5 minutes with Dorothee Stein

Dorothee Stein

Who are you?
As head, facility care, I’m responsible for FM of engineering services at Dubai Airport, the same company that runs Dubai International Airport and Al-Maktoum International.

The services I’m in charge of include cleaning, waste management and passenger baggage trolleys for the entire facility. We use both our own staff and outsourced staff across the terminals.

What attracted you to FM?
I’ve been in Dubai for 15 years now, prior to which I worked in Turkey and in the States in the hospitality industry. I was attracted by the change and was looking for a new challenge.

The operation involved developing the cleaning service system combined with waste management systems to bring it to an international standard. The challenge tickled me and I now find it really exciting as a job.

My job is never boring, we are always expanding which is fascinating for me. I like the bustling atmosphere and enjoy working with people, in this case, my team and teams who are part of the success of this airport.

What’s

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new for the company this year?
Waste management is a necessity and here there is an environmental aspect coming into it. We’re looking to focus more on recycling and sustainability initiatives as part of CSR.

Also as part of the 2020 expansion plan for the airport, it’s going to mean a lot more facilities and so more FM requirements. It means we will have to work smarter, not harder. We will be keeping very close control of our costs. It is not the case that we add 30% capacity and in turn 30% resources. We will be looking to enhance the skills of the people on board and focus our objectives on delivering on time.

What do you like about the FM industry?
I’ve worked in commercial cleaning industry in Dubai for the past 13 years. Due to the fact that this airport has been growing in its facilities, there is always a new requirement.

It is a constant learning experience. I consider learning as important. Due to the rapid expansion we’ve had, I’ve constantly had to be on my toes and deliver a high output.

The FM industry in Dubai has actually not come a long way, but it’s come a fast way. Over the last few years, [it has gone from] people in the emirate not using the term “FM’ at all to you seeing lots of companies providing a service. I would say it’s become a fairly competitive market.

Where do you see FM in five years time?
Over time. people get much more conscious about quality but also there are financial constraints to consider. Depending on the facility’s requirements, the client becomes more demanding as to what the end result should look like.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy sports and cooking in my spare time and socialising with my friends.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in FM?
Join a team where you have knowledgeable colleagues whom you will learn and benefit from – that’s the way you will progress and move forward. It’s a good industry to work for and has so many components from technical to soft services.

It offers you real variety and you can learn a lot. Because the industry is still growing here, there are lots of opportunities, for individuals and for companies.

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