Middle East

The collaboration is designed to advance fire prevention and raise awareness of fire risks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airports Company (DACO) have announced a collaboration to improve fire safety standards

This is designed to advance fire prevention and raise awareness of fire risks, and will entail the delivery of education, training, and certification for fire safety professionals. It will see DACO incorporating global best practices and developing new safety protocols, benefiting from NFPA expertise.

Through this agreement, DACO will gain access to NFPA educational and training resources as well as certification programmes. DACO fire and life safety specialists will also receive NFPA membership, enabling them to participate in relevant industry events and the ability to review standards and codes as needed. The collaboration will also leverage insights from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework designed to reduce risks and prevent injuries, fatalities, and property losses caused by fire, electrical, and other hazards.

Mansour F. Al-Otaibi, chief financial officer at DACO said, “We are delighted to collaborate with NFPA to provide professionals in fire and life safety with access to world-class education and training on safety codes and standards, enabling us to create the safest possible environments. With the aim to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation sector, maintaining the highest fire and life safety standards remains a top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of both our employees and the public.”

Michael Brunzell, vice president of global business development at NFPA, added, “We are excited to team up with DACO to help them further improve fire and life safety standards. As infrastructure development continues to grow in the region, it’s vital for governments, professionals, educational institutions, and industry leaders to work together to maintain the highest safety standards. This partnership will help create a strong network where fire safety professionals can stay informed with the latest resources, enabling them to ensure safer environments for all.”

The US-based NFPA is stepping up its collaboration with Saudi Arabia to advance fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development. It set up an office in Riyadh last year to enhance direct collaboration with Saudi authorities and local stakeholders, as well as to act as a hub for safety initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa. Through it, NFPA is looking to play a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya which are central to the Vision 2030 plan.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality recognised workers at the Jubail Island project and LEAD Development for completing 12 million man-hours without a lost time injury (LTI).

Engineer Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi accepted the award, saying it "underscores the successful collaboration between our team, our partners at GCC, and all stakeholders. Prioritising the safety and well-being of our workforce is paramount.

"We are committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards, and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved."

The 12 million man-hours were achieved exclusively by the project's infrastructure workforce.

Upon completion, the Jubail Island project will comprise six residential villages centring around sustainable living in luxury.

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has awarded Dammam's Saudi German Hospital with a Stage 6 certification, recognising its role in healthcare innovation.

Specifically, the certification recognises its implementation of electronic medical records and wider digital infrastructure.

Saudi German Health's vice chairman, Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, said the certification "validates our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare by utilising technology for the benefit of our patients and the broader community.

"This achievement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality, tech-enabled healthcare solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and exceptional patient care."

The new Operational Skills Development Program for Women aims to empower women, equipping them with the operational skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the water industry.

The training initiative covers all three pillars of HSE awareness, laying the groundwork with foundational technical training on a six-month programme.

Upon completion of the course, participants will have their performance evaluated before formal employment opportunities may be presented at various ACCIONA plants across Qatar, including the Ras Abu Fontas RO desalination plant.

Over 30% of ACCIONA's Qatar operations and maintenance workforce is currently comprised of women, but the organisation nonetheless remains committed to social development through the empowerment of women.

Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market. (Image source: Saudi Press Agency)

The director-general of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, has praised Saudi Arabia's role in shaping the future of the global labour market.

Speaking at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 in Riyadh, Houngbo highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive labour reforms, which can enhance market competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.

Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market, including updates to labour laws, improvements in occupational safety, and initiatives to boost employment for youth and women. 

Speaking on occupational safety, the ILO chief acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance workplace safety through labour market reforms. The adoption of the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health, the establishment of a dedicated national council, and the implementation of modern reporting systems for workplace incidents demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ well-being.

Digital transformation

Houngbo commended Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital technologies and its proactive approach to addressing challenges. He noted that the Kingdom’s focus on digitalisation is not just about improving efficiency but also about creating attractive and sustainable workplaces. These efforts, he said, place Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable economy that balances development with social equity.

The ILO and Saudi Arabia have been working together across multiple areas, including occupational safety, aligning workforce skills with market demands, and enhancing social protection. Houngbo noted that the Kingdom’s experience serves as a valuable model for other nations looking to modernise their labour markets.

The GLMC in Riyadh provided a crucial platform for dialogue on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping today’s global labour landscape. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s priorities, including addressing labour market disparities, promoting social justice, and preparing for the impacts of digitalisation and demographic shifts. He stressed that achieving social justice is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity that fosters stability and inclusion.

Promoting diversity and equality

Houngbo highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle youth unemployment in the Arab world. He emphasised the importance of quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment. While global youth unemployment rates have improved, the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth report indicates a 1% rise in unemployment across Arab nations. Houngbo called for stronger alignment between educational systems and labour market needs to address this issue effectively.

Gender equality remains a core focus for the ILO, and Houngbo underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all workers. He praised Saudi Arabia’s recent legislation mandating maternity insurance for female workers, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in the labour market. He also called for further measures to support work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements and enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies.