Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 22 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
The 6th edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place from 1-3 October 2024 at the Riyadh International Convention Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Civil Defence.
Over its previous five editions, the event has established itself as the Kingdom’s premier exhibition and conference for the security, safety, and fire protection industries.
Focused specifically on the Saudi market, Intersec Saudi Arabia addresses the needs of local government agencies and companies, while also offering significant growth opportunities. As innovation in the sector continues to tackle new threats and risks, the event serves as a key platform for professionals in fire, security, emergency response, safety, and cybersecurity.
It facilitates direct connections with international suppliers, service providers, distributors, investors, and leading brands, providing a space to discuss best practices, explore the latest technologies, and conduct business.
Key features of the event
Beyond the exhibition, the event features conferences, workshops, and a technology section that highlights how innovation is shaping the security and protection sectors. The conference includes two main summits: the Future Security & Safety Summit, which brings together leaders to discuss strategies for addressing current and emerging security threats, and the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, which focuses on the latest challenges, opportunities, and advancements in fire safety and technology.
In addition to the technology displays, the event will host numerous live demonstrations. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with hands-on experience and practical insights into the application of new technologies and best practices.
Whether it's learning about the latest fire suppression systems or exploring new security protocols, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise and apply new knowledge to their respective fields. Moreover, the event will feature specialised forums and panel discussions where experts will debate the most pressing issues facing the industry today.
Topics are likely to include the integration of artificial intelligence in security systems, and the future of fire protection technologies. With the growing importance of security and safety in the region, the event is expected to attract significant attention from both local and international media, further amplifying its impact.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 21 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
Alexander Castellanos, then head of Fire and Life Safety at WSP, explained how Building Information Modeling (BIM) could help increase fire safety measures at Intersec 2024, which was held from 16-17 January in Dubai.
Castellanos emphasised the importance of integrating BIM into fire safety design, highlighting the benefits of improved cooperation and enhanced collaboration. He discussed the benefits of using BIM in fire safety consulting, including a more accurate and efficient analysis of a building's fire safety features, and the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.
He also stressed that BIM can help create a comprehensive understanding of a building's fire safety features, leading to better fire safety outcomes.
“What happens now is that buildings are so complex, that in order to coordinate either internally with your design teams or with a client, but more importantly with authorities, there will be a point where 2D plans are not sufficient. And this is where BIM comes in,” he said.
BIM is important for multiple reasons, he said. “One reason is that BIM improves cooperation, for understanding complex projects, and bringing them together. It is also about the design lifecycle of a project: from design to construction to handing over a bid model, which will be important to the facilities management team. Clash detection is critical as well,” he said.
Read the full article here.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 20 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
ICC caters to creating safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards
The record-breaking April showers which caught UAE unawares call for risk preparedness with sustainability and capacity-building approaches. The International Building Codes (I-Codes) set forth minimum safety requirements for construction, covering structural integrity, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design, and fire safety.
Speaking of fire safety during an ICC-hosted discussion, Lori Moore-Merrill, administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, said, “Today, fire is faster than ever before. Residential structures built with lightweight materials, furnished with synthetics, and often containing many devices powered by lithium-ion batteries provide the environment for a deadly situation should a fire occur.
"All nationally recognised modern building and fire codes require the use of life-saving technology, like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and automatic fire sprinkler systems. We can create safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, especially in underserved and vulnerable populations. Affordable and fire-safe housing should not be mutually exclusive.”
ICC-ES, the product certification arm of ICC, is advancing the development of acceptance criteria for eco-friendly cement, advancing sustainability efforts in construction.
Read the full article here.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 19 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
With a growing HSE sector in the Middle East, there is a need to increase technological awareness, along with upskilling the workforce.
Thanks to automation and artificial intelligence becoming a mainstay in the region’s industries, the HSE sector is finding that it needs to evolve and quickly adapt to these new technologies.
Intersec
Organised by Messe Frankfurt, the event is hosted every year in both Dubai and Riyadh in the Middle East. In Dubai, the programme consisted of trends in sustainable security and combating environmental crimes. Meanwhile, the Cyber Security Conference, hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, opened with a keynote speech on elevating national security through cybersecurity intelligence. The Safety & Health Conference began with an update on the UAE Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Governance and Leadership. At the same time, the Fire & Rescue Conference hosted panel discussions on revolutionising fire prevention with data analytics & technology and advancing safety in energy storage.
In its upcoming edition in 2025, Intersec aims to host The Intersec Police Summit. This summit will feature biometric and identity solution providers such as Innovatrics, technology-based security solutions providers Sensotec, counterfeit and fraud protection provider Euro Holography, and control room and decision centre experts Gesab, alongside many other industry leaders. The Intersec Police Summit will also benefit from partnerships with the Critical Communication Agency (TCCA), the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), and ASIS.
Read the full article here.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 15 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) will feature a hub specialised for the latest health and safety technologies and practices.
The aim is to enhance awareness among institutions and individuals of all ages regarding key international health and safety standards in both home and work environments. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising WETEX from 1-3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Safety procedures
The hub will feature four main sections: interactive workshops, seminars and panel discussions, a children's safety section, and a section dedicated to competitions, puzzles, games, and raffles to test knowledge, encourage innovation, and promote the effective implementation of safety procedures.
“WETEX is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region and the most prominent international exhibition specialising in water, energy, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, green buildings, electric vehicles, smart grid, and other vital sectors. As such WETEX is committed to expanding its areas of focus and covering all main sectors that ensure a healthier and brighter future for all. Our focus on health and safety this year is in line with our efforts to make the UAE a global leader in the field of quality of life, and to advance well-being, health and quality of life. This supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, founder and chairman of WETEX.
Renowned local and international experts in health and safety will review guidelines and procedures for occupational safety, physical and mental health, as well as the latest trends and technologies in the field. They will emphasise precautionary measures to assess and prevent potential accidents and risks, improve preparedness for emergencies, manage stress and fatigue, and contain any resulting damage.
The aim is to strengthen resilience in addressing the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety in schools, homes, and workplaces.
Additionally, the health and safety hub will highlight success stories, strategies, and innovative initiatives that demonstrate companies' commitment to fostering a culture of health and safety. This will help ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive work environment while enhancing their reputation as socially responsible institutions dedicated to achieving a sustainable future.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 14 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Salama Training Center for Preventive Training, in partnership with the Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA), hosted the Heat Stress Awareness Week event.
This initiative was directed at over 500 private sector workers whose roles involve working outdoors under the sun. The primary objective was to educate these workers on the importance of preventing heat stress, protecting themselves from heat-related illnesses, and knowing how to manage such conditions if they arise.
The event featured a series of awareness sessions and interactive workshops led by trainers and experts from the Salama Training Center. These activities were designed to promote a culture of occupational health and safety, encouraging workers to follow health and safety guidelines to protect against heat stress. These guidelines include maintaining a normal body temperature, drinking adequate water to prevent heat stress, and wearing protective gear to shield against direct sunlight.
Engineer Hamid Al Zarouni, CEO-SANED, said, “Organising this event emphasises the importance of concerted efforts by all stakeholders and the necessity for employers and workers to implement the legal decisions and regulations enacted by the state regarding the prohibition of work in high-temperature areas. This is based on the law issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which prohibits performing work under direct sunlight and in open areas during the summer. This ensures occupational health and safety requirements at work sites, preventing injuries and protecting workers from heat stress, especially those in the construction and industrial sectors, as they perform their duties during the afternoon hours in the summer months.”
Al Zarouni emphasised, “Through this event, we aim to educate and raise awareness among workers about all aspects of occupational health and safety.” He noted that the state has paid significant attention to occupational health and safety issues by formulating comprehensive policies, strategies, and plans to reduce work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses”.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 13 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
WakeCap’s smart construction site management technologies are set to improve safety in mining and manufacturing projects across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following a presentation to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and founder of WakeCap, presented the IoT-based construction safety and productivity technology at the closing ceremony of the accelerator and industrial business incubator initiative Nomu, in the presence of His Excellency Bandar I. Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and other officials.
WakeCap’s technology will support the government’s strategy to mandate safety and security in construction and related sectors by enhancing emergency response times and providing robust data for compliance and incident investigation. WakeCap facilitates real-time monitoring of workers’ conditions, enabling instant alerts in the event of an emergency, which significantly reduces response times.
The data collected by WakeCap not only ensures ongoing compliance with safety regulations, but also plays a crucial role in investigating incidents, identifying root causes, and implementing preventative measures to avoid future occurrences. This comprehensive approach further supports the government’s commitment to not only mandate safety regulations, but to foster a culture of safety and accountability through data-driven insights and actions.
“We are honoured by His Excellency’s comments and endorsements, which not only validate our technology as crucial for setting new safety standards, but also signal a directive for mandating technology on major projects. Doing so will serve to promote transparency and ensure better compliance rates. This aligns perfectly with our mission to transform safety protocols and practices in the construction industry and beyond, leveraging Wakecap’s capabilities to forge a safer, more secure working environment for all,” said Dr. Albalawi.
WakeCap has now been adopted by more than 35 leading developments and projects.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 12 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
This month, we are taking a break from the Paradigm Shifts to let you know that the visionary author behind this series will be speaking at three events in the Middle East this fall.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubai, UAE: With a rare blend of unique insight and engaging storytelling, Larry Wilson has captured the attention of HSE practitioners worldwide, by delving into the human factors that lead to over 95% of accidental injuries. These events promise to be a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the insights of an intellectual pioneer whose ideas are at the forefront of Human Factors Safety discourse.
Larry has been a leader in human factors management for over 25 years. The state-to-error pattern he uncovered is involved in over 95% of accidental injuries. His Critical Error Reduction Techniques have been proven by neuroscience to reduce injuries on and off the job. These techniques have been taught to over 4.5 million people in over 75 countries.
Larry is one of the most active keynote speakers at HSE conferences around the globe, speaking in over 80 cities a year. Known for his ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and thought-provoking narratives, Larry’s sessions are a testament to his thought leadership and expert insight. His new keynote session, “New Perspectives on the Hierarchy of Controls and the Bowtie Model,” offers a unique viewpoint on the role of Human Factors in incident causation and outcomes.
This fall, attendees in the Middle East will have the opportunity to witness Larry’s expertise live at three key events.
These gatherings are more than just lectures; they are interactive experiences designed to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and foster a deeper understanding of the human factors that impact our safety every day. Whether you are a professional seeking to stay ahead of industry trends, a student eager to expand your horizons, or simply someone with a passion for safety, these events are guaranteed to provide value.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see Larry Wilson, author of the Paradigm Shifts series, live at these events:
HSE 2024 KSA – Riyadh, September 17 - 18
Health, Safety and Environment Forum – Dubai, November 12 – 13
HSE Learning Summit – MENA – Abu Dhabi, November 19 - 20
If you have questions, just send us a note at
We hope to see you in one of these events!
The SafeStart Team
-ENDS-
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 9 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
The acclaimed HSE MENA Forum returns to Dubai in November for its eighth edition, providing exclusive insights into the latest HSE innovations and breakthroughs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubai, UAE: The health, safety, and environment (HSE) market in the MENA region is experiencing significant growth, driven by developing economies, advancements in technology, increasingly stringent standards and new HSE approaches, frameworks and practices. These factors are reshaping industries by emphasising safety, compliance, and sustainability.
Taking place on 12-13 November at Le Meridien Hotel & Conference Centre Dubai, HSE MENA has an expanded focus on HSE across a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, construction, and critical infrastructure, with the aim to elevate compliance standards, protect operations and advance risk management strategies.
More than 200 key decision makers are expected to attend the Forum, which will see HSE experts from the region’s regulators and industry leaders share the strategies and best practices that have strengthened their HSE standards. They include ADNOC, Department of Health, DP World - Drydocks World, Dubai Holding Real Estate, Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi, IOSH, Innovo, Petrofac, and the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority.
With presentations and panel sessions across themes ranging from technology advancements and company culture to skills development and sustainability, the agenda will facilitate deep dives into topics such as effective governance and leadership, psychological safety, emergency preparedness and response, integrating digital technologies and managing and mitigating workplace hazards.
In addition, the latest innovations will be on show in the technology showcase hall, and there will be unrivalled networking opportunities throughout the event.
The growing list of sponsors includes DEKRA, ISN, ITT Innovations, Milwaukee and SafeStart.
“Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and enhance your expertise in HSE. Let's unite to drive innovation and excellence for HSE practices across the MENA region,” said Elle Hawkins, project manager.
Download the brochure at https://events.offsnet.com/HSEMENA2024#/Brochure?lang=en
For further information, contact Elle Hawkins,
-ENDS-
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Technology
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 8 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
OPSWAT, a company specialising in critical infrastructure protection (CIP) cybersecurity solutions, has acquired InQuest, a cybersecurity provider renowned for its innovative Deep File Inspection and RetroHunting technologies.
InQuest is well-regarded for safeguarding the United States Department of Defense (DoD) with its network appliances that extend up to and beyond Layer 7. Coupled with their threat intelligence solutions, they have a strong track record of protecting the nation’s most critical networks.
This acquisition will enable OPSWAT to expedite its go-to-market strategy for the government sector and bolster defense against network-based threats. Integrating InQuest’s threat intelligence capabilities with OPSWAT MetaDefender Cloud and FileScan.io into a unified repository will significantly enhance OPSWAT’s intelligence capabilities. Additionally, InQuest customers will benefit from improved Network Detection and Response (NDR) through seamless integration with MetaDefender.
“The combination of InQuest’s technology with OPSWAT’s MetaDefender platform will enhance the efficacy of threat intelligence and prevention, further enabling public sector organisations and other critical sectors to operate securely and efficiently,” said Benny Czarny, founder and CEO of OPSWAT. “I have personally worked with Michael Arcamone for more than 10 years and I am excited to take our partnership to the next level. Together, we will accelerate our commitment to providing critical organisations with comprehensive, prevention-based protection against evolving threats.”
“We are thrilled to join the OPSWAT team,” said Michael Arcamone, former CEO of InQuest and now chief strategy officer and VP of federal sales at OPSWAT. “This acquisition allows us to leverage OPSWAT’s extensive resources and expertise to further develop our technologies and provide even greater value to our customers."
Pedram Amini, former CTO of InQuest, will join OPSWAT’s leadership team as Chief Scientist. In this role, he will spearhead advancements in threat intelligence, machine learning, and email security solutions, driving innovation and enhancing the company’s capabilities in these critical areas. Amini launched InQuest Labs during his briefing at Blackhat USA 2019, and the community has since grown to thousands of users working in collaboration to discover and disrupt malware operations. Amini will help drive the integration of the InQuest Labs, MetaDefender.com and FileScan.io communities to further empower independent researchers around the globe in our collective battle against malicious campaigns.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 6 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has signed a feasibility study grant to help the Alexandria Petroleum Company (APC) improve the health, safety, and environmental protocols of its El Max refinery in Alexandria, Egypt
The grant will fund a series of studies to identify and address the facility’s priority safety and fire protection needs, advancing APC’s priority to upgrade and expand its safety programmes and equipment, improving forecasting and emergency response capabilities, and updating protocols and trainings. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices, the El Max refinery, founded in 1962, will increase safety for workers and limit greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage in the event of a fire or other emergency. The feasibility study will also serve as a model for other refineries in Egypt.
“Egypt’s commitment to bolstering the safety and health of its workers creates new opportunities for collaboration between organisations like USTDA and APC,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s director. “This grant will help create opportunities for U.S. companies to supply the technologies and services that Egypt’s refineries will require.”
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, H.E. Tarek El Molla said, “Health, Safety, and Environment have been key elements of the sector’s modernisation since 2016. Today, they remain strong among the sector’s core principals, along with upgrading our refineries to enhance safety and operational excellence.”
APC chairman Alaa Amin added, “Partnering with USTDA on this feasibility study marks an important step forward for APC. This study demonstrates our unwavering commitment to excellence in process safety, ensuring the highest safety standards for our operations in line with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources strategy.”
APC is a subsidiary of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 5 August, 2024
- Year: 2024
ADNOC has announced that its offshore Satah Al Razboot (SARB) field has increased production capacity by 25% to 140,000 bpd through the implementation of advanced digital technologies
The digital solutions implemented onsite at SARB allow the field to be operated remotely from Zirku island, 20km away. Remote monitoring, smart well operations and production management technologies are integrated at the remote control centre for optimised real-time decision-making. This has enabled the accelerated growth in field capacity with reduced costs and emissions. The field’s digitalisation will enable the deployment of additional AI solutions to further enhance and optimise operations. AIQ solutions DrillRep and OptiDrill process data from rigs and wells at the field, enhancing drilling efficiency and optimisation. By utilising daily drilling data reports and rig sensor data, AIQ’s technology supports drilling operations with the necessary insights and actions to optimise the drilling process.
Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, ADNOC Upstream executive director, said, “AI and digitalisation are at the heart of ADNOC’s smart growth strategy to help responsibly meet the world’s growing energy demand. By deploying industry-leading technologies at SARB field, we have increased production capacity while enhancing the safety, sustainability and efficiency of our operations, strengthening ADNOC’s position as one of the world’s lowest-cost and least carbon intensive energy producers.”
See also https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/adnoc-accelerates-deployment-of-robowell-solution
https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/the-ai-revolution-in-oil-and-gas