It is officially 2026. Another meaningful year has passed and commercial cleaning is no longer confined to compliance, checklists, or reactive cleaning. It has matured into a strategic, forward-looking discipline—one that directly influences public health, brand reputation, operational resilience, and workforce wellbeing across the Middle East. 

For our January cover story, 2026 Hygiene Resolutions of the Cleaning Industry, Clean Middle East invited seven industry leaders from across the region to articulate hygiene resolutions for the year ahead. These are not aspirational slogans or recycled pledges. They are grounded commitments shaped by lived operational realities—labour shortages, rising client expectations, regulatory pressures, sustainability demands, and the accelerating role of technology in hygiene delivery. 

Collectively, the insights reveal a clear shift in mindset. Hygiene in 2026 is about consistency over intensity, prevention over correction, and systems over individual effort. From redefining training beyond toolbox talks, to embedding data-driven decision-making, smarter chemical usage, and human-centric leadership, the resolutions reflect an industry intent on doing things better—not just faster or cheaper. 

This feature is both a reflection and a challenge. A reflection of how far the region’s cleaning industry has come, and a challenge to operators, suppliers, and clients alike to raise the bar together. As the year begins, these seven voices set the tone for what meaningful hygiene leadership should look like in 2026. 

Sayyed Shabab Husain Rizvi, Soft Services Manager, Musanadah Facilities Management 

As we enter 2026, my resolution as Head of Soft Services at Musanadah is clear: to accelerate the transformation of how soft services are delivered through smart FM technology, real-time data, and continuous learning. 

Facilities management is no longer reactive. Today’s environments — from Vision 2030 projects and education to commercial and critical infrastructure — demand real-time data, predictive maintenance and responsive operations. 

In 2026, we will deepen our focus on Smart FM technologies, enabling our teams and clients to benefit from real-time visibility of performance, compliance, and service delivery across all sites. 

A major focus will be expanding the use of our CAFM systems to ensure every SOP is executed, monitored, and verified digitally. This allows us to instantly identify any shortfall, deploy corrective action, and maintain strict compliance with SLAs, hygiene protocols, cleaning plans, and regulatory standards — all while strengthening transparency and accountability. 

Equally important is our people. We are enhancing our online learning platforms and mobile training tools to support continuous development of our soft services workforce. By combining technology, data-driven decision making, and empowered people, at Musanadah, we are creating a smarter, more resilient soft services model.  

After being named ‘Top Cleaning Company in Saudi Arabia’ at the SACWFM Awards last year, 2026 will be the year we move faster, think smarter, and set new benchmarks for excellence in soft services by embracing smart FM tech. 

Eldhose George, Cleaning Manager, FMM 

As we step into a new year, hygiene must go beyond routine cleaning and become a strategic resolution within soft FM. The post-pandemic era has reshaped expectations; hygiene today is about safety, experience, compliance, and trust across all asset types. 

A key resolution for soft FM operations is standardization with flexibility. Robust SOPs, risk-based cleaning frequencies, and evidence-based methodologies must be applied consistently while remaining adaptable across offices, airports, metro stations, malls, hospitality assets, and healthcare facilities. 

Technology is a critical enabler. AI-driven applications provide instant access to policies, procedures, and risk assessments, while Power BI dashboards deliver real-time metrics, digital audits, and reporting for data-driven decision making. 

Hospitals require special priority. Hygiene is non-negotiable, linked to infection prevention, patient outcomes, and patient-centered care. Proper PPE, transmission-based precautions, approved cleaning processes, color-coded microfiber compliance, dwell-time adherence, and coordination with infection control teams are essential. 

Data-driven hygiene is another focus. Digital audits, ATP testing, smart scheduling, and real-time reporting allow FM leaders to measure cleanliness objectively, building confidence among clients, users, patients, and regulators. 

A strong HSEQ culture, continuous learning, and certifications in cleaning sciences create a foundation for excellence. Eco-friendly chemicals, innovative tools, touchless dispensers, robotic cleaning for large areas, and drones for facades and high-level cleaning enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability while reducing human error and ensuring consistent high standards across all facilities. 

In 2026, hygiene excellence in soft FM should be seen not as a cost, but as a value-driven commitment to health, environment, quality, trust, and operational resilience. 

Pallavi Patil, ACCIONA’s Project Manager, Facility Service, Middle East. 

As we enter 2026, I find myself reflecting on how much Soft Facilities Management has evolved and how much more potential it holds. At ACCIONA, our purpose is clear, it is to lead the transition to a more sustainable future. Soft FM plays a quieter role in that journey, but its impact is felt every day in the spaces we create, protect, and care for. 

One of our key resolutions this year is to raise the bar on service excellence through intelligence and anticipation. By strengthening preventive FM practices and leveraging data-led insights, we aim to deliver environments that are consistently safe, hygienic, and welcoming. For me, true quality is when service feels effortless to the people who rely on it. 

Sustainability remains at the heart of every decision we make as it is in all the ACCIONA’DNA different business, not only FM. In 2026, Soft FM will continue to reduce its environmental footprint by expanding the use of eco-certified materials, minimizing water and chemical consumption, and reinforcing waste reduction and segregation practices. These actions directly support Acciona’s commitment to decarbonization and circularity, turning purpose into daily practice.

What inspires me most is our people. Our Soft FM teams are the face of ACCIONA’s values on the ground. This year, we will continue to enhance our investment in training, wellbeing, and safety culture, because empowered people deliver extraordinary outcomes. 

Looking ahead digital tools, transparent reporting, and collaborative partnerships will help Soft FM evolve from a support function into a strategic contributor. In 2026, our resolution is simple but powerful, it is to ensure every space we manage reflects ACCIONA’s vision of sustainable, resilient, and built for the future. 

Noel S. Gonzaga, BSMT, RMT, AMT, MPH, CIC, Environmental Infection Control Expert, Ministry of Health, Oman, Headquarters 

As we step into a new year, my professional resolution as a healthcare leader is clear: to elevate environmental hygiene from a supporting function to a strategic pillar of patient safety. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing work to develop the Second Edition of the National Environmental Cleaning Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities. 

Through the Infection Control Programs under the Department of Prevention of Communicable Diseases and the Central Department of Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC), Ministry of Health (MoH), Oman, we recognized the need to consolidate national guidance on environmental cleaning. Over time, multiple documents were developed independently, resulting in fragmented practices and inconsistent implementation. My resolution is to transform this complexity into clarity through a single, cohesive, evidence-based national guideline. 

This year, with the Ministry of Health adopting a new organizational structure and clearer strategic direction, I am advancing my five-year strategic plan with a strong focus on collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment. My goal is to standardize environmental cleaning practices across MoH healthcare facilities, while extending guidance to private hospitals by working closely with the Directorate General of Private Healthcare Establishments, which oversees the private healthcare sector. Collaboration will also expand to other government healthcare providers, including Military Medical City, University Hospital, and Cancer Center facilities. 

I am committed to fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning by upskilling environmental services inspectors and staff, and by strengthening monitoring, auditing, and quality assurance through digital tools. International partnerships—particularly with Clean Hospitals—will support best practices and help position Oman as a regional leader in environmental hygiene. In parallel, joint work with the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health will ensure safe waste management and effective implementation of Integrated Pest Management as part of the environmental hygiene program. 

Early this year, we will launch and train staff on national healthcare laundry services guidelines. I also aim to participate in research on environmental cleaning and healthcare textiles, sharing evidence-based findings in regional and international journals. 

Through these efforts, my ultimate resolution is to reduce healthcare-associated infections and create safer healthcare environments for patients, staff, and visitors—achieving this through leadership, collaboration, and shared responsibility. 

Shujat Ali Khan, Consultant Housekeeping & Laundry Operations 

The start of a new year is the perfect time for hotel housekeeper to strengthen hygiene standards within their housekeeping departments as a housekeeping manager, my New Year hygiene resolutions focus on strengthening cleanliness standards, team accountability, and guest confidence. I resolve to strictly enforce all housekeeping standard operating procedures and regularly review cleaning checklists to ensure they align with health, safety, and brand requirements. No room or public area will be released without proper inspection and verification. I commit to reinforcing personal hygiene and grooming standards among all housekeeping staff by providing refresher training on hand hygiene, proper uniform use, and correct handling of linens and waste. Clean uniforms, use of personal protective equipment, and disciplined hygiene practices will be non-negotiable. I will lead by example to promote a culture of pride and professionalism. I resolve to ensure the correct use, storage, and dilution of cleaning chemicals, and to regularly inspect and maintain housekeeping equipment. Worn-out tools will be replaced promptly to maintain cleaning effectiveness and prevent cross-contamination. Guest room hygiene will remain a top priority, with special attention to high-touch points, bathrooms, bedding, and upholstery. I will conduct random room inspections and deep-cleaning audits to maintain consistency. Public areas and back-of-house spaces will receive equal attention to ensure a clean and safe environment for guests and staff. Finally, I commit to continuous improvement by monitoring guest feedback, conducting hygiene audits, supporting sustainable cleaning practices, and motivating my team through training and recognition. These resolutions aim to uphold exceptional hygiene standards, protect guest well-being, and enhance the hotel’s reputation throughout the year. 

Prince Kaushik, Director of Housekeeping, Salalah Rotana Resort 
As we enter the New Year, my primary hygiene resolution as Director of Housekeeping at Rotana Resort Salalah is to strengthen the fundamentals of hygiene through education, empowerment, and sustainable practices, in line with Rotana’s commitment to quality hospitality and genuine care. Our focus will be on continuously educating our housekeeping colleagues on the basics of hygiene, effective disinfection, prevention of cross-contamination, and the correct use of tools and chemicals. A strong understanding of these core principles is essential to delivering consistent cleanliness and ensuring the safety and comfort of our guests and team members. Emphasis will be placed on practical training—such as proper color-coding systems, chemical dilution and contact time, and safe handling procedures—so that standards are applied with confidence and responsibility. At Rotana, we believe our colleagues are our greatest asset. Housekeeping professionals play a vital role in the day-to-day care of our guests, and every well-maintained space directly contributes to trust, wellbeing, and memorable experiences. By empowering our teams with knowledge and accountability, we enable them to take pride in the positive difference they make every day. Sustainability remains a prime focus of our housekeeping strategy. We are committed to using eco certified products, linen and towel reuse programs, and resource-efficient practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high hygiene standards. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore innovative and sustainable housekeeping technologies that support efficiency, safety, and consistency. Our New Year resolution is clear: to deliver responsible, visible, and sustainable hygiene excellence that reflects Rotana’s values and our promise of heartfelt hospitality. 

John Manohar, Cluster Director of Housekeeping, J5 Hotels 
As we welcome the New Year, it is the perfect time to renew our commitment to hygiene, sustainability, and exceptional guest experience. In housekeeping, every small action creates a big impact, not only on guest satisfaction but also on our environment and future generations. 

Our New Year Hygiene Resolutions focus on cleaning smarter, greener, and more responsibly. We commit to using environmentally friendly, recyclable, and approved sustainable products, reducing chemical usage without compromising hygiene standards. Aligning with the UAE’s sustainability vision and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we aim to minimize water and energy consumption through efficient cleaning methods, preventive maintenance, and smart scheduling. 

Customer focus remains at the heart of our resolutions. Clean, safe, and well-maintained rooms build trust and comfort for our guests. By adopting practical and user-friendly cleaning practices, empowering our teams with regular training, and encouraging innovation, we ensure consistency and quality in every space we manage. 

Sustainability is a shared responsibility. We resolve to strengthen linen and waste recycling programs, reduce single-use plastics, and promote a culture of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” within our operations. Through teamwork and accountability, we aim to reduce guest complaints, improve room turnaround time, and deliver seamless experiences for back-to-back arrivals. 

This New Year, our hygiene resolutions go beyond cleanliness. They represent our promise to our guests, our colleagues, and the planet, to operate responsibly, think sustainably, and lead by example in creating healthier, safer, and greener hospitality environments. 

Together, let’s make hygiene a sustainable habit, not just a resolution.