MDS, a global leader in manufacturing heavy-duty rock trommels and conveyors, has announced the appointment of Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery as its inaugural distributor in the Middle East.
With immediate effect, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery will oversee the sales, service, and support of the MDS range of materials processing equipment throughout Saudi Arabia.
Headquartered in Jeddah, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery is a well-established supplier of heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, material handling solutions, and crushing and screening equipment.
Their broad portfolio includes the sale and maintenance of internationally recognised brands, such as Komatsu construction and mining machinery. Already representing Powerscreen and Terex MPS, this new partnership with MDS marks the third Terex brand to join their extensive product lineup.
Ducab Metals Business (DMB), part of the Ducab Group, has announced a major expansion, doubling its annual aluminium production capacity from 55,000tpa to 110,000tpa, and increasing its bare copper output to meet growing global demand.
This move strengthens DMB’s competitive edge in the international metals sector while contributing to the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy, which aims to boost industrial growth and enhance the nation’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
The expansion was unveiled at the ‘Ducab Metals Business Expansion Forum: Advancing Capacity, Driving Innovation,’ held in collaboration with Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).
The forum brought together leading industry, government, and academic figures to discuss the future of the UAE’s industrial development and explore key strategies for achieving the objectives of Operation 300bn. The event also highlighted DMB’s progress in innovation and sustainability, including its groundbreaking work in green aluminium production.
Among the prominent attendees were Ducab Group CEO Mohammed Almutawa, DMB CEO Mohamed Al Ahmedi, and key representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
Mohammad Almutawa, CEO of Ducab Group, said, "At Ducab, we are committed to boosting our industrial and production capacities through strategic, forward-looking investments that are perfectly aligned with Operation 300bn. This expansion enhances our ability to meet international demand, elevates the 'Made in the Emirates' brand, and boosts our global competitiveness, all while supporting sustainable business growth and strengthening industrial resilience. These efforts further establish the UAE as a leading hub for future industries and attract greater global investments."
Mohamed Al Ahmedi, CEO of DMB, said, "Doubling our aluminium production and expanding our copper capabilities reflects our dedication to strengthening the UAE's industrial sector. This move secures our leadership in metal manufacturing, drives innovation, and reinforces our status as a major global producer. By adopting advanced, sustainable technologies and pioneering new industrial solutions, we continue to lead in industrial and technological advancement."
This recent enlargement of DMB's facilities at KEZAD Group, which increased the total space by 51,015 sqm, along with the strategic acquisition of GIC Magnet—a leading global supplier of paper-insulated aluminum strips—underscores DMB’s role as a key manufacturing hub. This development enables DMB to better serve industries such as healthcare, automotive, and packaging, thereby broadening its product range and expanding its global footprint.
Organisations across the Middle East are becoming more exposed to supply chain vulnerabilities stemming from human behaviour.
This critical issue will be a focal point at the Security Leaders’ Summit during Intersec 2025, where industry experts will examine the complex link between human actions and supply chain security.
The 26th edition of Intersec, the global flagship event for safety, security, and fire protection, is set to run from 14-16 January 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Speaking ahead of the Summit, where he will highlight the impact of human fallibility on security measures, Stuart Frost, BEM, head of enterprise security and risk management within the UK Government, said, “The primary risk in any supply chain is not just the failure of security controls, but the fact that “humans are fallible and make mistakes simply because they are human.”
Kamco Invest’s GCC Projects Market Update from January 2024 highlights that the UAE’s contract awards surged to US$79.5bn in 2023, a significant increase from the US$29.7bn recorded in 2022.
Frost notes that security often takes a backseat in contract decisions, with business, financial, and commercial considerations dominating the process. He stresses the importance of conducting comprehensive risk assessments to ensure that security concerns are properly integrated alongside other business priorities.
In the Middle East, organisations face distinct challenges where supply chain risks are intensified by the region’s geopolitical and economic complexities. Many businesses overlook the vulnerabilities within their lower-tier suppliers, potentially triggering wider disruptions.
“Supply chain breaches can threaten the very survival of an organisation and, if resilience is not built into the system, the organisation might not be able to recover from such an event,” Frost added. "Post-contract assurance should be performed at least annually to ensure the controls are still effective and the risk position is managed."
Emirates Steel Arkan, the UAE’s largest listed company in the steel and building materials sector, has unveiled a new identity as EMSTEEL, reflecting its ambitions for accelerated transformation and enhanced global reach.
The rebranding was officially presented at a high-profile event in Abu Dhabi, attended by prominent officials, over 400 clients, partners, and employees.
This new identity marks the successful integration of Emirates Steel and Arkan Building Materials, a merger finalised in late 2021. The union has created the UAE’s foremost steel and construction materials company, with an estimated value of US$3.5bn (AED 13 billion). The merger positions EMSTEEL for significant expansion both locally and internationally.
Operating under the EMSTEEL banner, the company is divided into two key sectors: Emirates Steel and Emirates Cement. Emirates Cement oversees brands such as Al Ain Cement Factory, Emirates Blocks Factories, ANABEEB, and Arkan Bags. These divisions form the backbone of EMSTEEL's operations, ensuring the delivery of top-tier products to meet the growing demands of both domestic and global markets in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The group’s structure is flexible, designed to accommodate new business lines and expansions into fresh markets.
At the core of EMSTEEL’s strategy are innovation and sustainability. The group is investing in advanced technologies and clean energy initiatives, driving the development of cutting-edge solutions that focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. Producing low-carbon products remains a central objective as the company works towards offering environmentally sustainable solutions.
EMSTEEL controls 11% of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing output and holds a 60% share of the UAE’s steel market. As a key player in supporting the UAE’s "Operation 300bn" industrial strategy, the company is also championing digital transformation across the sector. This is exemplified by its receipt of five prestigious "UAE Industry 4.0 Digital Leader" awards from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, said, “Today’s unveiling of our new brand identity marks a milestone in our evolution, as the group forges ahead to support its customers and add value to its shareholders with a unified vision. Our EMSTEEL brand carries us forward into a future full of opportunities for expansion, business growth and digital transformation. It represents our commitment to creating products, services and solutions to build a better world, in addition to driving global sustainability efforts in our sector through promoting a low-carbon supply chain in collaboration with our partners.
He added, “The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions in alignment with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, where the use of clean energy in our operations is at 80%. EMSTEEL is a global leader in low-carbon steel production and the first steelmaker in the world to capture its CO2 emissions, enabling us to operate with 45% less carbon than our peers.”
Larry Wilson, author and CEO, higlights the importance of 'self triggering' in reducing the risk of serious injuries
As we return to our ongoing series on Paradigm Shifts in safety, we invite you to read the sixth article, which delves into the "State-to-Error Risk Pattern" and the crucial concept of self-triggering. This paradigm shift is foundational for understanding how our mental and physical states can lead to critical errors, which, if not recognised in time, can result in severe injuries.
The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern" (see above image) identifies how certain states—such as rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency—dramatically increase the likelihood of making mistakes. This article emphasises the importance of self-triggering, a method that encourages individuals to recognize these hazardous states in real-time and take immediate corrective actions. By mastering self-triggering, workers can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.
Last month, we promoted an important set of events focused on preventing serious injuries. These in-depth sessions, hosted by SafeStart and Author, Larry Wilson, provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading safety experts and dive deeper into strategies for mitigating risks in the workplace. These events are also designed to complement the lessons learned from our Paradigm Shifts series.
Now that we’re back on track, we encourage you not only register, but also to explore this critical sixth article, to reinforce your understanding and application of these life-saving concepts. Stay proactive, stay safe, and keep learning.
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Larry Wilson is a pioneer in the area of Human Factors in safety. He has been a safety consultant for over 25 years and has worked on-site with hundreds of companies worldwide. He is the author of SafeStart, an advanced safety and performance awareness program, successfully implemented in more than 3,500 companies, in over 60 countries, with more than four million people trained. He co-authored the book “Inside Out: Rethinking Traditional Safety Management Paradigms” and authored the book “Defenseless Moments: a Different Perspective on Serious Injuries.” Larry is the moderator of the SafeConnection expert panels and an active keynote speaker at health and safety conferences around the globe.
Zenith Technologies, a UAE-based provider of intelligent security and AI-driven analytics, is partnering with the police in the UAE to create a safer environment.
Zenith Technologies has partnered with prominent regional authorities, including Dubai Police, Ajman Police, and various security agencies across the Middle East, to implement cutting-edge technology that greatly boosts law enforcement capabilities. These collaborations have been vital in elevating security measures throughout the region.
The company's AI EagleEye Intelligent Patrol system integrates six AI-powered cameras into a patrol lightbar to deliver 360-degree situational awareness. This advanced platform, incorporating technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and AI-driven LIDAR, has transformed intelligent patrol operations in the region. The AI EagleEye also includes an AI drone embedded within the lightbar, which streams real-time intelligence to police headquarters, enhancing the ability to detect major crimes, traffic offenders, and minor violations with unmatched accuracy.
In 2008, Zenith Technologies introduced the world’s first mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, marking a significant milestone in security technology.
As a key player in the Middle East’s security landscape, Zenith has been responsible for designing and developing numerous surveillance cameras that contribute to public safety across the UAE, including the Downtown Dubai area. This approach highlights Zenith’s ongoing dedication to enhancing security and supporting the UAE’s goal of being recognised as one of the safest countries in the world.
“Zenith Technologies is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in security technology,” said Russell Hammad, founder and CEO of Zenith Technologies.
“Our partnership with Dubai Police and other regional security agencies has allowed us to continuously innovate and deploy advanced solutions that not only enhance public safety but also set a global standard for intelligent policing. We take immense pride in our ability to anticipate the needs of law enforcement agencies and deliver technologies that not only address current challenges but also prepare them for future threats. Our mission is to ensure that the UAE remains a beacon of safety and security, and we are dedicated to providing the tools and technologies necessary to achieve that goal.”
The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), will underscore the importance of fire safety in the built environment.
This event, recognised as the country’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature a significant discussion led by Neil Odin, chief fire officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who is a prominent figure in fire safety.
Odin, with over three decades of experience in the UK fire service, will share his unique perspectives on the challenges faced by the Middle East during the panel discussion titled "Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management," set to take place on the opening day of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.
According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently hosts over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, collectively valued at more than US$819bn. These projects, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, highlight the pressing need for effective fire-safe design strategies.
"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.
“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.
The session will delve into the critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normality for affected communities, buildings, and emergency responders. Odin will be joined by Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director at Sadara Chemical Company, on the panel.
Additional sessions on the first day of the Summit will cover topics such as promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness, fire safety hazards associated with electric vehicles, and lessons learned from past disasters.
The second day of the Summit will feature a full agenda addressing various topics, including the integration of IoT and AI in fire safety systems, the maturity of robotics in firefighting, safeguarding fire safety infrastructure against emerging threats, and fire challenges exacerbated by climate change. These sessions will be led by experts from diverse fields critical to fire safety.
Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.
“Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.”
Alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, the event will also host the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD-certified.
This year's exhibition will span five product categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health. With unprecedented demand from exhibitors, the show has sold out two months before its opening day, leading to a 34% increase in exhibition space from the previous year, now covering a total of 23,000 sqm across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences said, “I’m delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition.”
The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has unveiled its regulatory roadmap for the petroleum products sector, focusing on gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
This new regulatory initiative was introduced to 200 key government and private sector representatives during the DoE’s inaugural Gas Safety and Compliance workshop. In preparation for these changes, the DoE has been working closely with other Abu Dhabi partners to issue key compliance documents, such as the gas system certificate of completion, gas annual operation and maintenance contract, no objection certificate, and LPG filling and withdrawal permits. This year alone, the DoE has issued more than 4,000 LPG filling permits.
The announcement comes ahead of the DoE’s release of ‘Executive Regulations for Gas Systems’ and a unified gas code for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. These regulations will bring about significant changes in safety standards, protocols, and controls for all gas-related activities, including outlining violations and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the regulations will establish a mandatory DoE register for certified gas companies, engineers, operators, and inspectors.
Over the past year, the DoE has been actively conducting safety awareness campaigns and collaborating with various establishments through its LPG Systems Safety Enhancement Programme. In June this year, the DoE launched its ‘Petroleum and Gas Systems Summer Readiness Campaign’ to help establishments meet safety standards, comply with regulations, and navigate the upcoming regulatory changes. Throughout the summer, DoE teams have engaged with gas systems operators, supervisors, facilities managers, property owners, and workers across various locations in the emirate, including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Sila, Mussafah, and Al Dhafra. The visits covered a range of establishments, from restaurants, bakeries, and cloud kitchens to hotels, hospitals, special needs institutions, universities, workers' villages, and industrial plants.
These reforms are part of a broader regulatory overhaul aimed at enhancing the safety and integrity of gas systems in Abu Dhabi. The DoE’s oversight will ensure the highest safety standards are maintained, best practices are followed, and compliance is strictly enforced to protect public safety. The reforms are designed to safeguard communities in Abu Dhabi, address unsafe actions and behaviours, improve sector efficiency, and support socioeconomic growth.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, H.E. Acting Director General for Regulation at DoE, emphasised the shared responsibility of both government and private sectors in ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future for the emirate. “Safety is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a shared responsibility that must be prioritised throughout the gas value chain,” he said. “Gas is familiar in everyone’s life in Abu Dhabi and it is imperative that it is used safely and responsibly by everyone in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors – from operators and contractors to food establishments and homeowners.”
Ahmed Alsheebani, Acting Petroleum Products Sector Executive Director at DoE, who led over 20 site visits reaching more than 120,000 stakeholders during the summer, expressed optimism about the sector’s progress. He urged stakeholders to commit to safety standards, invest in continuous worker training and development, and adhere to regulatory requirements. “Complying with safety protocols protects lives and the community. It also brings significant social and economic benefits, such as enhanced operational efficiency, improved business reputation, more reliable gas systems, cost savings and safer communities,” he said.
Key achievements of the DoE’s recent efforts include the inspection of more than 11,000 buildings and food establishments, with around 1,700 requiring safety upgrades—700 of which have been completed; the safe isolation of approximately 160 abandoned buildings; and the installation of over 5,000 gas detectors. The DoE called on stakeholders to collaborate in building safer communities throughout the emirate.
OPITO, the global safety and skills organisation for the energy industry, has launched a new standard to ensure the competency of helicopter administrators
The initiative will improve safety for global offshore workers requiring helicopter transfers to offshore platforms.
The new Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard complies with the best practice and requirements for helicopter administrators as detailed in Civil Aviation Authority’s Civil Aviation Publication CAP 437: Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (CAP 437). It assesses the candidates’ knowledge and skills in providing administrative support required to safely operate the helideck and manage helicopter movements within their role in the workplace. The Assessment will be undertaken in the candidates’ workplace and consists of five units.
The standard was developed in conjunction with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and in consultation with industry stakeholders, including Spirit Energy, Harbour Energy, HCA, bp, Repsol Resources UK, TAQA and TotalEnergies.
Lucie Booth, product development manager at OPITO, said, “OPITO is committed to creating workforce development solutions to build a safe and skilled energy workforce. The launch of the Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard will assess helicopter administrators in their role within the workplace, to ensure they are contributing meaningfully to safe operational activity in often challenging offshore environments.”
Graham Skinner, Health and Safety manager at OEUK, said, “The UK’s offshore energy industry has used helicopters for more than 50 years – developing some of the highest safety standards in the world. The industry drives forward a programme of continuous improvement that is focused on reducing risk, and this is another step forward. We look forward to working with OPITO and our members to ensure we support the roll-out of this new standard.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubai, UAE – August 27, 2024 – Khansaheb Civil Engineering (KCE), in collaboration with Autodesk, is set to host a webinar that will delve into the transformative effects of adopting a Common Data Environment (CDE) within the construction industry. The webinar will showcase how KCE has revolutionised its construction operations by leveraging digital solutions, significantly improving project efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.
The webinar, titled “KCE: Revolutionising Construction Operations through Digital Delivery”, is scheduled for 18 September 2024. Participants will gain insights into how KCE utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive CDE solution across all project phases—from preconstruction to construction. This platform enabled KCE to centralise project data, streamline workflows, and ensure high accuracy in information exchange, ultimately delivering faster and more effective construction outcomes.
During this session, you will learn how KCE:
* Utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive solution for CDE needs across all project phases, from preconstruction through to construction, centralising project data in one place, including BIM Coordination, collaboration, and issue management.
* Streamlined daily tasks such as drawings, material submittals, site inspections, and snag lists, revolutionising workflow.
* Exchanged vast amounts of information with multiple parties, ensuring high accuracy and speed, delivering the right information at the right time, resulting in faster construction processes, improved quality, greater client satisfaction, and enhanced project outcomes.
* Managed to have one-click access to drawings, models, and Microsoft Office files, and handled file version control, comparison, and change management, all within a single platform.
This webinar is an essential event for professionals in the construction industry who are looking to enhance their operations through digital solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts at KCE and Autodesk about the practical applications and benefits of using a Common Data Environment.
Registration: The webinar is free to attend, but spaces are limited. To secure your spot, please register at https://alaincharlestraining.com/webinar2/kce-autodesk-webinar
For more information, please contact:
Imran Uddin
Project Manager - Events
Technical Review Middle East
Alain Charles Publishing
+44 (0) 20 78347676
About Khansaheb Civil Engineering:
Khansaheb Civil Engineering is a leading construction company in the UAE, committed to delivering high-quality construction services through innovation and excellence. With a focus on sustainability and client satisfaction, KCE continues to be at the forefront of the construction industry.
About Autodesk UAE:
Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, providing innovative solutions for industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. Autodesk supports the region's construction industry with advanced digital tools and platforms.
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Transformative energy solutions provider AIQ has announced the successful deployment of its SMARTi Intelligent Operational Safety Monitoring solution on board 86 vessels of ADNOC Logistics and Services
SMARTi leverages artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyse video streams in real-time, performing more than 1 billion predictions a day and enabling rapid detection and classification of safety behavior, incidents, and hazardous situations. The solution can be seamlessly integrated into existing CCTV platforms to improve safety on vessels.
Dr. Christopher Cooper, CEO of AIQ, said, "The deployment of our highly effective SMARTi solution to ADNOC L&S vessels is another example of how AIQ is delivering leading-edge, homegrown AI technology to the heart of the Energy sector. The solution has an ever-expanding profile of uses, and we look forward to extending this initial deployment to an even greater number of vessels within the ADNOC L&S fleet and beyond."
ADNOC L&S will utilise the UAE-developed SMARTi solution to further improve safety on its vessels through automated monitoring, detection and reporting of safety protocol violations and incidents.
Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S said, “The deployment of AIQ’s SMARTi technology on our ships demonstrates our commitment to 100% HSE, as we continue to invest in innovation to optimize our operations and drive further value for our business and customers. ADNOC L&S is committed to deploying cutting-edge AI-based technologies across our entire business ensuring our vessels are a safe environment for our people.”
SMARTi (previously known as Smart Vessel) is capable of processing a vast number of images daily with greater than 90% accuracy. The solution is able to detect the absence of personal protective equipment (including helmet, uniform, and life vest), entrance and presence within a restricted area, slip and fall, man overboard and other defined scenarios.
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.
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.