Safe Dubai 2025 will address critical topics such as resilient infrastructure development. (Image source: Safe Dubai 2025)

Encardio Rite, a leader in geotechnical and infrastructure health monitoring, is set to host Safe Dubai 2025 in collaboration with the Society of Engineers – UAE.

The event, taking place on February 27 at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai, will focus on advancing infrastructure resilience and safety amid the city's rapid urban expansion.

Bringing together top industry experts, policymakers, academics, and innovators, Safe Dubai 2025 will provide a platform for exchanging insights and shaping a roadmap for long-term infrastructure sustainability.

The event comes at a time when the global geotechnical engineering market, valued at US$2.57bn in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% through 2030, reflecting the rising demand for advanced engineering solutions in high-risk environments.

Building resilience

Dubai’s skyline, home to iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Metro, stands as a testament to engineering excellence.

However, as urbanisation accelerates, there is an increasing need to prioritise safety, resilience, and sustainability in construction.

Safe Dubai 2025 will address critical topics such as resilient infrastructure development, cost management, risk mitigation, global best practices, AI’s role in construction, and sustainability in urban planning.

With its reputation as a global leader in urban transformation, Dubai has the opportunity to set a new benchmark in infrastructure resilience.

Safe Dubai 2025 aims to drive a multi-disciplinary dialogue, ensuring that innovation, safety, and sustainability remain at the forefront of the city’s development strategy.

“Dubai continues to lead the world in urban innovation, ensuring the safety and longevity of its infrastructure is paramount. Infrastructure safety is about people – reliable roads, buildings, and transportation networks directly impact public safety, economic stability, and quality of life,” said Arushi Bhalla, managing director, Encardio Rite.

“Safe Dubai 2025 is not just about engineering excellence; it is about creating a sustainable future where technology, resilience, and safety work hand in hand to shape the cities of tomorrow.”

Bhalla, who will be present at the event, will discuss topics surrounding the UAE's construction landscape & trends, UAE projects Encardio Rite are currently working on, the need for construction safety monitoring & reducing site uncertainty in urban development, impact of tech on the sector, green construction practices, and industry best practices and the latest innovations. 

Key topics that will be addressed at Safe Dubai 2025 include: building a resilient infrastructure, managing costs, risk management, global best practices, how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the construction sector and sustainability in construction.

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.