WakeCap, the sensor-powered project intelligence and controls platform trusted by major construction and oil and gas programmes, has raised US$28mn in a Series A round to accelerate its mission of making jobsites safer and more efficient.
The funding round was led by UP.Partners, with participation from Graphene Ventures and strategic investors across the US, Saudi Arabia, and Asia.
At the core of WakeCap’s platform is a commitment to safety. By providing live, site-wide visibility into workforce activity, safety risks, and incident response, WakeCap helps transform construction sites into safer, smarter workplaces. With over 150 million labour hours tracked and deployments on US$80bn worth of projects including Aramco, NEOM, Qiddiya, and King Salman Park.
WakeCap has proven its ability to reduce safety issues by 91% and improve incident response times by 70%.
"WakeCap's ability to capture and act on real-time jobsite data is critical for high-performing project controls,” said Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and founder of WakeCap. “This round fuels our next stage of growth as we expand our global footprint, increasing the value we deliver to customers through richer insights, faster reporting, and greater operational efficiency. It will allow us to deepen integrations with key ecosystem partners such as Oracle and OpenSpace. We’re proud to be building a platform that puts workers first, makes jobsites safer, and brings clarity to the world’s most complex construction efforts.”
By combining rugged, wearable hardware with enterprise-ready software, WakeCap ensures real-time visibility across critical jobsite functions, from worker access and equipment tracking to hazard alerts and compliance reporting. Unlike traditional systems, WakeCap’s non-intrusive technology works without disrupting operations, helping safety teams respond proactively rather than reactively.
“WakeCap sits at the intersection of two massive forces – the scale of global infrastructure investment and the digitisation of construction,” said Adam Grosser, chairman and managing Partner at UP.Partners. “As governments and developers undertake trillion-dollar initiatives, WakeCap’s platform brings truth, transparency, and trust to the field. We are thrilled to back Hassan and the team as they scale globally and lead the transformation of this critical industry.”
WakeCap’s rapid growth reflects a wider shift in how safety and digital transformation are converging in construction. As one of the first Saudi-founded startups to acquire a Silicon Valley tech company, the firm now operates across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, and the US, with a team of professionals from 34 nationalities.
“WakeCap exemplifies what the future of construction looks like: intelligent, connected, and global,” said Nabil Borhanu, founder and managing partner at Graphene Ventures. “We continue to support WakeCap because they are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, with a proven platform, a mission-driven culture, and deep partnerships across public and private sectors.”
The newly raised capital will be directed toward expanding WakeCap’s presence in strategic markets, enhancing its safety-focused capabilities, and integrating with leading industry platforms. The company is also scaling its workforce across engineering, product, and customer success teams.
EcoOnline, a leading global provider of safety and sustainability solutions, has announced its strategic expansion into the Middle East, strengthening its commitment to support the region’s evolving industrial landscape and regulatory transformation.
The move aligns with the growing demand for robust Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices across key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.
To lead this next phase of regional growth, EcoOnline has appointed Nicholas Matta as regional director, Middle East.
A seasoned safety and compliance professional, Nicholas offers a comprehensive perspective on how organisations manage risk, compliance, and operational change.
Previously in a leadership role at Enablon, Nicholas is widely recognised for fostering culturally attuned relationships throughout the region.
At EcoOnline, he will oversee partner engagement, customer adoption, and go-to-market strategy in the Middle East, while also managing business development in the Benelux region.
Nicholas stated, “I am proud to be part of EcoOnline’s journey in the fast-growing Middle East region. There is a clear opportunity to close market gaps in areas like lone worker protection and chemical safety — challenges that are too often overlooked despite their risk. EcoOnline is uniquely positioned to address these needs with intuitive, people-centered solutions that deliver lasting impact at every level of an organisation.”
The Middle East’s momentum is being propelled by large-scale initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the upcoming World Expo 2035, and landmark projects such as The Line within the US$500bn NEOM development.
Since the inception of Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a 60% surge in industrial facilities. Meanwhile, the IMF projects a 6.7% cumulative economic growth over the next two years.
As infrastructure and energy ventures accelerate and workforce nationalisation programmes such as Saudization advance, the demand for safe, compliant, and sustainable operations is increasing.
Companies in core sectors are under growing pressure to meet international benchmarks — not only in sustainability reporting, but also in managing frontline risks and building resilient safety cultures.
Gareth Palmer, SVP Channel & Alliances at EcoOnline, said,“The Middle East is at a critical inflection point, with ambitious national agendas driving industrial growth and employment. We see a clear opportunity — and responsibility — to help companies build a safer, more sustainable world of work. By combining local expertise with a global partner ecosystem, we can support organisations navigating this transformation — not just with technology, but with long-term, trust-based collaboration.”
Expanding footprint through strong partnerships
EcoOnline is already establishing a presence in the region through key partnerships with global firms such as DSS+, VPWhite, and WSP. This expansion into the Middle East builds on the company’s success across Europe, North America, ANZ, and South Africa.
It underlines EcoOnline’s commitment to delivering intuitive digital solutions that reduce complexity and empower organisations to enhance safety performance, comply with regulatory standards, and meet sustainability goals.
Workplace accidents don’t just cause harm. They disrupt operations, damage reputations, and can result in serious financial and legal consequences.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), over 2.78 million workers die each year from occupational accidents or work-related diseases globally, with an additional 374 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses annually.
A clear, well-structured Health & Safety (H&S) policy is the foundation for preventing incidents and creating a culture of safety.
To help organisations take that first step, Astutis has released a free, expert-led guide: "Creating a Health and Safety Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide."
In the UK alone, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 1.8 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2022/23, and 135 workers lost their lives due to fatal workplace injuries.
Across the EU and globally, similar patterns persist, costing economies an estimated 4% of global GDP each year due to lost productivity, treatment costs, and compensation.
A comprehensive policy helps your organisation:
• Comply with legal and regulatory frameworks (such as ISO 45001 or local legislation).
• Clarify responsibilities across departments and leadership levels.
• Demonstrate a visible commitment to employee welfare.
• Reduce operational risks and insurance premiums.
• Respond effectively in emergencies, inspections, or audits.
What’s inside the free guide
Astutis’ eBook is built for professionals across industries and international regions, offering:
• A breakdown of the three key elements every policy should include: Statement of Intent, Responsibilities, and Arrangements.
• Insights from H&S professionals who have implemented policies for global organisations.
• Common mistakes to avoid and tips for adapting policies for remote, hybrid, or international teams.
Whether you're managing a team of 5 or 500, this guide makes it easier to build a policy that protects your people and your business.
Trusted by global organisations
Astutis trains thousands of professionals every year across more than 180 countries.
From SMEs to large corporations, our training and resources are built on real-world expertise and global safety standards.
Create a safer, smarter workplace today. Access your free “Creating a Health and Safety Policy” eBook and take the first step toward stronger compliance and a safer future.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas found in various industrial settings, and understanding the difference between low and high concentrations is crucial, says MSA Safety
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, highly toxic gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell at low concentrations. It is commonly found in industries such as oil and gas, wastewater treatment, and mining. Exposure to H2S poses serious health risks, ranging from mild irritation to fatal poisoning, depending on concentration levels. To ensure worker safety, it is essential to understand the differences between low and high concentrations and implement effective detection and protection strategies.
At low concentrations (0.01–10 ppm), H2S emits a strong odor, which can serve as an initial warning. However, prolonged exposure, even at these levels, can cause eye irritation, headaches, and dizziness. Between 10–50 ppm, symptoms become more pronounced, including nausea and respiratory discomfort.
At higher concentrations, the risks increase dramatically:
Given these dangers, relying on the human sense of smell is ineffective. Instead, advanced gas detection technologies are critical for early warning and safety.
MSA Safety’s ALTAIR io4 gas detector, part of the Connected Work Platform, provides real-time monitoring and instant alerts when H2S levels reach dangerous thresholds. Designed for harsh environments, the ALTAIR io4 enhances worker protection with features like:
Enter your details to watch the video to see how the ALTAIR io4 can protect your team.
Beyond detection, maintaining reliable equipment is key to ensuring continuous safety. MSA+ offers two essential services to optimize device performance:
These services reduce downtime and operational costs while ensuring workers remain protected at all times.
Learn more about MSA+ Device Protection and MSA+ Autofill to keep your gas detection equipment in top condition.
Understanding the risks associated with H2S exposure and implementing reliable gas detection solutions are essential for workplace safety. The ALTAIR io4, combined with MSA+ services, provides a comprehensive approach to hazard detection and equipment maintenance. Prioritise safety by equipping your team with the right tools.
Enter your details to watch the video to see MSA Safety’s solutions in action.
Honeywell has launched a new gas detector assembly line at the Masdar Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi, in alignment with the UAE’s industrialisation and localisation objectives
This will focus on the assembly of Honeywell’s RAEGuard 3 Series – fixed toxic and flammable gas detectors using advanced sensor technology – along with the BW Clip Series of portable, single-gas detectors. Designed to protect industrial workers operating in potentially hazardous environments, these gas detectors will serve local and regional customers.
The new assembly line supports the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ campaign by expanding local manufacturing capabilities, creating jobs, upskilling local talent and accelerating technology transfer, strengthening the UAE’s position as a hub for advanced industrial technology. It will also support Operation 300Bn, the UAE’s strategic initiative to grow the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.
“Honeywell has been a longstanding partner of the UAE, committed to empowering local industry and enabling economic diversification,” said George Bou Mitri, president, Honeywell Industrial Automation, Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Central Asia. “The launch of our new gas detector assembly line represents more than an expansion of our manufacturing footprint – it’s a step forward in shaping a smarter, safer, and more sustainable industrial future for the UAE.”
Honeywell opened the dedicated Masdar Innovation Center in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City in 2019 to focus on local assembly, integration, and testing of advanced automation technologies. It enables faster delivery, local customisation, and technical support for customers across the UAE and wider Middle East, achieving full marks last year in the UAE’s Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI), a national benchmark for digitalisation and sustainability excellence.
With construction continuing to rank among the most dangerous industries in the UK, NEBOSH has refreshed its Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification to better equip professionals tackling the sector’s evolving risks.
Between 2023 and 2024 alone, the industry accounted for 51 work-related fatalities in Great Britain, accounting for nearly 40% of all workplace deaths that year.
To strengthen its relevance, NEBOSH has updated the course content for 2025, incorporating feedback from past learners and input from a panel of industry experts.
New topics include managing fatigue and understanding the powers of inspectors, and the challenges increasingly faced on modern sites.
Designed for both UK and international learners, the UK version is aligned with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, while the international pathway follows ILO guidance.
The course aims to help learners identify and control construction hazards, develop safe systems of work, contribute to incident investigations, and advise on legal responsibilities under construction legislation.
It also focuses on fostering a strong health and safety culture, improving contractor management, and giving learners the confidence to challenge unsafe behaviours.
Survey data indicates the qualification is well-received: 96% of UK respondents and 100% of international participants said they would recommend the course.
A similar majority reported improved skills in recognising risks and hazards in the construction environment. The Level 7 UK qualification remains recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), with holders eligible to apply for the Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card.
Michael Smith, response supervisor - Housing Repairs for South Holland District Council, said, “I found the whole course extremely interesting; the study and work-based scenarios were good and worthwhile. I thought the content of the course was pitched correctly, and the syllabus covered it [the topic] in great depth. Having gained the qualification, I am now in a position where I feel that I can make a positive impact within the workplace.”
Time is running out! Don’t miss your chance to attend the SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course in Dubai, UAE, on 18–19 February 2025.
This immersive two-day programme is your opportunity to:
✅ Enhance workplace safety and reduce incidents
✅ Gain expert insights into human factors and critical errors
✅ Become a certified SafeStart trainer and lead safety transformations in your organisation
Location: Media Rotana, Hessa Street, Dubai, UAE
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What past global participants had to say:
“My perspective on safety has completely changed!”
– L.V., Guadalajara, Mexico
“SafeStart concepts have taken my safety awareness to the highest level. More importantly, they’ve made me realise that safety is for life, not just for the workplace.” – B.S., São Paulo, Brazil
SafeStart is a globally recognised safety awareness process that helps organisations create a lasting culture of safety excellence. This course will provide you with practical tools and strategies to drive real change.
Limited seats available – register now!
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationWorkshop#/
Looking forward to seeing you in Dubai!
Larry Wilson
SafeStart Author and CEO
A record number of exhibitors representing 61 countries have participated in the 26th edition of Intersec, the largest business event in the world that maps the future of security, safety, and fire protection.
The largest edition of the event took up 61,000 sq m of space at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a 20% increase from the previous year.
Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, which ended last month, drew 47,300 visitors from 142 countries and featured state-of-the-art technologies and vital solutions in five major areas: Homeland Security & Policing, Cyber Security, Safety & Health, Fire & Rescue, and Commercial & Perimeter Security. The show's theme was "Mapping the Future of Security, Safety, and Fire Protection."
Among the new features this year was the successful opening of the two-day Intersec Policing Conference, which brought together more than fifty knowledgeable speakers. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the future of road safety, proactive and productive policing, strategic automation in policing, drone operations, and quantum-led crime. Senior law enforcement officials from the Abu Dhabi Police, INTERPOL, the Metropolitan Police, and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit were among them.
The top Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the area were also invited to the CISO Business Briefing, which was successfully launched while examining the main information security trends, threats, and opportunities. The opening keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government.
The exhibition's ground-breaking collaboration with Ignyte, which resulted in the opening of the Intersec Startup Arena, was another first. It gave startups a chance to present their innovative ideas and solutions to a group of government officials, business executives, and elite investors, opening doors for them to secure investment, mentorship, and strategic alliances.
ASIS International, Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA), Gallagher, Sharjah Civil Defence, NAFFCO, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Nordon, Saudi Sicli, and UXE Security Solutions were among the companies that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the three-day event held by Intersec 2025.
Several industry leaders were honoured at the 4th annual Intersec Awards, which honour people, groups, and organisations for establishing new benchmarks for excellence in vital sectors.
Winners on the evening included Dubai Civil Defense, NAFFCO, Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Emirates Safety Laboratory LLC, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Wajahat Hussain, show manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “The team and I are thrilled to have welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals from around the world. Intersec has once again proven to be the premier platform where global leaders, innovators, and experts converge to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of safety, security, and fire protection.
“Surpassing previous exhibitor records is a testament to Intersec’s growing influence and its pivotal role in driving forward-thinking solutions for a safer, more secure world. This milestone underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration, showcasing pioneering technologies, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in this critically important industry.”
Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
With Storm Éowyn passing through the country, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been urging the immediate clean-up operation be left with the emergency services and professional operators who have the necessary competence to undertake the work safely
The HSA strongly prefers only trained and competent operators equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle chainsaws, the primary equipment required to remove fallen trees and branches. Some of the key recommendations for using chainsaws include:
Kickback is one of the more common causes of serious chainsaw injury. The kickback zone is at the top tip of the chainsaw bar and may occur when the moving chain at the nose or tip of the bar touches an object such as a branch or a log. If this happens, it can cause a rapid upward motion of the bar back towards the operator who may suffer a very serious or fatal injury.
For the safe use of chainsaw, appropriate training is necessary. Chainsaw courses with various levels of training are available. For example, a basic chainsaw course covering the felling of small trees will be five days in duration. Shorter courses (two days) which only cover chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting of felled timber are also available. However, these do not effectively demonstrate the techniques required for felling trees safely. Therfore, prior to undertaking any trainings, particular training requirements need to be discussed with an accredited chainsaw training provider.
Persons undergoing chainsaw training must be adequately supervised. They should also be closely supervised post training until such time as they are experienced and fully competent. They should always complete a pre-task risk assessment. Similarly, farmers who wish to use a chainsaw for such tasks as clearing fallen branches and pruning trees to maintain clearance for machines on their land should complete full certified chainsaw training. Before attempting even small tasks, farmers must complete a risk assessment to ensure appropriate control measures are put in place.
In case of fallen or storm-damaged trees, the HSA advises personnel to follow certain a code of conduct. These include:
If required to work from roofs or elevated structures, HSA urges workers to adhere to the following guidelines:
“If you don’t have the proper training or equipment to safely use a chainsaw, don’t take the risk and instead engage with emergency and professional services," said chief Inspector with the HSA, Mark Cullen. "Farmers in particular may be tempted to deal with fallen trees on their land or on adjoining roads. Personal safety must be the main priority and I strongly urge only those with the necessary skills to undertake work with chainsaws”.
Florian Combacau, portfolio alignment director at Axis Communications, speakes to Health, Safety and Environment Review about the company’s latest offerings and industry analysis.
Speaking about artificial intelligence and how it can transform the security industry, Combacau said, “Deep learning technologies are the bread and butter of most analytics solutions within the security sector, while newer generative AI technologies are rapidly maturing. There is still a lot of hype in certain areas but real applications of generative AI in the security sector are becoming available. Each step of evolution brings with it a new set of opportunities, but also ethical, legal, and corporate considerations."
More importantly, Combacau is confident that there will be improvement from an ethical perspective.
“Eventually this will enable generative models to be, at least partly, run on cameras with high-quality results. At the same time the models are improving in quality with regards to ethical aspects, bias, hallucinations, and the risk of making the wrong decisions.
Combacau also added that Axis body-worn cameras are designed for versatility, durability, and ease of use, making them ideal for police forces and critical sectors. Key features include seamless integration via an open API, live video streaming, and military-grade hardware for demanding environments. With advanced cybersecurity measures, cost-effective end-to-end solutions, and user-friendly functionality, Axis cameras ensure high-quality performance and secure data management without proprietary lock-ins or recurring fees.
When speaking of key trends and growth opportunities for the security industry in 2025, Combacau said, “Some of the trends we can expect are really just evolutions of those we’ve seen in previous years. An obvious one is the continued interest in how AI will be applied in our sector, and we’ve highlighted some of the new considerations that will need to be addressed moving forwards.
“Regulation is another area of focus for the industry this year. National and regional legislators will once again try to keep pace with technological innovation. AI, cybersecurity, privacy, the need for resilience in critical entities; all these (and more) will be the focus of proposed and new regulation. We haven’t highlighted this as a specific trend, but it’s no less a priority and something every organisation will need to respond to.
“Advances in analytics and AI mean that a higher resolution image will inevitably lead to a better result, whatever the use case. Object recognition will be more accurate and more detailed data (and metadata) created. The drive towards even better image quality has been reignited.
“With this has come opportunities for efficiency as well as effectiveness. A single camera producing much higher image quality can cover as large an area as multiple cameras would have been needed for previously. Higher resolution images also support analytics, for instance in large crowds, busy traffic intersections, or fast-moving production lines."
Farnek, a prominent smart and green facilities management (FM) company based in the UAE, was recently awarded at the "Better Together Awards," where it was given the headline prize for its outstanding health and safety initiatives.
The Expo City Dubai-organised awards honour exceptional individual and group accomplishments in worker welfare (WW) and health and safety (H&S), honouring its employees and contractors who help create a safer and healthier work environment at Expo City Dubai.
Farnek received the flagship honour, the "Better Together Award," which is granted to an organisation that has the finest initiative to promote cooperation and engagement with Expo City Dubai in 2024, demonstrating real-world implementation and measurable outcomes.
“This award recognises Farnek’s longstanding commitment, dedication and consistency, advancing the company’s H&S and WW strategy, which aligns closely with Expo City Dubai’s core values of care, integrity and excellence,” said Ryan Mitchell, Farnek’s head of quality, health, safety, excellence and wellbeing (QHSEW).
In order to increase the calibre and effectiveness of HSE reporting, Mitchell oversaw the Expo City HSE teams and used SAFETEK, a digital safety management technology. In order to create a safer atmosphere for renters and guests, he was able to reduce safety incidents by 21% and increase reporting observations by 38%.
At the awards ceremony, Farnek's Worker Welfare Officer, Mary Grace Besabella, was also acknowledged. She was given the Worker Welfare Impact Award for raising employment, housing, and transportation standards at Expo City Dubai in order to improve worker welfare.
Besabella supported a safe, friendly, and healthy workplace by attending to the needs and expectations of every employee. In order to initiate the reform of the operational structure, she also organised events and promoted health programmes.
In an effort to spur expansion throughout the continent, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has appointed a new vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.
Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share in this significant geographic market thanks to his extensive experience in gas utilities and his proven track record of sales leadership.
Over many years, Teledyne GFD has been expanding throughout the Americas. Teledyne Detcon, the company's US manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas, has been offering industrial-grade gas detectors, control systems, analysers, and wireless technologies to the gas detection market for more than 40 years.
“Gerald will use his expertise and deep industry knowledge to play a pivotal role in maximising our growth potential and enhancing the presence of our product brands across the Americas,” said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. “We’re excited to see the gains that Gerald can provide, not just for Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, but also for our customers. After all, an even stronger Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is beneficial for stakeholders up and down the supply chain, including distributors and end users.”