As the Middle East accelerates the adoption of smart buildings and next-generation construction technologies, the need for clear regulatory frameworks and internationally aligned standards is becoming increasingly critical.
The International Code Council (ICC) will contribute to two technical symposiums at Intersec 2026, taking place from 12-14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre. ICC’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting the safe, scalable and compliant evolution of the built environment across the region.
Through its involvement, ICC will engage in policy-driven dialogue and technical knowledge exchange, reflecting its integrated approach to enabling innovation while safeguarding safety, performance and resilience. Mohamed Amer, Managing Director, ICC MENA, will represent the organisation at both the Smart Building Summit 2026 and FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26, which are being held alongside Intersec 2026.
At the Smart Building Summit 2026, ICC will take part in the panel discussion titled “Navigating the Global Regulatory Landscape: Standards, Policies & Incentives for Smart Buildings.” The session will explore how regulatory frameworks, certification schemes and government incentives are influencing smart building adoption across the region. ICC’s contribution will focus on the role of globally recognised codes and standards in aligning international best practice with local regulatory requirements, while supporting performance assurance and long-term operational efficiency within smart building ecosystems.
ICC will also deliver a technical presentation at FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26, a specialist symposium held during Intersec 2026 in Dubai. Entitled “Building the Future: Enabling Safe Adoption of 3D Printing & Modern Methods of Construction,” the presentation will examine regulatory, safety and compliance considerations linked to emerging construction technologies. It will further highlight how performance-based codes and standards can support responsible innovation while maintaining structural integrity, fire safety and quality assurance.
By linking smart building regulation with advanced construction practices, ICC continues to advocate a coordinated, standards-led approach to delivering safer, more resilient and future-ready built environments across the Middle East.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), in cooperation with the Fujairah Government Human Resources Department, organised a workshop in the Emirate of Fujairah under the theme “Health-Supportive Work Environment”, reviewing the status of 14 entities assessed against the emirate’s health-supportive workplace standards.
Held towards the end of 2025, the initiative aims to enhance institutional performance while translating national health priorities into practical workplace applications for this year.
The workshop also aligns with MOHAP’s policy of integrating preventive health and wellbeing concepts into organisational systems, contributing to improved employee health, higher performance efficiency and an enhanced quality of life. It further reflects national priorities to build a more balanced and sustainable society.
During the session, MOHAP reviewed the results of assessments conducted across several federal and local entities in Fujairah. Discussions focused on developing a shared understanding of the role that individual health and healthy lifestyles play in shaping positive workplace environments. Participants also examined health-related challenges associated with work patterns and explored ways to strengthen institutional capacity to analyse existing conditions and develop practical, innovative solutions that support employee wellbeing, sustained performance and work–life balance.
The workshop addressed the objectives of the “Health-Supportive Work Environment” project, which forms part of the implementation plan for the National Guideline for Health-Promoting Workplace 2025. The guideline provides a comprehensive framework for policies that support physical, mental and social wellbeing, while aiming to reduce health risk factors, promote positive behaviours and enhance prevention and early detection. These measures are intended to improve job satisfaction, public health outcomes and long-term institutional sustainability.
Participants were also briefed on the approved framework for establishing healthy workplaces, beginning with environmental assessment and gap analysis, followed by programme planning, prioritisation, implementation and periodic impact measurement. Key areas discussed included strengthening organisational policies, promoting mental wellbeing, encouraging physical activity, improving nutrition patterns and adopting a holistic approach to employee health.
The workshop further explored the main pillars of the National Guideline for Health-Promoting Workplaces, which include institutional support and governance, mental health and wellbeing, healthy lifestyle practices, occupational health and safety, health screening and prevention, maternal health support and inclusive workplace practices for People of Determination.
H.E. Dr Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MOHAP, stressed that the Ministry adopts an integrated preventive approach that places human health at the centre of national policies and plans. “Healthy workplaces are among the key drivers of wellbeing and quality of life,” Al Rand said, noting that implementing the national guideline reflects a practical commitment to turning assessments into clear, actionable plans built on partnership and institutional integration.
Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Director of the Health Promotion Department at MOHAP, said the workshop marked a transition from assessment to planning and implementation for participating entities. She added that analysing Fujairah’s results and identifying improvement opportunities supports efforts to strengthen health-supportive work environments, noting that investment in employee wellbeing reflects the maturity and sustainability of institutional policies.
Major battery energy storage system (BESS) fires have drawn attention to the impacts of Li-ion thermal runaway
These safety incidents can be catastrophic, causing harm to on-site personnel, hazards to health and environments with the release of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC), and large financial and asset loss. BESS developers are adopting various passive and active thermal management materials and technologies to improve the safety of their Li-ion BESS technologies.
IDTechEx’s new report “Thermal Management, Fire and Explosion Protection for BESS 2026–2036: Materials, Technologies and Players”, addresses the root causes and impacts of BESS failure, forecasting that this market will reach US$25.4bn in value by 2036.
The root cause of thermal runaway and failure in BESS can be due to poor design, manufacturing, assembly and integration, or operation of Li-ion BESS technologies. Many of the BESS incidents recorded globally suggest that integration and assembly of BESS are root causes of failure, with the balance of system (BOS) being a leading contributor. The BOS could include DC and AC wiring, HVAC subsystems, and safety elements, e.g., fire suppression systems. This was what caused the Victoria Big Battery Li-ion BESS fire, where during commissioning, a leak in the coolant system led to the fire. With the capacity of Li-ion BESS containers and grid-scale project sizes increasing, the severity of thermal runaway events, and the impacts on the BESS market, could become more severe.
BESS fires have also led to markets stagnating. For example, South Korea faced a reduced number of installed BESS technologies after many Li-ion battery fires in 2018. The financial implications of BESS fires and explosions for the BESS developer can be immense, eroding wider customer trust in the Li-ion BESS market and leading to some customers turning to safer energy storage (ES) technologies, e.g., redox flow batteries (RFB), even if these come with higher Capex.
More stringent checks during commissioning and operation of BESS and workforce training could be key methods to minimizing BESS failure, the report suggests. If BOS components are provided by third parties, then further communication between parties may be needed to ensure the entire system operates harmoniously.
Sharing knowledge of BESS failure root causes from the field could improve developer understanding and benefit the wider market, but enforcing such transparency is challenging, as it could unfairly implicate third parties such as cell or component suppliers. Although advanced sensors and battery management systems (BMS) can help identify failure mechanisms, the complexity and destructive nature of thermal runaway events can prevent precise root-cause determination. Therefore, BESS developers could focus on ensuring systems can effectively react to and contain thermal runaway, using measures like robust fire suppression and gas venting to prevent cascading failures between BESS units.
In fact, many regulations do not require multi-unit or large-scale BESS safety testing, leaving developers unaware of the potential impact of cascading fires in large, GWh-scale projects. However, in the US, the upcoming 2026 edition of NFPA 855 will begin to address this by requiring large-scale fire testing (LSFT) (installation-level test) with UL 9540A to demonstrate that BESS installations can contain thermal runaway without propagation to neighbouring units.
Some key BESS developers including Sungrow, BYD, and Huawei have started conducting large-scale fire tests. This could be a trend that spreads globally and should promote safer Li-ion BESS systems, but this will come with added costs for BESS developers.
Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has announced the activation of its final marine traffic management plan for New Year’s Eve 2026, aimed at enhancing maritime safety and ensuring smooth navigation during peak celebrations.
The plan will be in force from 22:00 on 31 December 2025 until 02:00 on 1 January 2026, and will cover high-density maritime areas including Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and Palm Jumeirah. Measures include the introduction of a one-way navigation system before and after midnight, a temporary suspension of navigation during the transition period, and the closure of marine traffic beneath the Palm Jumeirah bridges throughout the operational window.
Under the plan, vessels will be classified by size, with designated routes and mandatory time windows assigned to each category to reduce congestion and minimise the risk of collisions.
Sheikh Dr Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime Authority, said the measures reflect the Authority’s commitment to maintaining the highest maritime safety standards and ensuring navigational efficiency, in line with Dubai’s status as a global destination for major events.
He added that patrol and monitoring teams will operate continuously in coordination with relevant entities, with immediate legal action taken against violators. The plan also includes strict controls on anchoring and drifting, regulation of mooring areas, and full compliance with international regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea.
DMA emphasised that all vessel owners, maritime agents, marinas, yacht clubs and recreational boat operators must fully comply with the approved instructions to ensure a safe and organised maritime environment during the celebrations.
The Authority also advised marine users to closely monitor weather conditions, noting the potential for unstable conditions during New Year’s Eve.
In preparation for the festivities, DMA held a coordination workshop with strategic partners and marina operators to review operational readiness. Discussions covered vessel movement schedules, patrol arrangements, anchoring rules, emergency procedures and compliance mechanisms, ensuring integrated action and the smooth flow of marine traffic during the New Year 2026 celebrations.
In an era where industrial landscapes are rapidly shifting, Asyad Drydock stands out as a testament to the power of strategic innovation. The company's Health Safety & Environment Head Ubaidul Haq addressed the HSE MENA 2025 conference, where he talked about the transformation of traditional shipbuilding and repair, infusing it with cutting-edge technologies and a holistic approach to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
The foundation of Asyad Drydock’s success lies in its comprehensive infrastructure: encompassing two dry docks, five auxiliary docks, a floating dock, and a dedicated fabrication area. Its commitment to excellence is underscored by a suite of internationally recognised certifications, ranging from ISO 9001 to 22301 for business continuity management. These achievements not only bolster operational standards but embody a culture of accountability and resilience.
Central to this cultural shift is the integration of advanced safety systems. The implementation of a centralised fire alarm system, harmonised across all facilities, ensures rapid response to emergencies, whilst extensive CCTV coverage (now augmented by AI) reinforces both security and situational awareness.
Rather than relying solely on human vigilance, Asyad Drydock’s approach leverages smart technology to detect anomalies such as unauthorised access, non-compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, and unusual activities, with automatic notifications routed to the appropriate level of management. This digital ecosystem transforms workplace safety from a reactive protocol into a proactive shield.
Mr Haq is especially attuned to the importance of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) digitalisation. The yard’s innovative HSE software not only facilitates comprehensive reporting, incorporating both registered and anonymous submissions, but also nurtures a safety-conscious mindset across a sizeable, diverse workforce. By democratising safety oversight, it empowers every worker to contribute to risk mitigation.
Looking beyond the present, Asyad Drydock is pioneering the use of virtual reality for immersive operator training, and robotics to automate hazardous tasks such as blasting. These developments not only elevate operational efficiency but significantly reduce exposure to occupational risks. Ambitious plans are also under way for digital dashboards that present real-time safety analytics, drone-assisted inspections for hard-to-reach areas, and camera-driven automation for emergency drills.
Environmental responsibility features prominently: the transition from grit blasting to hydro blasting, adoption of government-mandated waste treatment processes, and stringent controls to prevent marine pollution all demonstrate a progressive ethos, aligning operations with emerging regulatory and societal expectations.
Ultimately, Asyad Drydock serves as a microcosm of the maritime industry’s future, where digital transformation, environmental stewardship, and uncompromising safety standards intersect, forging a resilient path forward.
In a recent presentation during the HSE MENA 2025 conference, Chandan Tiwari from Benchmark Gensuite offered an insightful exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the analysis and management of compliance-related documentation, especially for tasks like permit reviews.
Chandan began by contextualising the practical challenges organisations face when dealing with complex legal and best-practice obligations embedded within official documents.
To address this, he introduced an AI-powered workflow, which begins with analyzing permits or documents to identify their category and extract distinct operational or regulatory conditions.
Chandan’s demonstration centered around the Compliance Calendar, a tool designed to deconstruct documents into actionable requirements. The system automatically compiles these requirements into specific tasks, assigns them to relevant individuals across the organisation, and enables ongoing communication through integrated email notifications. This process ensures clear responsibility, enhances accountability, and allows organisational leaders to track the status of ongoing and completed tasks in real-time.
Recognising that change management and technology adoption carry risks, Chandan addressed common concerns voiced by stakeholders. For instance, he referenced feedback from a large oil and gas company about potential risks of de-skilling employees if AI tools are relied on too heavily, particularly when drafting responses or managing critical compliance outcomes.
Chandan acknowledged these apprehensions, emphasising the need for organisations to strike a balance, leveraging AI for tasks that surpass human capacity, such as sifting through hundreds of thousands of incident records, while still valuing human expertise and oversight.
Chandan further reassured attendees about the ethical and secure use of AI. He explained that the solution can operate not only in publicly available domains but also in “controlled, isolated” environments, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected. In response to questions about privacy, Chandan clarified that robust safeguards like automated facial blurring are implemented to prevent unauthorised identification.
This attention to privacy extends to the data itself; only anonymised records, regulatory incident reports, or customer-donated data with explicit consent are used in aggregate analyses. All organisational data remains encrypted and inaccessible to outsiders or even other entities within the same organisation.
Chandan concluded by inviting interested participants to visit the Benchmark Gen Suite booth to discuss the wide range of AI-powered compliance workflows and industry use cases available.
Through his presentation, Chandan highlighted the potential for AI to deliver both enhanced efficiency and stronger data governance, provided its implementation is guided by best practices in privacy, transparency, and human oversight.
At the HSE MENA 2025 conference, attendees were moved by a deeply personal and compelling story shared by Theo, an Australian worker and safety advocate.
Theo captivated the audience with a harrowing account of a life-altering electrical accident and the lessons he hopes will inspire safer practices across industries.
Theo recounted the morning that changed his life: while working on high-voltage power lines, he momentarily set aside his insulated gloves to finish what seemed like a minor task.
That decision triggered a catastrophic accident, 22,000 volts surged through his body, an event that experts later told him could have killed a thousand people or animals.
Against all odds, Theo survived, but the journey to recovery was long and arduous: seventeen surgeries in the first month, extensive hospital stays, and profound psychological challenges.
He spoke candidly about facing severe depression and the impact the accident had on his family, reflecting that, at his lowest, it was the thought of his children that gave him the will to fight on. Theo’s story is not only one of survival but of personal growth; he emphasised the necessity of personal accountability, listening to gut instincts, and maintaining a vision for a better future.
Drawing on his experience, Theo urged leaders and workers alike to instill habits of safety, courage, and authenticity, highlighting six key leadership lessons. His message echoed throughout the conference: “Learn from my mistake, don’t let a simple shortcut cost you everything.”
Theo’s powerful narrative, marked by vulnerability and purpose, inspired attendees to reflect on their own practices and recommit to fostering safer workplaces.
Afterwards, he offered to share his story further, hoping to reach even more organizations with his message of resilience, reflection, and responsibility.
The occupational therapy market is poised for strong growth in the coming years, driven by technological innovation and evolving healthcare demands, according to a report by The Business Research Company.
The sector, increasingly focused on personalised care and mental well-being, is projected to reach a valuation of US$6.97bn by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.
Key factors supporting this growth include the integration of telehealth services, rising cases of developmental disorders, and a shift toward client-centred care practices. Additionally, increased emphasis on workplace mental health, evidence-based therapy methods, and technological advancements in rehabilitation are expected to contribute to market expansion.
The ageing population is also driving demand for geriatric occupational therapy, alongside a focus on paediatric care, workplace ergonomics, and wellness programmes.
The market features a diverse range of prominent players, including Abbott Laboratories, STERIS Corporation, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Midmark Corporation, Ergotron Inc., Performance Health Holdings, WebPT Inc., and Net Health Systems.
Other notable companies include Rifton Equipment, BioSensics, Divine Physiotherapy Equipments, and Total Therapy Inc., the latter of which was acquired by US behavioural health technology firm Rethink Autism in January 2022 to expand its service offerings for developmental disabilities.
Emerging trends in the sector include the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in rehabilitation. AI-powered solutions are improving therapy outcomes by providing interactive, real-time feedback to patients.
For instance, Portugal-based Sword Health launched its Phoenix platform in June 2024, a virtual physical therapy system that adjusts exercises based on patient progress and monitors safety, while compiling performance data for clinicians.
The occupational therapy market is segmented by product type, disease category, and application area. Product types include cloud-based solutions, such as teletherapy platforms and virtual rehabilitation systems, and on-premises solutions like physical therapy equipment and on-site patient management systems.
Applications range from psychological and physical disorders to hospital settings and other healthcare environments.
With technological integration and a growing focus on personalised care, the occupational therapy market is set to play an increasingly vital role in supporting patient recovery, workplace wellness, and broader healthcare initiatives globally.
McLeod Occupational Health has received two statewide safety awards for 2024 from Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT), recognising its performance in reducing workplace risks and managing employee injury claims across its operations.
The organisation was presented with both the Safety Award and the Claims Impact Reduction Award, honours administered by Antum Risk on behalf of PHT, South Carolina’s workers’ compensation self-insurance pool for hospitals and healthcare providers.
The Safety Award is given to organisations that achieve a Risk Reduction Objectives score of at least 90% while maintaining a claims rate of 2.70 or lower. McLeod met both benchmarks, completing more than 90% of PHT’s prescribed safety and prevention initiatives. These included enhanced staff training, addressing workplace hazards, and strengthening incident reporting processes, alongside consistently low injury rates.
McLeod also secured the Claims Impact Reduction Award, which recognises organisations that keep both lost time claim frequency and severity below the PHT average. The award reflects McLeod’s ability not only to prevent injuries but also to respond effectively when incidents occur, ensuring timely support for affected employees.
The dual recognition highlights McLeod Occupational Health’s continued focus on proactive safety management and effective claims handling within the healthcare sector.
New York has moved to strengthen protections for healthcare workers with the introduction of a new law mandating workplace violence prevention programmes across hospitals and nursing homes.
Signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on 12 December 2025, Senate Bill S5294-B requires healthcare facilities in the state to take structured action to prevent and respond to violence in clinical settings. The legislation comes amid rising reports of assaults and abuse targeting healthcare workers nationwide and follows the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s decision to pause work on a national workplace violence prevention standard.
Under the new law, general hospitals and nursing homes must establish workplace violence prevention programmes by September 2027. The requirements apply to facilities defined as general hospitals or nursing homes and introduce new obligations around risk assessment, planning, training and security.
For general hospitals, the law requires alignment with existing federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations on emergency preparedness and patient safety. These regulations already mandate regular risk assessments, emergency response strategies and coordination with local and federal authorities. Hospitals will now need to ensure that these plans explicitly address workplace violence risks and include training for staff.
Nursing homes will be considered compliant if they meet federal long-term care emergency preparedness requirements, provided these plans also cover workplace violence threats and hazards.
From 1 January 2027, general hospitals will face additional requirements. They must conduct annual workplace safety and security assessments and develop site-specific safety and security plans to address identified risks. These plans must consider factors such as hospital layout, previous incidents, and concerns raised by staff, patients or visitors. Importantly, employees and their collective bargaining representatives must be actively involved in developing these plans.
Hospitals will also be required to implement measures to reduce identified risks, which may include staff training, increased staffing levels, physical security enhancements or changes to hospital infrastructure. Workers must be informed of the plans and of procedures for reporting incidents of workplace violence.
The law also introduces mandatory security staffing for emergency departments. Hospitals in jurisdictions with populations of one million or more must have at least one trained security officer or off-duty law enforcement officer present in emergency rooms at all times, subject to limited exceptions. Smaller jurisdictions must ensure a constant on-site security presence, prioritising proximity to emergency departments. Certain rural and critical access hospitals are exempt, unless violence rates increase.
The New York legislation positions the state as a leader in addressing workplace violence in healthcare, filling a regulatory gap left at the federal level and setting a potential model for other states to follow.
uvex has introduced hypervision, a new addition to its range of safety spectacles that underlines the German manufacturer’s long-standing focus on functional design and workplace protection. Developed and produced in Germany, the goggles are designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of industrial applications where clear vision and wearer comfort are critical to safety.
A defining feature of uvex hypervision is its optimised lens geometry, which provides a wide, almost unrestricted field of view. By minimising visual limitations, the design supports improved hazard perception and helps reduce the risk of accidents in demanding working environments. The large viewing area is intended to support users who require consistent situational awareness during precision or high-risk tasks.
Comfort is central to the design. The goggles feature a soft, adaptive face piece that delivers a secure seal without creating pressure points, even during extended periods of use. This universal fit is suitable for a broad range of face shapes and sizes. Importantly, uvex hypervision also accommodates prescription spectacles, with sufficient internal space and integrated recesses to allow side arms to sit comfortably without causing irritation. An indirect ventilation system further enhances comfort by promoting airflow and reducing heat build-up inside the goggles.
The hypervision system includes a length-adjustable textile headband with multiple incline points, allowing users to tailor the fit precisely to their head and facial contours. The robust polycarbonate lens is treated with uvex’s supravision coating technology, providing permanent anti-fog and scratch-resistant properties. In addition, the lens offers reliable protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation up to 400 nm, supporting eye safety in both indoor and outdoor environments.
For tasks requiring extended protection, uvex hypervision can be combined with an optional faceguard. This accessory provides additional coverage for the eyes and face, offering protection against dirt and minor injuries during activities such as sanding, sawing, grinding, or painting. uvex notes, however, that this configuration is not intended to replace a full visor, which delivers greater mechanical strength. Instead, the combination is suited to applications where complete face coverage is required but extreme impact resistance is not.
Designed for flexibility, uvex hypervision can be used alongside helmets, respirators, or hearing protection earplugs, enabling integrated and task-specific personal protective equipment solutions across diverse workplaces.
Developed in Germany for professional firefighting environments, SCHUBERTH’s latest helmet range reflects more than a century of engineering focused on safety, performance, and operational reliability. Long recognised for its expertise in advanced head protection, the company continues to refine its firefighting portfolio to meet the evolving demands placed on emergency responders.
At the core of SCHUBERTH’s firefighting helmets is the HighTemp-Fibre shell, engineered to provide dependable protection against extreme heat and mechanical impact. Designed for use in high-risk, high-temperature scenarios, the material balances durability with comfort, enabling firefighters to operate effectively during prolonged and physically demanding incidents. The helmets’ modular construction further supports operational flexibility, allowing components to be adapted to different mission requirements and personal preferences.
Building on these foundations, SCHUBERTH has introduced Twiceme Technology across its latest F300, F220, and F130 helmet models. The integration marks a significant step towards digitising personal protective equipment in the fire and rescue sector. Twiceme Technology enables firefighters and safety managers to access embedded digital safety information directly through a smartphone, providing instant visibility of equipment data when it is needed most.
Through the technology, users can store and retrieve critical information such as ownership details, inspection records, and compliance documentation. This simplifies equipment tracking and routine checks, reducing administrative burdens while helping organisations maintain high safety standards. In emergency situations, faster access to reliable data can also support more informed decision-making, contributing to improved situational awareness on the ground.
For SCHUBERTH, the adoption of Twiceme Technology aligns with a broader focus on innovation that enhances both protection and usability. Rather than adding complexity, the digital layer is intended to streamline safety workflows, supporting firefighters before, during, and after incidents.
The partnership also represents an important milestone for Twiceme, as it expands its safety ecosystem further into the firefighting sector. By embedding its technology into frontline protective equipment, Twiceme continues to advance its ambition of establishing a global digital safety standard across high-risk industries.
As fire services face increasingly complex operational environments, the convergence of advanced materials engineering and digital safety tools highlights a growing shift towards smarter, more connected personal protective equipment. SCHUBERTH’s latest helmet range illustrates how traditional safety gear is evolving to support the modern firefighter, combining proven physical protection with data-driven functionality.
“This is a historic step for Twiceme and for the firefighting community,” said Christian Connolly, CEO of Twiceme Technology. “We turn to firefighters when we need help the most, yet we rarely think about how dangerous their profession is. For the first time, they will have access to integrated digital safety information directly in their helmets, empowering action when seconds matter.”