Moving forward with star rating system

In recent months, the topic of facilities management services — and the charges that should accompany them — have been in focus when it comes to real estate. The pilot programme to introduce a star rating system for buildings in Dubai (as a result of which facilities management services will be assessed) is moving forward and should soon go live, according to a Gulf News report.
It was in April that the Middle East Facilities Management Association (Mefma) looked at the rating system. “We have held meetings with Rera (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) to develop the benchmarks on which the rating system would function,” said Jamal Lootah, president of Mefma and CEO of Imdaad, one of the key FM companies in the marketplace. “It is only by assessing how well or otherwise a property or building is equipped and functions can inferences be drawn for the benefit of tenants or owners. This is what the rating system seeks to achieve.”
In recent months, the topic of facilities management services — and the charges that should accompany them — have been taking up top billing in the local realty market’s agenda. Last month, Rera went live with the ‘Service Charge and Maintenance Index’ for properties within Dubai’s freehold locations.