Introducing the esteemed panel of judges for the sixth edition of the MECHF Awards! These visionary individuals stand at the forefront of innovation, poised to sift through a plethora of groundbreaking entries and unveil the champions of ingenuity. With a collective wealth of experience spanning diverse sectors within the field, our jury comprises pioneers who have reshaped industries, challenged norms, and propelled the boundaries of what's possible.

As we eagerly anticipate their verdicts, we invite you to join us in celebrating their dedication to recognizing and honoring innovation in mechanical engineering. Stay tuned for the electrifying revelations as we embark on this thrilling journey together!

Ali Alsuwaidi, MEFMA Vice President

Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi is one of the influential leaders of the facilities management and asset management industry in the Middle East. He has been in the industry since the nascent stages and has been tasked with a range of prestigious, mission-critical, high-profile assignments. His valuable volunteering contributed to the growth of the industry in the Middle East and especially GCC countries.

Eng. Ali is one of the FM subject matter experts worldwide and a visionary speaker participating in facility management workshops, conferences, and seminars. Amongst many other important tasks, Ali was the first operation head for the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa.

In addition to being one of the key founders of MEFMA and a prominent figure in the Middle East, he also has a great impact and huge influence globally by being the Vice Chairman in the Global FM Association (GFM) since January 2021 and previously as a board of director since January 2013, along with having a valuable impact as well on various entities in which he held key positions.

Caroline Bilen, Founder and Owner of The Compass Health Consultancy

Caroline is a respected and passionate healthcare leader. Beyond being a healthcare advisor and clinical educator, she is a published author and peer reviewer, influencing healthcare in the Middle East and Africa.

In 2019, Caroline founded The Compass Health Consultancy to train and upscale healthcare professionals, promoting excellence and a commitment to achieve zero harm in healthcare practices.

With 35 years of experience in healthcare management, accreditation, surgical care, and coaching, she has significantly impacted the field, especially in the CEEMEA regions.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Caroline actively contributes to women’s empowerment as a member of the Worldwide Association of Female Professionals and the Dubai Business Women Council.

Her dedication to encouraging collaboration, sharing best practices, enhancing safety measures, and advancing the healthcare system adds another layer to her inspiring story.

Denise Hanson FBICSc C.Env.Cln – Commercial Director, BICSc

With over 30 years’ experience in the cleaning industry, Denise brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the BICSc portfolio. Experienced in successful multi-site mobilisations, in time and cost critical environments and with a career that spans hotels, facilities services for local government, MOD, major food retail, shopping centres, cleanroom and blue-chip office facilities.

As Commercial Director for BICSc Denise oversees the development and delivery of new courses, ensures the validity of BICSc offering and works with clients to deliver effective solutions to their issues. The cleaning industry has provided an interesting and diverse career and Denise sees her role with BICSc as an opportunity to help build the steps to allow others to progress in their careers within cleaning and facilities.

Dr. Naseem M. Rafee, Director, Health & Safety Department, Dubai Municipality

Dr. Naseem has worked with Dubai Municipality for over 17 years, out of which 2 years she held the position of a Safety Officer, then held the position of Manager of consumer products safety section in 2008, and Director of Health & Safety department since 2019.

She developed & managed the operations of many important programs in the field that have a strategic impact on both emirate of Dubai & Dubai Municipality strategic plans such as registration of different categories of consumer products (e.g. Health Supplements, cosmetics and personal care products, fragrances, disinfectants, biocides and recently Toys, food contact material and textile being added ), in addition to the related programs as field inspection and ports control for the imported consignments , and other health and safety related activities.

She managed Covid-19 crisis committee in alignment with Dubai Supreme Committee of Crisis & Disaster Management to contain the crisis and support UAE. 

She obtained international related standards , e.g. ISO/PAS 45005:2020 certificate for DM during 2021 as first global municipality for the scope of COVID-19 aspects management system, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems, ISO 17020:2021 requirements for operation of various types of bodies performing inspection.

Mohamad Abou Laban, Managing Director,OCS, UAE

Mohamad has spent more than two decades in the facilities management industry. He is known for his strategic vision and customer-focused approach, he has significantly grown territories and opportunities, aligning closely with corporate objectives for sustained growth and profitability.

Mohamad is currently the Managing Director for OCS in the UAE where he is leading the transformation and growth initiatives for the business.  Recent roles include CEO at Deyaar Facilities Management, General Manager for BFM in UAE, and General Manager Cushman & Wakefield in Saudi Arabia.

Toni D’Andrea, CEO ISSA PULIRE NETWORK and Director, ISSA EMEA

Graduated  at Politecnico di Milano, earned a Masters Degree in International Leadership from SDA Bocconi University in Milan. He has worked as Quality Manager at AB Electrolux (CE line) up to 1997, Professor of Design Management in the Faculty of Architecture and Industrial Design at Politecnico di Milano and in Parma University, since 1999 he has been CEO of Afidamp Servizi and Managing Director of  PULIRE (1999-2019), from 2019 is CEO of ISSA PULIRE Network and since 2020 is Director of ISSA EMEA.

Over the past 20 years he has developed the international trade fair platform PULIRE, today ISSA PULIRE (several locations worldwide), which has become the leading integrated trade fair system for the professional cleaning industry. For a long time he worked to build strategic relationships between the global players in the cleaning industry.  

He has hosted numerous lectures, workshops and conferences around the world, using a scientific approach to cover the dynamics and characteristics of the Cleaning and Services industry, focusing on the demand side. He has written many papers and articles on subjects related to the professional cleaning industry and its developments, he is also director of ISSA PULIRE Show and FORUM ISSA Pulire, (the International Congress of  Cleaning Industry).