47% Are Investing in AI, 69% Would Switch Without It

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond experimentation in the Middle East's facilities management sector. Instead of asking whether AI should be adopted, organisations are increasingly evaluating whether their existing technology platforms are capable of supporting it.

According to MRI Software's latest ‘From Insight to Impact’ report, produced in collaboration with the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA), 47% of facilities management professionals are adopting or planning to adopt AI or automation tools over the next 12 to 18 months. Even more notably, 69% say they would consider switching software providers if AI capabilities are not included in their next platform upgrade.

For the real estate industry, this represents more than a technology trend. It marks a shift in procurement priorities. AI is no longer being viewed as an optional software enhancement but as an increasingly important procurement requirement for facilities management technology. 

The research suggests that facilities management teams are looking beyond automation for its own sake. Nearly 40% of respondents identified predictive maintenance as the greatest potential benefit of Agentic AI, ahead of automated decision-making and workforce optimisation. By identifying equipment issues before failures occur, AI has the potential to reduce downtime, extend asset life and improve operational efficiency across commercial and residential assets. 

However, the report also highlights that successful AI adoption depends as much on organisational readiness as on technology itself. More than 81% of respondents expressed confidence that their facilities management data is capable of supporting AI-driven decision-making, suggesting that many organisations believe they have already established the digital foundations needed for more advanced applications. 

Commenting on the findings, Schalk Vorster, Regional Director for the Middle East at MRI Software, said the region's facilities management sector is demonstrating a strong appetite for innovation, with growing confidence in AI and smart technologies as the industry continues to evolve. He noted that the research is intended to help facilities management leaders make informed decisions, build future-ready teams and position their organisations for long-term success. 

For developers, property owners and facilities management providers, the message is becoming increasingly clear. As facilities management teams prepare for greater use of AI, automation and connected technologies, the focus is shifting from adoption to implementation. Competitive advantage will depend not only on investing in new technology but also on having the data, skills and operational readiness to use it effectively.