Just like other parts of the world, the hospitality sector in the UAE has also been affected by the ongoing global crisis. A drop in the number of visitors has been registered and new hotel projects have been reduced and delayed by 20 percent. Therehas been an overall delay of 40 percent inthe projects that were due to be completed by 2015 (report from Business 24/7) mainlydue to increased competition for resources (especially labour and construction materials), rising costs and tough financing due to the global credit crunch.
There are 61 confirmed hotel projects in the GCC which are due for completion by the end of 2010, despite the global economic downturn as per the survey done by The Hotel Show during March 2009. The UAE also contributes to this figure through 22 hotels which are due to open this year and another 13 by the end of next year (courtesy, Proleads). These new hotels will contribute to an increase in the total number of available rooms in Dubai by 55,000 and around 17,000 rooms in Abu Dhabi by the end of this year.
Laundry industry - current scenario
Presently the market is more driven by the price for laundering items with an equal importance on quality and services.Initially, three years ago, the laundries were completely driven by prices and the importance to the life of the linen and services were considerably less important. There are upcoming new laundry projects with a production capacity of approximately 50 tons per day in a span of two years with tunnel washers and state-of-the-art technology. The technological advancement in the laundry industry in the GCC market is developing at a slower state as compared to Europe and Americas, but the focus on these advancements is gradually increasing due to increasing labour costs (visa, accommodation, salaries etc) and better productivity with good quality products.
The new hotels which are coming up now have very small in-house laundries for
washing uniforms and guests garments, but the major portion of the laundry services are outsourced to commercial laundries for linen items. The old laundries which fail to modernize their operations according to the current market requirements and are not able to solve problems of risings costs are phased off while the concept of centralized laundry operations work in a much more planned manner. The current potential of the laundry business in the UAE is around 0.5 billion USD per year.
Laundry cost factors
For any business, delivering good qualityproduct/services at a right cost (with a good profit), at the right time is the key for success. In the laundry industry, the product/price mix is very tricky and it has plenty of external factors.
The key cost factors in the laundry are
1. Utilities (Energy, Water [fresh/sewage], Power)
2. Labour
3. Chemicals
4. Miscellaneous (includes packing
material, spares, maintenance etc)
The approximate cost for processing one kilogram of textiles varies from AED 2.0 to AED 4/kg based on the ratio of cost factors as mentioned above. This figure varies according to each laundry depending on the location, type of business and allocation of costs etc.
In the above pie chart one can see that the highest cost is the utility cost which is 44 percent which includes the electricity water (Fresh and sewage), and diesel costs. The cost of fuel was very high last year; however this year it has come down to a value similar to that of 2006.The cost of the chemicals including drycleaning and washing will be around 5 to 7 percent compared to the overall cost.
Future of laundry industry
The work conditions and competitive situation for laundries have changed dramatically in recent years. Industries with high water and energy consumption like the laundry industry are particularly suffering from recent changes in the economy. Previously, the focus was on the disproportionate increase in water costs but in recent years the spiraling cost of energy has become a significant problem for laundries. Global warming is increasing through the combustion of fossil fuels. The Middle East has committed to reducing CO2 emissions within the scope of the Kyoto Protocol. In the future, this obligation will become relevant to the laundry industry as well. This will also involve the laundries and force them to use energy more efficiently than it is being used today.
Ecolab’s solution
The PERformance system consists of 3 modules starting with BASIS which forms the foundation for PLUS and ULTIMATE. Ecolab has developed an optimum overall concept for your laundry which generates the best possible performance for your business with the highest savings possible.
The basis of the PERformance concept is the innovative laundry process with the unique bleaching and disinfection product Ozonit® PERformance. PERformance Basis, the combination of low temperature and highly concentrated products reduces the total costs of the laundry process significantly and achieves an excellent result for laundered items.
The innovative laundry process and the use of the highly concentrated bleaching and disinfection product Ozonit® PERformance achieve the best results with the lowest usage of resources and ensure the hygienic level of the washing process. The use of Ozonit® PERformance in the main wash achieves excellent bleaching results and reliable disinfection. The disinfection washing processes are active even at lower temperatures starting at 60° C and a short active time of 10 minutes. The production capacity of the machine is seen to increase as well.
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UK’s Care Quality Commission releases report on NHS performance ratings
Report shows improvement in compliance with hygiene code and reductions in MRSA and C. Difficle; Cleaning and Support Services Association urges NHS to use its expertise to improve cleaning
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Transguard signs housekeeping contract with Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
UAE-based Transguard Group, part of the Emirates Group Company, has signed a housekeeping contract with the newly-opened Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
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Total Care Cleaning: Serving the challenging retail environment at Mirdif City Centre
Clean Middle East finds out how a contract cleaning company can provide valuable cleaning support to a retail environment
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The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Laundry: a profit centre offering five-star quality service
Asfia Khan visits the laundry to see how it is able to offer quality service and also maintain profitability
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Tennant sponsors Climate Action platform
Tennant sponsors Climate Action platform
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Technical Chemical Laboratories wins Coral Group Middle East contract
Sanitation and hygiene products to be provided to all the hotels under the group in the Middle East
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Tasjeel to test and approve food transport vehicles for Dubai Municipality
Inspectors from the municipality’s Food Control Department will ensure that the vehicles adhere to the hygiene requirements depending on the types of food they transport.
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Speed Cleaning Company
Reacting just-in-time to changing
market forces
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Special cleaning equipment designed to clean the world’s tallest skyscraper
The maintenance teams faced the daunting task of cleaning 24,830 reflective glass panes to prepare the 828 feet Burj Khalifa for the opening
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Shamiana becomes UAE’s first Quick Service Restaurant to become Menu-Safe compliant
Shamiana, the flagship Indian Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand of Hotbrands
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Seven Stars-Buzil adopts go-green stance to cleaning
Sadhvi Sabherwal talks to Isabell Wagner, Managing Director of Buzil-Werk Wagner GmbH on Buzil’s Planta edition
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Serbot launches Gekko robot facade cleaning system
Robots slated to be cost-effective alternatives to traditional cleaning with the help of building maintenance units and abseilers
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Saudi Arabia’s King Saud hospital successfully deploys AiroCide air purifying technology
The NASA-developed AiroCide technology uses innovative various pathogen-killing techniques based primarily
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Saudi Arabia calls for stricter safety and quality standards in juice production
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has called for stricter food safety and quality practices in the global juice manufacturing industry, according to local reports. .....
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Sage Sanitizing Wash receives Dubai Municipality’s seal of approval
Sage Sanitizing Systems offer cleaning, sanitizing and hygiene solutions for commercial and institutional facilities.
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Rubbermaid Commercial Products scores big on healthcare
General Manager Katja von Raven underlines Rubbermaid’s commitment to supporting the healthcare cleaning sector
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Ras Al Khaimah’s Food Control Lab increases capacity
Inspections of supermarkets in Ras Al Khaimah are now more effective
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QInvest acquires stake in UAE’s Intercat Hospitality and Butlers Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
QInvest acquires stake in UAE’s Intercat Hospitality and Butlers Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
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Prime Automatic Laundry installs Abu Dhabi’s first tunnel washer
The laundry also has the UAE’s first hot oil boiler
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Nilfisk Advance: Advancing technology where green meets clean
Jorgen Jensen, President and CEO of the Nilfisk-Advance Group explains the group’s aim of providing sustainable, practical solutions that clean
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Newmatic launches Girbau’s new 6 Series washers
Available in two versions- HS and MS series, it combines innovation with a simple control system
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Newmatic brings the new PulseFlow technology for tunnel
Newmatic brings the new PulseFlow technology for tunnel washers to the Middle East
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New food safety law to come up in Egypt
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce holds lecture to provide more information on new food safety law
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New cleaning and hygiene products dominate FM and Hotel Show
The close nexus between the facilities management sector and the cleaning industry stems from the fact that cleaning is one of the important services provided by an FM service provider.
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MT Khoory appointed as distributor for Nilfisk-Advance sweepers
Nilfisk-Advance and MT Khoory & Sons Waste Management Division (MTK) have entered into an agreement to provide outdoor cleaning equipment in the UAE.
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MBM wins massive contracts to clean schools and mosques in Abu Dhabi
MBM, (Modern Building Maintenance), one of the region’s leading total FM service providers recently won two massive contracts to clean the schools and mosques located in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
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Lower cleaning cost with proper training
Asfia Khan speaks to Elizabeth Baumholzer, author of time studies conducted in Germany’s cleaning sector, shows how a little training can go a long way to create a more productive and cost-effective workforce
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Local HVAC system cleaning contractor achieves NADCA certification
Local contractor James Day of Smashing Cleaning Services has successfully completed the examination process to be certified as an Air Systems....
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LG launches new set of air purifiers
LG Electronics, a global innovator of air conditioners, in conjunction with Saudi-based Al-Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co recently launched a new range of air purifiers ......
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Lack of food safety measures in Algeria leading to health hazards
90 percent of restaurants, shops are not aware of food safety measures – Head of Algerian Consumer Federation
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Kimberley Clark launches global green initiative
Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP) announced the launch of a global environmental-sustainability campaign, during the recent ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America tradeshow.
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Kiehl organizes workshop for cleaning professionals
Kiehl Middle East organized a workshop on 4-5 May, 2010 at the Crown Plaza Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The two-day workshop was organized by Kiehl Middle East
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Kärcher’s cleaning
Equipment for industrial applications gaining ground
As Dubai continues to abound in warehouses and industries in the region continue to grow, Kärcher reports a 50 percent growth in this business field over a period of three years
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Kärcher launches new class of cold and hot water ultra high-pressure cleaners
The machines enable cleaning and renovating at 600 to 2500 bar pressure
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January 22 is deadline for Amsterdam ISSA
INTERCLEAN Innovation Award entries
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International Centre for Food Safety initiates distinctive food safety course with Canadian University of Dubai
Professor Eunice Taylor, Director - International Centre for Food Safety initiates distinctive food safety course with Canadian University of Dubai
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Intercare to supply Taylor Continental waste bins
Intercare to supply Taylor Continental waste bins
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Intercare takes on Dubai Metro challenge
September 9 2009, was a historic day in the annals of mass transportation in Dubai.
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Innovative and ecological cleaning power from Gregomatic
The entrepreneurial story of success of cleaning surfaces, floors, walls and ceilings began almost thirty years ago. In the 1980s inventor Gottfried Gremminger developed a high-performing yet structure preserving vacuum-washing process.
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Holiday Inn Al Barsha awarded with HACCP system certificate
Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha has been awarded the HACCP System certificate,
signifying that the hotel operates in line with the top health and hygiene
regulation for hospitality services.
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Hilton Dubai Jumeirah adopts JohnsonDiversey's Microfibre Cleaning System
The Jonmaster system triggered a reduction in water by six percent and chemical usage by 60 percent
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HEALTHCARE
Cost per user is
what matters most
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HACCP Menu-Safe system arrives in the UAE
Food control officials from Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi observed the first one-day training courses which were attended by enthusiastic food businesses
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Green Technologies forms tie-up with
Nasser Pharmacy, Bahrain's leading healthcare product and equipment supplier, has partnered with Green Air Technology to introduce AiroCide, a unique and patented airborne contamination control device, to the Bahrain market.
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Food safety training in the Middle East can now incorporate certified qualifications by HABC
The certified courses from HABC have been ratified by the Government of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
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Food Safety Conference to deliberate on enhancing food safety culture
A four-day international conference, scheduled to be held in Dubai next February,....
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Food safety at the centre of Al Manzil and Qamardeen kitchen operations
Asfia Khan talks to Corporate Chef Geoff Haviland about how the TempTrak Monitoring System helps to control temperature-time abuse in order to achieve HACCP compliance
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Excel International group launches environment-friendly facade cleaning solutions from Baudoin Wash-Systems, Netherlands
Clean Middle East attends the launch following week-long demonstrations across Dubai
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Epsco to launch Sebo’s Dart 3 vacuum cleaner in the Middle East market
Epsco to launch Sebo’s Dart 3 vacuum cleaner in the Middle East market
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Epsco organizes campaign to underline
Epsco organizes campaign to underline
importance of clean HVAC systems
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Elgin street sweepers deployed to keep Qatar clean
Elgin street sweepers deployed to keep Qatar clean
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Economic report lauds hospital cleaners and waste management staff
A study by UK’s New Economics Foundation quantifies the social, environmental and economic value of hospital cleaners and waste management staff
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Dulsco conducts food hygiene campaign for blue-collar employees
Dulsco, a UAE-based company offering human resource solutions and waste management services to customers in the UAE and Qatar
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Dubai Taxi Corporation upgrades vehicle cleaning facility
New technology enables cleaning of 50 vehicles per day with the use of limited amounts of water
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Dubai Municipality uses GPS for food inspection operations
The Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality is currently using GPS devices
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Dubai Municipality updates inspection system for food institutions
In the framework of the efforts made by the Dubai Municipality to develop and raise the technical and health level of the food institutions and keep up with global developments in the inspection, Engineer Khalid Mohammed Sharif Al Awadhi, head of Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department called for forming a team to update the inspection system for food institutions.
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Dubai Municipality launches campaign to clean tanks and drinking water coolers
Dubai Municipality launches campaign to clean tanks and drinking water coolers
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Dubai Central Laboratory extends scope of accreditation; number of approved tests rise from 93 to 185
Dubai Central Laboratory extends scope of accreditation; number of approved tests rise from 93 to 185
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Doctors under fire in Scotland for poor hand-hygiene
Incriminating report published by the Journal of Hospital Infection
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DM launches hygiene campaign for beauty parlours
The Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality has embarked on a health awareness campaign.....
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Diversey Gulf launches new fruit and vegetable sanitizer
The sanitiser called Oxytech D50/500 was launched at the recently concluded Gulf Food exhibition
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Diversey Consulting organizes Saudi Arabia’s First International Food Safety Conference and workshops
The conference was held first in Riyadh followed by Jeddah while the workshops were held in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, Dammam
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Diversey and Intercare launch new generation of Taski floorcare machines
Automatic scrubber driers Taski 755B and 150E and Taski upright vacuum cleaners Jet 38 and 50 were presented to industry professionals at the launch
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Danfo pioneering the drive for Multi Automatic Public Toilets in UAE
After the successfully installing a series of Multi Automatic Public Toilets (MAPT) in Abu Dhabi
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CMS Berlin 2009 showcases new and innovative products
Environmental protection and cost saving benefits were the salient features of most of the equipment which set the trend for the show
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Chr Hansen and Fanar Al KHaleej hold seminar for Sharjah Food Control Department
The focus of the event was on the use of natural food colours and the use of probiotics for better health and food safety
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Carbonic International introduces 3G Cryogenic blast cleaning technology to the GCC
UAE-based Carbonic International, a dry ice cleaning solution provider in the GCC, has confirmed itself as one of the first companies in the Middle East to introduce the mobile 3G Cryogenic Blast Cleaning Technology
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Cairo’s growing hotel market reflects positively on Egypt’s professional cleaning industry
As the economy picks up signaling the growth in the hotel market, the presence of major manufacturers of cleaning equipment at Hace Hotel Expo 2009 indicates that the time has come for good business in Egypt
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Burnus wins Linencraft laundry contract
Under the 3-year contract, Burnus will supply Linencraft with laundry chemicals and dosing equipment
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Britain takes the top eight places in a survey of the dirtiest hotels in Europe
Britain takes the top eight places in a survey of the dirtiest hotels in Europe
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Berkeley Group bags Sunset’s cleaning, laundry and support services contract
Berkeley Cleaning Services will function as an integral part of Sunset’s comprehensive facilities management system
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Belhasa Biotek Solutions ties up with Arpal Gulf to market BioSafe in the UAE
Arpal Gulf will be able to offer the UAE market the choice of using an environmentally friendly disinfectant for sanitizing fruits and vegetables versus other traditional methods
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Arab Health 2010 to focus on better air quality and cleaning in healthcare settings
The Arab Health 2010 exhibition will provide the biggest ever interface between the visitors and the exhibitors.
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Al Bariq expands service network in Oman
Al Bariq expands service network in Oman
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AiroCide air purifying systems: resulting in food safety
The photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology kills all airborne containments and provides a sterile environment for food, applicable throughout the ‘farm to fork’ supply chain
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Abu Dhabi restaurant shut down after
Tonnes of low quality food destroyed last month
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3M Innovations for cleaning and maintaining facilities
3M claims that its products have long-term cost benefits for facility management companies and for facility owners alike. Editor Asfia Khan finds out how the products substantiate the claim.
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Meydan Racecourse hosts :Fimap machines spruce up parking area in good time
Cleanco used several Fimap FS 80 Sweeping machines, provided by Al Bariq Cleaning Equipment, to clean the vast parking area behind the grandstands
