FM manager calls for salaries in industry to rise

Salaries have to increase if the region is to attract experienced and skilled professionals, says Clare Wait, senior manager in Sama Dubai's facilities management division.Speaking at the recent 'Women in FM' networking event, organised by Facilities Management Middle East, Wait explained that attracting FM professionals to work in the region is getting harder."With the exchange rate and the price of property, mainly to rent, the salaries have to be higher. There's no advantage in tax-free anymore because the [benefit of] tax free is taken up by the cost of the property. There has to be an increase in salary for it to be worthwhile," she said.

With the dirham currently pegged to the US dollar and the exchange rate standing at AED7.45 to the British pound, the region may increasingly attract holiday makers, but it's not a healthy and attractive incentive for potential expatriates.'Women in FM' took place on July 30, with discussion focusing on training, education, recruitment and the challenges women face in a male dominated industry. Source