, technological, and societal influences, with economic growth (86.1%) and government infrastructure investments (85.7%) being the strongest drivers of FM expansion. Research limitations/implications: The findings highlight key barriers limiting FM growth and suggest strategic areas for improvement, particularly in technology adoption and regulatory frameworks. Practical implications: The results offer insights for training programs and professional development, emphasizing digital competencies, sustainability practices, and stakeholder engagement to enhance FM workforce readiness. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on FM in Saudi Arabia, bridging a gap in the literature by integrating theoretical perspectives with industry data to present a comprehensive view of skills, challenges, and growth drivers.