Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have announced a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening fire and life safety across the Emirate of Sharjah. The partnership was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during an official ceremony at Intersec Dubai 2026.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, and Jim Pauley, president and CEO at NFPA. The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation focused on enhancing education, training and safety standards for fire and life safety professionals in the Emirate.
Under the alliance, SCDA and NFPA will prioritise the development of comprehensive education and training programmes designed to strengthen fire and life safety systems across Sharjah. Drawing on NFPA’s global expertise, the collaboration will leverage its extensive training resources, recognised certification programmes and more than 300 fire codes and standards. The partnership will also utilise insights from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ to support the development and refinement of safety standards tailored to Sharjah’s specific needs.
“At Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, fire and life safety are paramount, and we remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of our people. By collaborating with NFPA, we aim to leverage their 130 years of expertise in managing fire and electrical risks, ensuring that fire safety professionals across Sharjah are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools in line with global standards. This alliance reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and proactive measures to protect lives and property,” said His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi.
Jim Pauley, president and CEO at NFPA, commented: “In the urban landscape, fire presents a constant threat, and with ongoing development across Sharjah, including numerous high-rise buildings, it is essential that robust fire and life safety systems are in place to protect the public. At NFPA, we look forward to working alongside the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority to enhance the training and education of fire and life safety professionals across the Emirate. Our aim is to strengthen awareness and implementation of relevant codes, standards, and regulations, supporting Sharjah’s efforts to align safety practices with global benchmarks.”
The collaboration comes as Sharjah steps up efforts to address fire safety risks, particularly in high-rise buildings. In 2024, under the directive of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate launched a government-funded initiative valued at AED 100 million to replace hazardous cladding materials with fire-resistant alternatives.
The SCDA–NFPA alliance is expected to complement such initiatives by providing technical expertise and access to global best practices, reinforcing Sharjah’s commitment to proactive, standards-led improvements in fire and life safety.
