Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 29th January 2026
- Year: 2026
New research from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Global Safety Evidence Centre emphasises the critical role senior management have in improving safety outcomes by visibly leading and embedding safety culture in their organisations from the top down
The role of leadership and governance in occupational safety and health (OSH) report produced in partnership with the International Organisation for Standardization’s Technical Committee on occupational health and safety management (ISO/TC 283), finds that:
• Senior management’s role in setting clear policies, demonstrating visible leadership, keeping oversight of the system, and fostering a positive safety culture has a positive impact on OSH outcomes.
• Longer leadership tenures contribute to organisational stability and therefore better OSH outcomes, as do considered, prevention-focused attitudes towards safety. In contrast, rapid turnover in leadership and traits like over-confidence or over-focus on short-term goals lead to the opposite.
• Further research is needed to address gaps in definitions of senior management across organisations and OSH standards, and to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted leadership training programmes.
The findings also suggest financial incentives for OSH performance should be carefully considered. While these can encourage a stronger focus on safety, financial incentives can also sometimes result in unintended and counterproductive behaviours such as underreporting.
This research will inform the development of a proposed ISO OSH standard focused on leadership and governance, which will support OSH practitioners and their organisation’s leaders to improve safety practices and outcomes.
Nancy Hey, director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said,“Senior managers can positively impact occupational safety and health outcomes in their organisations by providing strategic direction, demonstrating visible leadership and engagement, maintaining systematic oversight, and fostering a positive safety culture. On the other hand, organisations must give active attention to the heightened safety risk present when CEOs change. Financial incentives also need to be used with care.”
Leanie du Toit, chair of ISO TC 283, added, “Leadership is not a supporting element of occupational health and safety; it is a decisive one. The evidence clearly shows that when senior leaders visibly shape, prioritise and embed a strong safety culture, organisations see measurable improvements in both the frequency and severity of workplace injuries. These insights will directly inform the development of new ISO guidance on governance and leadership, ensuring that organisations have the structures, behaviours and expectations needed to strengthen prevention, empower workers, and build safer, more resilient workplaces.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 29th January 2026
- Year: 2026
elm, a Saudi Arabia-based digital solutions and information technology services provider, has received the Institutional Excellence Award in the Occupational Health and Safety category for Large and Mega Enterprises 2025, following its achievement of full compliance with national safety requirements.
The award was presented during the Labour Award ceremony, a national initiative launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. elm secured the recognition after achieving 100 per cent compliance with the requirements set by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, reflecting the company’s adherence to national occupational safety standards.
The Labour Award aims to recognise leading private-sector organisations that demonstrate best practices in workplace safety and employee wellbeing, while encouraging wider adoption of robust occupational health and safety frameworks across the Kingdom.
Majid bin Saad Al Arifi, Official Spokesman and CEO VP of the Marketing Sector at elm, said the Labour Award is among the most significant national initiatives, designed to honour organisations that apply exemplary workplace practices. He noted that elm’s full compliance with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health regulations highlights the company’s commitment to protecting employee health and safety in line with approved national standards.
Al Arifi added that the recognition was the result of sustained efforts by elm’s internal teams to embed best practices and strengthen a culture of safety throughout the organisation. He highlighted the role of the Corporate Planning and Enablement Group, alongside the active participation of employees in evaluation and survey processes, which contributed directly to the company’s success in securing the award.
The achievement aligns with the objectives of the National Strategic Programme of Safety and Occupational Health, which focuses on improving safety standards across workplaces and promoting a preventative safety culture within private-sector organisations. elm’s approach centres on continuous improvement, internal awareness, and structured systems designed to ensure compliance and accountability.
According to the company, the award reflects an integrated institutional effort, with collaboration across departments to maintain alignment with occupational safety and health regulations. Employees also played a central role, engaging actively in surveys and assessments, supported by an internal communications campaign implemented in September 2025, which was instrumental in qualifying for the national competition.
The recognition further underlines the level of trust placed in elm by government stakeholders and highlights the alignment between the company’s internal strategy and national safety objectives. elm stated that this alignment has supported the efficient delivery of projects and consistent engagement with government partners.
Looking ahead, elm aims to continue strengthening occupational health and safety as a core element of its organisational culture, reinforcing its commitment to creating a safe, motivating, and compliant workplace across all operations.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 28th January 2026
- Year: 2026
Employee location tracker specialist Vismo has launched the Garmin inReach Mini 3 satellite device
The rugged inReach Mini 3 can be used by remote workers where there is limited network coverage, or where communication by satellite is preferred.
With a new vibrant colour touchscreen for quick and easier navigation, the inReach Mini 3 enables users to send two-way messages and panic alerts directly to the Vismo Secure Portal. These are managed by Vismo’s Monitor App, which allows organisations or teams to manage alerts and messages effectively in the fastest possible time, including through mass notification if necessary.
When an alert is activated, administrators receive a message with the individual’s last known location, phone number and email address. They can then give advice and initiate any action necessary to help, including rescue.
Colin Dale, Vismo director of global Sales, said, “The inReach Mini 3 is especially useful for teams in rural areas, including when off-grid. Fully compatible with our tracking and geo-fencing capabilities, its impressive 350 hours of battery life in tracking mode ensures that remote workers remain visible and protected for longer.
“Satellite devices are increasingly being used by employers for enhanced duty of care, and as a backup as part of business continuity planning. As the latest in compact satellite communication devices, the Mini 3 is a useful addition to employee communication arsenals.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 28th January 2026
- Year: 2026
Lockheed Martin has announced the opening of a new software factory in Riyadh, marking a significant step in expanding advanced defence software development capabilities within Saudi Arabia. The facility introduces the company’s software development ecosystem to the Kingdom, enabling the rapid creation of sovereign software applications and their integration into Lockheed Martin platforms and systems.
The Riyadh software factory forms part of Lockheed Martin’s wider transformation of its command-and-control capabilities. The company is shifting towards advanced software architecture supported by continuous integration and delivery pipelines, alongside a distributed software factory model. This approach is designed to create a flexible command-and-control environment capable of supporting scalable tactical, operational and strategic solutions, while allowing third-party applications to be integrated securely and efficiently.
According to Lockheed Martin, the model also supports host-nation software development within an interoperable command-and-control ecosystem, strengthening local capability while maintaining system security. The company said this approach enables faster deployment of mission-relevant digital solutions and improved adaptability to evolving operational requirements.
“This is a strong example of what can be achieved when Lockheed Martin works closely with Saudi industry and academia to develop world-class, integrated command-and-control capabilities in the Kingdom,” said Joseph Rank, chief executive for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia and Africa. “For more than 60 years, Lockheed Martin has partnered with Saudi Arabia in support of regional deterrence and stability. The software factory is one of several initiatives focused on building local capacity and accelerating the transfer of advanced technical expertise, while supporting U.S. jobs and strengthening the resilience and global reach of the U.S. defense industrial base.”
The software factory has already been used to demonstrate practical outcomes through collaboration with local industry. In one early application, Saudi interns at Lockheed Martin worked alongside engineers from SAMI Advanced Electronics Company to develop and demonstrate a new capability in under two weeks. The solution integrated commercial aircraft location data into Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQ common operating picture, highlighting the potential for rapid development through joint delivery teams.
“SAMI Advanced Electronics Company is committed to strengthening the Kingdom’s sovereign defense capabilities by deepening local engineering expertise and accelerating the delivery of mission-critical digital solutions,” said Eng. Ziad H. Al-Musallam, chief executive officer of SAMI Advanced Electronics Company. “This collaboration with Lockheed Martin’s Software Factory shows how joint delivery teams can rapidly integrate advanced software into operational command-and-control environments while transferring knowledge to Saudi talent and industry.”
Alongside the software factory, Lockheed Martin is also establishing an in-country Talent Studio aimed at developing digital and enterprise capabilities within the Saudi workforce. The programme will provide structured, hands-on training through early-career engineering and leadership-transition pathways. From 2026, the initiative aims to graduate thousands of digital enterprise engineers and leaders, supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term industrial and workforce development objectives.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 27th January 2026
- Year: 2026
Dubai-based Dulsco Group has expanded its partnership with Emirates-owned Sevens Stadium, appointing Dulsco Environment as the venue’s official waste management partner through to 2027. The agreement extends beyond the annual Emirates Dubai 7s festival to cover year-round waste management operations at the stadium.
The expanded partnership follows several years of collaboration during the Emirates Dubai 7s festival weekend. Between 2022 and 2024, Dulsco Environment delivered waste management services exclusively for the three-day event. In late 2025, the scope of the relationship was broadened, positioning Dulsco Environment as the custodian of waste management across the entire Sevens Stadium site.
The year-round appointment enables a more integrated and consistent approach to sustainability, aligning waste management practices across both large-scale events and daily venue operations.
The impact of the expanded collaboration was reflected in the performance of Emirates Dubai 7s 2025, which recorded the highest landfill diversion rate in the event’s history. Over the three-day festival, a total of 103.5 tonnes of waste was collected, with general compactable waste and mixed recyclables forming the largest waste streams.
Of the total waste generated, 57.05 tonnes were recovered as recyclables, while 32.5 tonnes were diverted to Waste-to-Energy facilities. This resulted in 86% of all waste being diverted away from landfill, marking a significant improvement on previous years.
“Our expanded partnership with Dulsco Environment demonstrates the power of collaboration when working towards sustainability goals,” said Mathew Tait, General Manager of The Sevens Stadium and Festival Director of Emirates Dubai 7s.
“We have identified synergies across operations by coordinating closely with our suppliers, and we’ve made significant strides towards reducing waste for Emirates Dubai 7s. In just two years, we’ve increased the amount of waste diverted from landfill by nearly 20%, supporting the strategic vision of the UAE leadership and Dubai Municipality in fostering environmentally responsible practices.”
Dulsco Environment said the results reflect the benefits of early planning, structured waste segregation and close coordination with facilities management teams throughout the event lifecycle.
“Partnerships are fundamental to turning sustainability ambitions into measurable results,” said Antony Marke, Interim CEO at Dulsco Environment. “Working hand-in-hand with facilities management has enabled us to maximise recycling, minimise landfill use and create operational efficiencies. Together, we are supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship in event management.”
The most commonly recovered recyclable materials included glass, cardboard (OCC), mixed plastics, PET and aluminium cans. The figures represent a marked improvement compared with previous editions of the event. In 2024, Emirates Dubai 7s generated 78.7 tonnes of waste, with a landfill diversion rate of 78%. In 2023, 95.35 tonnes of waste were collected, with 72.7% diverted from landfill.
Operationally, Dulsco Environment managed waste segregation and disposal across the venue, deploying dedicated bins for general waste, recycling, food and medical waste, alongside refuse collection vehicles and trained on-site teams to oversee collection and segregation across all event areas.
Both organisations said the strengthened partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering environmentally responsible events, while aligning with wider UAE and Dubai sustainability strategies.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 23rd January 2026
- Year: 2026
Hytera Communications, a leading global provider of critical communications technologies, has strengthened its strategic partnership with NAFFCO Group through the signing of an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Intersec Dubai 2026.
The agreement marks a new phase in collaboration, emphasising deeper integration, joint innovation, and long-term cooperation in emergency response and public safety solutions.
The MoU was signed by Eng. Khalid Al Khateb, CEO of NAFFCO Group, and Stanley Song, Vice President of Hytera, reinforcing the alignment between the two companies. Building on their existing partnership, the enhanced agreement focuses on co-development of solutions, system integration, training, and service support. By combining NAFFCO’s expertise in fire safety and emergency response vehicles with Hytera’s mission-critical communication technologies, the collaboration aims to deliver integrated, reliable, and deployable solutions for emergency responders globally.
“We are pleased to further our cooperation with Hytera on a larger international stage,” said Arkan Adel, CEO Representative at NAFFCO. “Hytera’s communication technologies complement our emergency vehicles and safety systems, enabling better coordination, faster response, and improved efficiency for emergency teams operating in complex and high-risk environments.”
Stanley Song, Vice President of Hytera, added: “Our strategic collaboration with NAFFCO is built on shared experience and proven results. By renewing this MoU at Intersec, we are reaffirming a long-term commitment to work more closely, from solution design to deployment and training, to support large-scale emergency services with communication systems they can rely on when it matters most.”
During the exhibition, the companies jointly demonstrated their integrated approach through a combined showcase. Hytera presented its latest mission-critical communication solutions, including the Integrated Command & Control (ICC) Platform and Body Camera Systems, alongside NAFFCO’s specialised emergency vehicles. The display illustrated how tightly integrated communication and vehicle systems can enhance situational awareness, streamline command, and support coordinated operations in a range of emergency scenarios.
The joint exhibition attracted high-level attention, including a visit from H.E. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, underlining the growing importance of integrated, resilient communication solutions within national safety and security frameworks.
The enhanced partnership between Hytera and NAFFCO demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing emergency response capabilities through technology and collaboration, aiming to improve the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of first responders worldwide.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2026
Khalid Mubarak of Dubai Municipality has received the H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirati Rising Star Award at the Intersec Awards 2026, recognising his growing contribution to strengthening safety, security, and regulatory standards in the UAE. Albadr Jannah of Saudi Aramco was named Industry Leader of the Year, acknowledging sustained leadership and influence across safety, security, and organisational resilience at regional and global levels
Now in their fifth edition, the Intersec Awards recognise excellence across 17 categories spanning fire safety, occupational health and safety, security, and industry leadership. The 2026 winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the Conrad Dubai, following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an independent panel of 23 international judges.
Individual honours also included Jazyah Aldossary of Saudi Aramco, who received the Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE Award for her leadership in advancing safety culture and professional standards. Moataz Allami of Humain was named CISO of the Year, recognising excellence in cybersecurity governance and organisational resilience.
In the team and consultancy categories, WSP received the Best HSE Team Award for consistent performance and effective risk management across complex projects, and was also recognised for Strategy in Consultancy for its advisory work in fire safety, security, and resilience. WE ONE Security was awarded Best Security Team for operational excellence and service delivery.
Fire and safety innovation was a key focus, with Kentec Electronics and Hochiki Middle East jointly recognised in the Best Active Fire Safety Product category for advanced detection technologies enhancing early warning and false alarm reduction. CI Global received the Best Passive Fire Safety Product Award for CI Safe, strengthening life safety through compliant passive fire protection.
Axis Communications was awarded Best Safety Protection Solution for the AXIS D6210 Air Quality Sensor, reflecting the growing integration of environmental monitoring into safety strategies. WSP Middle East won Best Fire Safety Project – MEA for One Za’abeel, cited for excellence in fire engineering, integrated design, and regulatory coordination.
In the Impact Makers category, Saudi Aramco was recognised for From Code to Clarity to Compliance, translating regulatory requirements into practical, enterprise-wide safety systems. The Incident Resolution Spotlight Award went to the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence for its Drone Firefighting Unit, highlighting innovation in emergency response and firefighter safety.
Security awards recognised solutions strengthening public safety and critical infrastructure protection. Dubai Police received Best Security Project – MEA for its blockchain-enabled Lost Passport Certificate initiative, while SWS Inntech Sdn. Bhd. and ONES Technology were recognised for homeland security solutions supporting secure weapons management and biometric identity verification. Additional awards covered commercial security, perimeter protection, and cybersecurity innovation.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 22nd January 2026
- Year: 2026
Workplace safety remains a central concern for organisations operating in industrial and high risk environments
Construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and service facilities all face daily hazards that can affect workers and operations. Strong safety practices help reduce injuries, limit disruptions, and support a culture of accountability. Training plays an important role in preparing teams to recognize risks and follow established procedures.
Health and safety professionals, managers, and frontline workers all share responsibility for maintaining safe workplaces. Regulations continue to evolve, and organisations must stay informed to meet compliance expectations. Clear guidance helps teams understand how rules apply to daily tasks and why consistent safety behaviour matters. Education supports both prevention and confidence across the workforce.
Structured learning through OSHA safety training gives organisations a practical way to address these needs. Access to industry focused courses such as those available at helps workers understand safety requirements that apply to their roles. Training aligned with standards set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration supports safer operations and consistent compliance across industries.
Why OSHA standards matter across industries
OSHA standards were developed to address common hazards found in workplaces of all sizes. These standards cover areas such as hazard communication, fall protection, machine guarding, and personal protective equipment. Organisations that understand these requirements are better positioned to protect workers and avoid regulatory issues.
Compliance also supports operational stability. Clear rules reduce uncertainty and help standardise procedures across departments and locations. Workers who know what is expected are more likely to follow safe practices even during busy periods.
Common workplace risks addressed through training
Industrial and service environments present a wide range of risks. Slips and falls often occur due to wet surfaces or poor housekeeping. Equipment related injuries can result from improper use or lack of maintenance.
Exposure to chemicals and noise also poses long term health concerns.
Training helps workers identify these hazards early. Awareness leads to better decision making and quicker responses when conditions change. Knowledge becomes a preventive tool that supports safer daily routines.
Industry focused learning improves relevance
Different industries face unique safety challenges. Manufacturing environments require attention to machinery and energy control. Warehousing operations involve material handling and vehicle traffic. Construction sites demand awareness of heights and changing conditions.
Courses designed for specific industries provide relevant examples and practical guidance. Workers are more engaged when training reflects their real tasks. Relevance improves retention and encourages application on the job.
Supporting managers and supervisors
Safety leadership extends beyond frontline workers. Managers and supervisors play a key role in enforcing standards and guiding teams. Training helps leaders understand their responsibilities and communicate expectations clearly.
Educated supervisors can identify unsafe behaviours and address them promptly. Confidence in safety knowledge supports better coaching and stronger relationships with teams. Leadership involvement reinforces the importance of compliance.
Consistency across multiple locations
Organisations operating across multiple sites often face challenges maintaining consistent safety practices. Different locations may develop informal habits that drift from established standards. Centralised training helps align expectations across regions.
Standardised instruction ensures that workers receive the same guidance regardless of location. Consistency supports mobility within organisations and reduces confusion when employees move between sites.
Accessibility of modern safety training
Busy schedules and varied shifts can make traditional classroom training difficult. Online learning offers flexibility that supports continuous education without interrupting operations. Workers can complete courses at convenient times while maintaining productivity.
Digital platforms also simplify record keeping and compliance tracking. Organisations gain visibility into training completion and certification status. Accessibility supports ongoing improvement rather than one time instruction.
Building awareness of worker rights and responsibilities
Safety training introduces workers to their rights under workplace regulations. Understanding reporting procedures and hazard communication encourages participation in safety programmes. Informed workers are more likely to raise concerns before incidents occur.
Responsibilities are equally important. Training clarifies expectations related to equipment use, protective measures, and cooperation with safety policies. Shared understanding strengthens accountability across teams.
Reducing incidents and operational disruptions
Workplace injuries often lead to lost time, investigations, and increased costs. Training helps reduce these outcomes by preventing accidents before they happen. Safer environments support smoother operations and reliable performance.
Reduced incidents also improve morale. Workers feel valued when organisations invest in their safety. Positive culture contributes to retention and engagement across the workforce.
Long term benefits of compliance focused education
Safety education delivers benefits beyond meeting regulatory requirements. Organisations with strong training programmes often experience improved productivity and lower insurance costs. Clients and partners value companies that demonstrate commitment to safety.
Reputation plays an important role in business growth. Consistent compliance supports trust and long term relationships. Training becomes part of organizational strength rather than an obligation.
Choosing the right training approach
Selecting appropriate safety courses requires understanding workplace risks and workforce needs. Industry specific content, clear instruction, and flexible delivery all contribute to effective learning. Providers with experience across sectors can address diverse challenges.
Programmes that align with recognised standards offer confidence to employers and workers alike. FMTC Safety provides a range of industry OSHA courses designed to support compliance and practical application. Subtle integration of training into operations helps organisations build safer workplaces over time.
Conclusion
Workplace safety depends on knowledge, consistency, and shared responsibility. Education aligned with OSHA standards helps organisations manage risks and protect their teams. Industry focused training supports awareness, leadership, and compliance across locations. Investing in structured learning strengthens safety culture and contributes to reliable operations in demanding environments.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 22nd January 2026
- Year: 2026
The winners of the 2026 Intersec Awards have been announced, recognising organisations and individuals representing the highest standards of excellence across the global health, safety and fire protection sectors.
Industry leaders from around the world gathered at the Conrad Dubai for the prestigious gala dinner, where achievements were celebrated across 17 categories covering fire safety, occupational health and safety, product innovation and industry leadership.
Saudi Aramco emerged as one of the standout winners of the evening, securing three major awards that underscored the company’s influence on safety culture, resilience and inclusion. Albadr Jannah of Saudi Aramco was named Industry Leader of the Year, in recognition of his sustained leadership and long-standing contribution to advancing safety and resilience standards at both regional and global levels.
The company also claimed the Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE award, which was presented to Jazyah Aldossary for her role in driving progress in safety performance and inclusion within the industry. Completing the trio of accolades, Saudi Aramco received the Impact Makers award for its initiative ‘From Code to Clarity to Compliance’, which judges praised for effectively translating regulatory frameworks into practical, enterprise-wide safety culture.
WSP was another multiple winner on the night, taking home the Best HSE Team award for its strong safety culture and commitment to protecting people across complex and high-risk projects. The consultancy also won the Best Fire Safety Project – MEA award for its work on One Za’abeel, a project recognised for setting new benchmarks in fire engineering and integrated design.
Individual achievement was also recognised, with Khalid Mubarak of Dubai Municipality receiving the H.H Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirati Rising Star Award for his contributions to advancing safety standards in the UAE.
Product and technology innovation featured prominently among the winners. Axis Communications was awarded Best Safety Protection Solution for its AXIS D6210 Air Quality Sensor, which was recognised for extending safety mandates beyond traditional security by monitoring indoor air quality to support healthier built environments.
In the fire safety categories, Kentec Electronics received the Best Active Fire Safety Product award for its K-Detect-Ion Detector, sharing recognition with Hochiki Middle East for its ACD Multi-Sensor with CO. CI Global was awarded Best Passive Fire Safety Product for CI Safe, praised for strengthening passive fire protection through robust design and compliance.
The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence won the Incident Resolution Spotlight award for its Drone Firefighting Unit, highlighting innovative approaches to improving firefighter safety during high-risk incidents.
The awards were judged by an independent panel of 23 international experts. Commenting on the winners, Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Intersec Awards have firmly established themselves as a definitive benchmark for excellence across the global fire, safety and security ecosystem. Now in their fifth edition, the Awards reflect the extraordinary depth of innovation, professionalism and leadership driving this industry forward.”
- Details
- shivani dhruv
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 21st January 2026
- Year: 2026
The Umm Al Houl desalination plant in Qatar has reached a significant safety milestone, recording two million man-hours worked without a Lost Time Incident (LTI) at the Umm Al Houl Integrated Water and Power Project (UHP IWPP)
This achievement highlights the strong safety culture maintained by all employees and site supervisors, underpinned by strict adherence to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) protocols, proactive hazard identification, and consistent application of safe work practices across the site.
While celebrating this accomplishment, the project team continues to emphasize safety as a core operational value and a collective responsibility throughout the lifecycle of the facility.
The Umm Al Houl plant is a critical component of Qatar’s energy and water infrastructure. As part of the Umm Al Houl integrated water and power complex, the facility contributes roughly 30% of the country’s electricity and 40% of potable water supply. Operational since 2021, the desalination plant produces 564 million liters of drinking water per day, making it Qatar’s largest reverse osmosis-based desalination facility. The plant provides potable water to approximately 1.1 million people, reinforcing the nation’s water security.
ACCIONA was responsible for the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the Umm Al Houl plant and continues to manage its operation and maintenance (O&M). Through these activities, ACCIONA oversees the production of 48% of Qatar’s fresh water, leveraging reverse osmosis technology, widely regarded as the most sustainable method for seawater desalination.
This milestone further demonstrates ACCIONA’s ongoing commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence in the development and management of large-scale water infrastructure projects worldwide.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 21st January 2026
- Year: 2026
The rapid rollout of smart cities, mega developments and digitally enabled infrastructure across the Middle East is creating a new challenge for governments and developers alike: security gaps that often emerge at the handover stage, when responsibility shifts from construction to operations.
As buildings become more connected and complex, ensuring consistent, scalable and cloud-ready physical security is increasingly critical.
Against this backdrop, AI-powered physical security specialist Verkada has announced its expansion into the Middle East, establishing a Dubai-based office and appointing Fred Crehan as Head of Middle East. The move reflects growing regional demand for modern, cloud-based security platforms that can support smart infrastructure throughout its lifecycle, from construction and commissioning through to long-term operations.
“The Middle East is experiencing rapid urban development, large-scale infrastructure projects, and a strong focus on security and innovation,” said Eric Salava, Chief Revenue Officer at Verkada. “Verkada’s cloud-based platform aligns well with the region’s ambitions, and Fred’s deep understanding of the local landscape and proven track record of scaling high-growth businesses make him the ideal leader to bring our integrated platform to market.”
Crehan brings more than 25 years of enterprise technology experience and was most recently with Confluent, where he led the launch of its Dubai office and built a regional partner ecosystem. In his new role, he will focus on supporting organisations grappling with the operational realities of smart buildings, particularly where legacy security systems struggle to keep pace with digital transformation.
"Safety is a top priority in the Middle East, driven by a commitment to world-class tourism and the rapid development of new urban centers," said Fred Crehan, Head of Middle East at Verkada. "As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, many organizations are looking for modern solutions that can help them overcome traditional resource constraints. Verkada’s platform is uniquely positioned to support government, hospitality, retail, and logistics providers, as well as the large-scale construction and real estate sectors."
While Verkada already serves global customers with operations in the Middle East, the Dubai office marks its first dedicated regional presence. The company plans to expand its local team, with initial hires focused on sales engineering and leadership, as it deepens engagement with regional partners and end users.
Verkada’s Middle East expansion builds on strong international momentum following a recent investment from CapitalG, Alphabet’s independent growth fund, which valued the company at $5.8bn. The funding is intended to accelerate AI innovation and support its growing base of more than 30,000 customers worldwide.
As smart infrastructure continues to reshape the region’s urban landscape, Verkada is positioning its cloud-based security platform as a way to close critical gaps at handover and beyond, helping operators manage increasingly complex, connected environments with greater visibility and control.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 20th January 2026
- Year: 2026
Richard Bate, President of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), opened Intersec 2026 with a rousing keynote that spotlighted both the long-standing legacy and the evolving challenges of workplace safety in a turbulent world.
Addressing delegates from around the globe, Bate traced the remarkable growth of IOSH since its founding in 1945 to its current status as the world’s largest professional health and safety membership body. “We now have more than 50,000 members in 130 countries. We’re safety professionals, health practitioners, risk managers, educators and advocates united by a common purpose,” Bate proclaimed, signalling the breadth and unity of the profession.
Bate did not shy away from sobering statistics, noting that nearly 3 million workers die each year globally from occupational accidents and work-related diseases, according to the International Labour Organization. He pointed out that “behind each statistic is family, a community, and that impact ripples outwards”, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of lapses in occupational safety and health (OSH).
Much of Bate’s address looked forward, urging OSH professionals to adapt to forces rapidly reshaping the world of work.
He highlighted the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence and automation, referencing predictions that up to 81% of tasks may soon be automatable, and he drew attention to mounting climate-related risks, “100,000 heat-related deaths per year are now caused by climate change,” he noted, emphasising the expanding remit of OSH professionals into environmental sustainability and resilience.
Bate called for more than just good intentions, insisting on a “global shift in how we approach harm reduction”. He underscored that robust safety cultures are not merely a compliance obligation, but both a moral imperative and business advantage, as companies investing in safety see reduced incidents, enhanced engagement and stronger reputations.
He concluded by challenging the profession not to rest on its laurels but to seize the moment for transformation: “What got us to where we are won’t get us to where we need to be in the future.” As digital risks, climate hazards and evolving models of work intensify, Bate’s vision is clear—OSH professionals must lead the charge in safeguarding workers’ well-being, today and tomorrow.