Markus Oberlin stands at the helm of Farnek, a leading facilities management company in the UAE. As Group CEO, he drives the firm’s growth with a sharp focus on technology and green practices. Under his guidance, Farnek has grown into a powerhouse with over 10,000 employees, serving major clients across the Middle East. Markus Oberlin’s journey from an HVAC engineer to a visionary leader showcases his dedication to efficiency and sustainability. His leadership has earned him accolades, including the Hospitality Leader of the Year award in 2024.
Markus Oberlin hails from Switzerland, where his passion for engineering took root. He trained as a certified HVAC engineer, gaining hands-on expertise in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This technical foundation equipped him to tackle complex building management challenges. To broaden his horizons, Oberlin pursued an MBA from a prestigious institution, blending engineering know-how with business acumen. His education emphasized practical problem-solving and strategic thinking, skills that would later propel his career in the dynamic facilities management sector. Growing up in Switzerland, known for its precision and innovation, likely influenced his meticulous approach to work.
Career Journey
Markus Oberlin’s professional path began in the engineering field, where he honed his skills in HVAC systems. He joined Farnek in 2006, marking the start of a transformative era for the company. Founded in 1980, Farnek was already a player in the UAE‘s facilities management scene, but Oberlin’s arrival injected fresh energy. He rose through the ranks, leveraging his technical background to innovate operations. By the time he became CEO, he had already contributed to key contracts and expansions. His career reflects a blend of Swiss efficiency and adaptability to the Middle East’s fast-paced market. Over 18 years, Oberlin has navigated economic shifts, always prioritizing value-driven services.
Leadership at Farnek
Markus Oberlin leads Farnek with a clear vision: to integrate technology and sustainability into every aspect of facilities management. He emphasizes efficient operations as the bedrock of strategic success, stating, “Whatever business strategy is employed, it must be based on cost-effective and efficient operations.” Under his watch, Farnek has expanded across all the UAE Emirates, building a diverse portfolio that includes cleaning, maintenance, and security services.
He launched HITEK, a smart FM solutions provider, which develops in-house tech like AI-driven tools for better efficiency. Oberlin also prioritizes talent, implementing a “Farnek First” policy that promotes internal growth and offers training at the company’s state-of-the-art Farnek Village facility. His commitment to staff welfare shines through in the AED 150 million accommodation center in Dubai Investments Park, housing thousands of employees. This investment boosts morale and underscores Farnek’s regional commitment.
Sustainability forms the core of Oberlin’s strategy. He has positioned Farnek as a leader in green practices, earning memberships in the Emirates Green Building Council and associations with Green Globe. The company won the Emirates Energy Award for pioneering the Middle East’s first hotel energy consumption benchmark survey. Oberlin’s roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 guides both internal operations and client consultations. His leadership has driven record sales, exceeding $18.63 million in new business in 2024 alone.
Notable Projects
Markus Oberlin has spearheaded several high-profile projects that highlight Farnek’s expertise. One standout is the long-term MEP facilities management contract for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Farnek has provided these services since 2010, contributing significantly to the tower’s LEED certification for sustainability. The team implemented energy-efficient practices, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining peak performance.
Another key project involves the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, where Farnek delivers cleaning and maintenance services. This contract demands precision and safety, aligning with Markus Oberlin’s emphasis on tech-savvy solutions. Farnek also secured FM services for Expo City, supporting Dubai’s post-Expo 2020 vision for innovation.
In hospitality, Farnek’s subsidiary Hitches & Glitches handles back-of-house services for Emaar Hospitality properties. Additionally, the company manages operations at Dubai Airport and Etihad Airways Engineering, ensuring seamless functionality for these critical hubs. Oberlin’s expansion into Abu Dhabi has yielded contracts worth over AED 690 million, including renewals and new wins. These projects boost revenue and demonstrate Farnek’s ability to handle diverse, large-scale demands.
Contributions to the Industry
Markus Oberlin actively shapes the facilities management industry in the Middle East. He advocates for embracing AI and reducing carbon footprints, challenging firms to innovate amid competition. Farnek’s sustainability consultancy helps clients craft net-zero roadmaps, sharing expertise beyond contracts. Oberlin’s efforts have garnered numerous awards, such as FM Company of the Year in 2025 and Sustainability Initiative of the Year multiple times. He serves as an honorary member of the Swiss Business Council UAE, fostering international ties. His insights on talent retention and proposal evaluations push the sector toward value-based decisions over price alone.
Personal Insights and Vision
Beyond boardrooms, Markus Oberlin values teamwork and gratitude. On World FM Day, he thanked Farnek’s workers for their dedication, calling them “FM heroes.” He envisions an automated, sustainable FM future with specialized verticals. Fluent in German and English, Oberlin bridges cultures in the multicultural UAE. His balanced approach—merging operations with strategy—reflects a leader who thinks long-term while delivering today.
Markus Oberlin embodies the spirit of progress in the Middle East’s facilities management landscape. Through his leadership, Farnek thrives as an innovative, eco-conscious firm. From iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa to forward-thinking initiatives like HITEK, Oberlin’s impact resonates widely. As the industry evolves, he continues to lead with purpose, inspiring others to build a sustainable tomorrow. His story reminds us that true success stems from passion, innovation, and a commitment to people.
