Middle East
Middle East
- Date: 27th July 2026
Heat stress is a danger for workers exposed to high temperatures, particularly in the Gulf in the summer, when temperatures can top 50%
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures at work reduces productivity and increases the risk of injury, disease and death, with worker productivity dropping by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C. It can also lead to increased risk-taking and decreased concentration, leading to accidents beyond its direct impact.
Midday work ban
The six countries of the GCC all implement a midday work ban, which prohibits outdoor work in during the summer months, which is generally strictly enforced. Bahrain for example, prohibits outdoor work between 12pm and 4pm from 15 June to 31 August, conducting regular inspections and enforcement measures to safeguard worker wellbeing. In 2025, adherence to the regulation reached 99.96%, indicating growing awareness among employers, supported by regular inspections and enforcement measures designed to safeguard worker wellbeing.
Alba Summer S&H campaign
Many companies and government departments in the Gulf launch summer safety campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of heat stress and measures that can be taken to prevent it, such as increasing the number of breaks, adapting access to water, cool spaces and shade, and adapting the working hours.
Among those is Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), which has launched its annual plant-wide Summer Safety and Health (S&H) Campaign under the theme "Safety by Choice, Excellence by Habit."
The campaign is in alignment with Alba’s commitment to strengthening its safety culture and promoting the health and wellbeing of its workforce, particularly during the summer season, through a series of awareness activities and events. Employees, contractors and workers will receive valuable information and practical guidance on key topics, including heat stress prevention, proper hydration and summer safety best practices, delivered by both internal and external safety specialists.
Core organisational value
Speaking at the campaign launch, Alba’s chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, emphasised that safety at Alba is a core organisational value and a year-round commitment that underpins every aspect of the company’s operations. He noted that the Summer Safety and Health Campaign represents an important milestone in Alba’s journey towards safety excellence, providing an opportunity to renew awareness, strengthen safe behaviours and safeguard everyone throughout the most challenging period of the year.
Al Baqali also urged all employees to continue adhering to safety procedures to achieve a 10th consecutive summer without a single heat-related injury or illness, by staying well hydrated, remaining vigilant at all times and reinforcing safety as a conscious choice in every aspect of their work.
As one of Alba’s flagship annual safety initiatives, the Summer S&H Campaign highlights the importance of continuous awareness, personal accountability and proactive risk management in industrial workplaces. The Campaign also plays a vital role in promoting safe behaviours, reducing heat-related incidents and fostering a culture where safety is embraced as a shared responsibility and an enduring daily practice. The company’s comprehensive health and safety initiatives are designed not only to prevent incidents but also to promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement among employees and contractors alike.
Alba’s proactive approach has had results. Last year the company reported it had completed its ninth consecutive summer season without a single heat-related illness or injury, attributing this to its robust awareness campaigns, hydration programmes, and continuous monitoring of working conditions.
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 24th July 2026
- Year: 2026
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has officially launched the Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre in partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, and with the support of the National Guard
The inauguration took place in the presence of His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Director of the Special Projects Department at the Private Office.
Designed as the emirate's central command hub for maritime oversight, the new facility will supervise waterway safety and public maritime operations using smart technologies and predictive analytics. The centre is intended to improve maritime services while enhancing the overall experience for waterway users throughout Abu Dhabi.
Providing a comprehensive operational view of Abu Dhabi's waterways, which extend across more than 45,000 sq km, the centre enables real-time monitoring of navigational channels, open waters, public maritime services, water transport operations and marine vessel movements. It also oversees the deployment and maintenance of nearly 2,000 navigation aids and sensor-enabled smart lanterns, comprising 1,063 lateral marker buoys, 367 beacons, 227 signage buoys and 62 shallow-water signage boards.
In addition, the facility manages more than 40 public maritime services through official digital platforms while tracking the movements of visiting vessels and monitoring occupancy across more than 1,500 public berths. Its responsibilities also include supervising ferry and water taxi operations, coordinating wreck and debris removal activities, issuing marine notices and circulars, and conducting official inspections to enforce maritime safety regulations across more than 100 public and private maritime facilities and around 3,600 recreational marine craft. The integrated system ensures seamless coordination with the relevant authorities.
By consolidating these activities into a unified digital platform, the centre generates integrated datasets that can be analysed through artificial intelligence to produce predictive insights. These capabilities will support informed decision-making, improve public services and enable proactive measures that enhance safety, accessibility and environmental protection across Abu Dhabi's waterways.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Abdulla Hamad Obaid AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: "The launch of the Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre will strengthen public safety, maritime mobility, and the efficiency of Abu Dhabi’s public maritime services. Through this resource, we aim to encourage safe waterway use, bolster community confidence in maritime activities, and identify opportunities to further develop our assets and service offering. This initiative reinforces the emirate’s vision to integrate smart mobility solutions that enhance quality of life and support long-term economic growth and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime hub."
Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability & Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, added: "The safety and sustainability of our waterways are intertwined; every safe journey reduces the likelihood of pollution and habitat disturbance, thereby minimizing the need for emergency interventions. The Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre introduces a new standard of smart surveillance and predictive management. By leveraging real-time data, advanced analytics, and integrated response systems, Abu Dhabi Maritime can ensure safer navigation, faster response, and stronger environmental stewardship across our coastline."
The Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre is managed by the Integrated Transport Centre and operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime in close collaboration with the National Guard, in accordance with the Regulatory Bylaw for Maritime Safety in the Waterways of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Alongside the launch, the Integrated Transport Centre introduced four new patrol boats, crewed by Nishan Security Services, part of AD Ports Group, to conduct daily inspections aimed at identifying unsafe activities and regulatory breaches. The centre's monitoring infrastructure also incorporates 16 radar stations providing a comprehensive traffic overview, 29 CCTV cameras positioned at strategic locations, more than 400 additional cameras installed across public maritime facilities, and 17 VHF communication devices enabling real-time coordination between vessels and shore-based operators.
The Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre is based on Saadiyat Island and is complemented by a satellite facility in Al Dhannah, Al Dhafra region, providing continuous oversight of Abu Dhabi's public waterways.
- Date: 21st July 2026
Workers in the oil and gas industry face a range of hazards, from chemical spills to fires, explosions, exposure to toxic gases and dangers posed by heavy machinery
It may come as a surprise then that it vehicle accidents, rather than any of the above that are the main cause of fatalities in the industry, accounting for more than 25% of all worker deaths. Long journeys in remote off-road areas, severe weather, heavy equipment loads, and worker fatigue are among the contributing factors.
Embedding a culture of safe driver behaviour is therefore critical, involving for example, the recognition of the impact of internal and external factors on driver behaviour, including human factors such as fatigue and stress, and identifying coping mechanisms.
It was with this in mind that leading oilfield services company OiLSERV undertook the RoSPA Level 3 International Award for Driver Trainers to develop its in-house driver trainers, to improve road safety in challenging operational environments.
Operating in the Middle East and North Africa region, OILSERV’s personnel often have to drive for long distances across challenging desert terrain and remote areas to reach well sites and operational bases in high-risk environments.
Building a safe driving culture
OiLSERV’s North Africa QHSE manager, Mohamed Nadjib Debabi, said that the company selected the train-the-trainer qualification as the company is looking to build a long-term safe driving culture, not just to improve driver performance.
“Before taking the RoSPA training, the main challenges we faced were related to effectively delivering defensive driving sessions. We wanted to move away from a purely instructional approach and adopt a coaching-based strategy that actively engages drivers, focusing more on driver psychology and how to encourage drivers to develop a safer mindset and make better decisions on the road.
“We also wanted to bridge the gap between teaching defensive driving as a theoretical concept and helping drivers apply those principles in real-life driving situations."
He added that the qualification helped the company to provide coaching and expertise that combine daily operations with defensive driving theory, as well as the ability to teach hazard perception and dynamic risk assessment - not only road rules.
“We chose RoSPA because it is a recognised awarding body and it provides a training package which has more psychological depth than is typically offered by other driver training providers. RoSPA focuses more on the human factors which are the root causes of road accidents in our industry.”
Measurable improvements
Mohamed Nadjib Debabi stressed that the course did not just focus on driving skills but also on the psychology of teaching safety, which was crucial for the company.
"Since completing the qualification, we have delivered the company's defensive driving training with a more robust and engaging approach, leading to measurable improvements in driver competence and safer driving behaviours.”
He added that he would recommend RoSPA because it provides a framework for organisational change as well as training.
- Topic: Technology
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20th July 2026
- Year: 2026
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has launched a traffic awareness campaign for truck drivers and transport and freight companies, in cooperation with Dubai Police General Headquarters
The campaign is ongoing and will run through August at truck rest areas and on main roads across Dubai. There will be a series of field activities and awareness workshops to promote safe driving practices, protecting lives and property, reinforcing traffic responsibility, and highlighting the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.
Awareness publications and leaflets will be disseminated to raise awareness on traffic safety requirements, and educate drivers on ways to avoid violations and accidents, and the importance of checking tyre and brake safety before setting off.
The campaign aligns with RTA’s strategic goals of guiding and motivating customer behaviour to support a safer and smoother mobility system. He noted that RTA is deploying all resources to facilitate truck movement, particularly during the summer, through close cooperation with relevant entities and intensified awareness campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and enhancing traffic safety.
The programme will be conveyed through videos featuring social media influencers for distribution across social media platforms, as well as conducting targeted surveys with truck drivers to capture their feedback and requirements. These activities are being carried out across several areas in Dubai, including truck rest areas, Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, with awareness messages also displayed on electronic signs across Dubai’s roads.
Complying with traffic safety requirements, including never stopping midway, is key to healthy road safety practices. Drivers must promptly call 901 in case of emergencies.
The campaign aims to engage directly with drivers and educate them about the importance of complying with traffic safety requirements, foremost among them never stopping in the middle of the road, given the direct danger this poses to road users. In emergencies, drivers must immediately call 901.
The Director of Traffic noted that the campaign encourages drivers to read and comply with the Truck Safety Manual, prepared by RTA in three languages. The electronic link to the manual has been printed on giveaway items distributed to truck drivers during all field and awareness visits. The manual includes key information on preventive truck inspection, tyre safety, brake efficiency, and procedures for handling emergency breakdowns.
The campaign also targets transport companies and truck operators, highlighting their role in ensuring regular vehicle maintenance, verifying that tyres are fit for use and trucks are ready for operation before deployment, and encouraging drivers to take sufficient rest breaks and avoid continuous driving over long distances. As part of these efforts, RTA cooperated with Continental Tires to inspect several truck tyres over two days in Ras Al Khor.
Joint inspection teams from RTA and Dubai Police continue to carry out extensive enforcement campaigns at the end of each month, focusing on verifying compliance with technical safety requirements and identifying defects and violations related to truck safety. These efforts contribute to enhancing the safety and security of road users.
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20th July 2026
- Year: 2026
New initiatives in Abu Dhabi are ensuring the safe roll-out of autonomous vehicle technology in line with national smart mobility ambitions
The UAE has been making significant progress in promoting smart and sustainable mobility as part of the country’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative aiming to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai rank in the world’s top 50 smart cities, and Dubai plans to transform 25% of its total transportation to autonomous mode by 2030.
This requires the acceleration of the adoption of smart mobility technologies, as well as the development of a regulatory and operational environment alongside that will ensure that the technology is tested and deployed to the highest level of safety and efficiency.
To this end, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has introduced the first dedicated licence plates for trial and commercial autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Specialised licence plates to identify autonomous vehicles
This initiative aims to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles on the emirate’s roads by introducing the first specialised licence plates that clearly identify vehicles operating within testing and pilot programmes, as well as those delivering commercial services using autonomous driving technologies. These ensure that autonomous vehicles of different types can be easily recognised on the roads, supporting enhanced field monitoring and contributing to improved road safety.
The plates are also linked to the licensing and operational requirements approved for autonomous vehicles, ensuring that operating companies comply with the technical and operational standards adopted in the emirate.
The move is expected to support the continued development of the autonomous vehicle ecosystem in the emirate by enabling the relevant entities to collect and analyse operational data, contributing to the development of policies and regulations that support this sector and strengthening the readiness of the regulatory framework as these technologies scale.
Control room for the management and monitoring of AV operations
Another initiative supporting the development of the autonomous vehicle ecosystem has been the establishment of a central control room dedicated to managing and monitoring autonomous vehicle (AV) operations across Abu Dhabi, featuring advanced systems for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and decision support. It includes a centralised supervision system as well as an integrated platform for the operation and testing of autonomous vehicles (AViTOMS), enabling real-time tracking of vehicle locations, speeds, and routes. It covers all autonomous vehicle services operated by licensed providers in the emirate.
This ensures the highest levels of safety and operational efficiency and enables a fast response to any operational or emergency situations.
It also enables comprehensive trip recording and analysis, coordinated emergency response management with relevant authorities, and the generation of periodic data-driven reports to enhance routing and optimise operational efficiency. In addition, the platform manages the process of issuing permits and approving operational routes.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting director general of Integrated Transport Centre, said, "The inauguration of the central control room represents a key milestone in the development of the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi. It responds to the rapid adoption of smart mobility technologies, which require an advanced supervisory system to ensure real-time monitoring and efficient risk management. Through this control room, we establish an integrated approach combining technical capabilities and regulatory frameworks, enhancing the emirate’s readiness to operate autonomous
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20th July 2026
- Year: 2026
As the mercury surges during the intense Middle Eastern summer months, the simple, everyday act of filling up a vehicle requires significantly heightened vigilance.
The United Arab Emirates has officially inaugurated the seventh edition of its nationwide safety initiative, recognising the unique environmental challenges and thermal stresses posed by the season. Spearheaded by the Joint Committee for Security and Safety, which operates under the expert chairmanship of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this expansive campaign is meticulously designed to protect motorists, station personnel, and the wider community. The government aims to cement an enduring culture of hazard prevention, by promoting essential security practices at petrol pumps, ensuring that daily transit routines do not compromise human lives or the nation's valuable infrastructure.
A unified national collaboration
This year’s comprehensive rollout is not a solitary governmental endeavour; rather, it represents a highly coordinated partnership across the nation's most prominent fuel distribution and public safety sectors. The campaign is being executed in close alignment with the General Directorate of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior. Crucially, it brings together the country's leading petroleum distributors, including ADNOC Distribution, Emirates Petroleum (Emarat), and the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC). This unified front underscores a robust commitment to elevating operational standards and safety protocols within the commercial sector. By pooling their collective resources and technical expertise, these strategic stakeholders are ensuring that a consistent, authoritative message reaches every corner of the Emirates, standardising best practices across a rapidly growing transport landscape that is vital to the region's economy.
Widespread reach and essential protocols
Spanning an impressive network of more than 800 petrol stations, the initiative is slated to run continuously until August 31. The regulatory focus is squarely on everyday consumers, commercial transport operators, and casual motorists. Given the extreme temperatures that define the Emirati summer, vehicles and fuel delivery systems are placed under significant environmental stress. Consequently, the campaign delivers precise, targeted awareness messages that demand strict adherence to established refuelling procedures. The core directives are unequivocal: drivers must completely switch off their engines before a fuel nozzle is even lifted. Furthermore, there is a strict prohibition against the improper use of mobile phones and any form of smoking near the dispensers, successfully eliminating potential ignition sources that could trigger catastrophic and life-threatening incidents in the sweltering heat.
Measuring seven years of success
The remarkable longevity of the National Campaign for Security and Safety at Fuel Stations is matched only by its demonstrable, data-driven impact. Over the course of its seven-year history, the initiative has successfully penetrated diverse demographic groups across the nation. Historical outreach data reveals that the campaign's targeted awareness messages have garnered more than 60 million accesses since its inception. More importantly, recent impact assessments demonstrate that public comprehension of gas station safety procedures has surged to an unprecedented 98.5 per cent. These formidable statistics highlight the true efficacy of the public awareness programme, proving that persistent, multi-channel communication can effectively transform standard preventative measures into deeply ingrained, automatic daily habits for millions of road users.
A shared vision for community wellbeing
At the very heart of this multi-year endeavour is a fundamental belief in collective accountability and civic duty. Engineer Sharif Al Olama, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, noted that the initiative has matured into an exemplary national model of public-private synergy. He highlighted that the ongoing collaboration between government regulators and fuel retailers has yielded enduring, positive transformations in public behaviour. Summarising the core philosophy driving the government's steadfast approach, Engineer Al Olama stated: "Prevention is a shared responsibility." By fostering this proactive safety culture, the UAE not only shields individual drivers but also elevates the overall wellbeing of the community, ultimately maintaining a highly secure, resilient, and sustainable environment for all citizens and residents.
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20th July 2026
- Year: 2026
The United Arab Emirates highlighted its approach to building a flexible, inclusive and future-ready labour market at the 2026 BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting (LEMM), presenting its experience in using innovation, digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to support workforce development and economic growth
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, represented the UAE at the meeting, which was hosted by India as part of its 2026 BRICS Chairship.
During the ministerial session, Dr. Al Awar outlined the UAE's labour market model, which is built on collaboration between the government and private sector, supported by agile legislation, technological innovation and investment in AI.
He said strengthening social protection, supporting labour markets, empowering women, developing workforce skills and adopting digital technologies are essential components of resilient, inclusive and sustainable labour markets.
Dr. Al Awar explained that the UAE has developed a labour market that encourages cooperation between the public and private sectors while attracting global talent and maintaining a legislative framework capable of adapting to economic and technological change. He noted that workers from more than 200 nationalities contribute to one of the world's most diverse labour markets.
"This approach has made it possible to achieve remarkable results over the past five years, as the size of the workforce in the private sector more than doubled, the number of registered companies increased by 46%, and women’s participation in the labour market grew by 109%," he explained.
He added that these achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of national policies in supporting employment creation and economic expansion.
AI driving the future of labour markets
Highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in workforce management, Dr. Al Awar said governments can move beyond service automation by using AI to anticipate labour market demands and improve policy decisions.
"Artificial intelligence offers governments a strategic tool enabling them to transition from automating services to anticipating labour market needs, identifying future skills, enhancing compliance, and supporting data-driven decision-making," Dr. Al Awar continued.
He explained that the UAE is increasingly deploying AI-powered solutions to deliver innovative services for workers and businesses while strengthening predictive labour market analysis and improving government responsiveness.
Digital platforms enhance worker protection
Dr. Al Awar also presented the UAE's digital platforms designed to strengthen worker protection through services covering wage protection, occupational health and safety, and labour dispute resolution. These platforms improve transparency while using predictive analytics and smart monitoring to identify workplace risks and support early intervention.
Addressing the evolution of social protection systems, he said, "The social security ecosystem in the UAE continues to evolve to keep pace with the expansion of modern work settings, particularly digital platform work," he said. "By doing so, it can offer greater opportunities for employment, ensure decent work conditions, reinforce fairness, and provide appropriate protection for all workers."
He further highlighted the importance of investing in skills development, noting that the AI-powered UAE Skills platform helps identify future occupations and align education and training programmes with labour market requirements.
BRICS members adopt joint declaration
Dr. Al Awar also expressed appreciation for India's leadership of the BRICS Group and its organisation of the Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing emerging labour market challenges.
The meeting concluded with member states adopting the Declaration of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting, reaffirming cooperation in areas including social protection, skills development, women's economic participation and digital transformation across labour markets.
According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE welcomed the adoption of the declaration and reaffirmed its commitment to working with fellow BRICS members to develop collaborative solutions that promote resilient, inclusive and sustainable labour markets.
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 13th July 2026
- Year: 2026
ECITB Global has launched a new suite of confined space training courses aimed at improving safety for engineering construction industry (ECI) workers operating in high-risk environments worldwide
The international skills body first introduced the four new courses in Qatar earlier this year, replacing the previous low- and medium-risk confined space programmes. The updated training has since become part of the mandatory ECITB courses required by Ashghal, Qatar's Public Works Authority, for engineering construction projects in the country.
Since their introduction, more than 5,000 learners in Qatar have completed one of the four courses. Following this strong uptake, ECITB Global has expanded the programme, making the full suite available to its network of licensed international training providers.
Three of the courses can each be completed in a single day, lasting between four and six hours, while the fourth is a comprehensive, hands-on rescue course designed for teams responsible for recovering casualties from confined spaces.
"Given the strong uptake in Qatar, we are delighted to be able to extend the opportunity to deliver these four new courses across our wider provider network.Confined space training is vitally important in the ECI given the high-hazard environments many workers operate in across sectors like oil & gas, renewables and process industries. The training standards these new courses are developed against are trusted by industry in covering the appreciation, principles and requirements of working safely in low, medium or high-risk confined spaces," said Tristan Kemp, ECITB Head of Commercial
"We anticipate a bulk of people will go through the Entrant course, which is equivalent to the old low risk course. Each of the courses comprises assessed knowledge and practical elements."
"Providers will need to have facilities and their equipment approved before they can start delivering these ‘courses in a box’, which include all slides, tutor notes, test papers and supporting materials."
Confined space training standards
ECITB Global is the international division of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), the industry-led skills body for engineering construction in Great Britain and sponsored by the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The four confined space courses have been developed in line with ECITB training standards, which are created in collaboration with subject matter experts from engineering construction employers, professional organisations and training providers. These standards define the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out engineering construction activities safely, including confined space work.
The courses cover key topics such as confined space hazards, control and safety measures, permit requirements, safe working precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), confined space entry equipment, and worker roles and responsibilities.
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10th July 2026
- Year: 2026
ECITB Global, the international division of the ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board), has rolled out new confined space courses globally, following their success in Qatar
The new courses are designed to help workers operating in confined spaces within the engineering construction industry (ECI) across the world.
The international skills body introduced the four new confined space courses in Qatar earlier this year to replace the confined space low and medium-risk courses. These now form part of the ECITB training courses mandated by Ashghal, the government regulatory authority for all public works in Qatar.
More than 5,000 learners in Qatar have completed one of the four new courses since then, following which ECITB Global has decided to make the full suite available to its wider global network of international licensed training providers.
The four confined space courses are developed against ECITB training standards, which are created working with subject matter experts from across engineering construction employers, professional organisations and training providers. Topics covered include knowledge of hazards, control and safety measures; permit requirements; precautions when working in a confined space; PPE and confined space entry equipment; and responsibilities. The four new confined space courses are:
• Confined Space Attendant/Hole Watcher (4 hours)
• Confined Space Entrant (4 hours)
• Confined Space Supervisor (6 hours)
• Confined Space Rescue (16-18 hours)
Tristan Kemp, ECITB head of Commercial said, “Given the strong uptake in Qatar, we are delighted to be able to extend the opportunity to deliver these four new courses across our wider provider network.
“Confined space training is vitally important in the ECI given the high-hazard environments many workers operate in across sectors like oil & gas, renewables and process industries. The training standards these new courses are developed against are trusted by industry in covering the appreciation, principles and requirements of working safely in low, medium or high-risk confined spaces.
“Providers will need to have facilities and their equipment approved before they can start delivering these ‘courses in a box’, which include all slides, tutor notes, test papers and supporting materials.”
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10th July 2026
- Year: 2026
Middle East companies have a strong showing in this year’s British Safety Council International Safety Awards
The International Safety Awards, sponsored by HSI donesafe, are open to organisations of all types, sizes and sectors in the UK and internationally, both members of the British Safety Council and non-members, and relate to the health and safety management at a specific site or business unit. The awards include a range of auto enter awards as well as free to enter awards.
British Safety Council held its annual Gala Dinner on 19 June in London to celebrate the winners of its International Safety Awards (ISAs) 2026. It was combined with a daytime conference, themed “Designing Safer Workplaces”, which explored practical and strategic approaches to improving health, safety, and wellbeing performance.
851 organisations won an International Safety Award. They span a wide range of sectors with significant representation from the construction, manufacturing, oil, gas, mining, power and utility sectors. Winners were drawn from 51 countries worldwide. 234 organisations were awarded a Distinction, 428 organisations were awarded a Merit and 189 organisations achieved a Pass.
Middle East winners
Country winners In the Middle East included Kuwait National Petroleum Company – Projects Directorate; China State Construction Engineering Corp Ltd (EGYPT) and China State Construction Overseas Development Co Ltd – The Cairo New Administrative Central Business District Project (Package 8&11); Qatar Free Zone Authority; ENGIE (Fadhili Operations & Maintenance Company), Saudi Arabia; and Roads and Transport Authority – Dubai.
Sector winners in the Middle East included Roads & Transport Authority Dubai (local government); ENGIE (Fadhili Operations & Maintenance Company) (power and utilities); Ecolog International, Dubai (hospitality & catering); and Dubai Duty Free (retail).
Health Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award went to Mayasa, Dubai Municipality - Health & Safety Department, while Rising Female Star Award in collaboration with SOWSHE was won by Dr. Hessa Al Jawi, Dubai Municipality - Health & Safety Department. Bashar Al Malik, Saudi Arabia Railways won the CEO Award, while Wellbeing Initiative Award went to WSP Middle East.
Speaking at the event, chief executive of the British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said, “The nature of our profession is such that success is often invisible. When safety systems work, nothing happens. When cultures are healthy, incidents do not occur. When leadership is strong, risks are identified and addressed before they become tragedies.
“That invisibility is, in one sense, the highest form of achievement. But it can also mean that the people responsible for it go unrecognised, their contribution unacknowledged by those around them.
“But our International Safety Awards have always striven to reward the unseen, to celebrate the invisible, and to shine a light on success; because success in safety is measured in lives unchanged by tragedy. That is worth celebrating, even when no one sees it.”
Chairman of the British Safety Council, Peter McGettrick said, “Last year alone, over 13,000 people in more than 100 countries came through our training programmes. But for me, it’s not really about the numbers.
“It’s about the fact that every one of those people leaves better equipped to look after the person working next to them. And that’s how change really happens. One decision, one action, one workplace at a time.”
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10th July 2026
- Year: 2026
The global governing body for motor sport, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has initiated the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme for Member Clubs of the FIA Region I MENA Mobility Council (Middle East & North Africa - MENA)
With 17 Member Clubs attending from 15 countries, the first seminar in Cairo introduced the current road safety outlook in the MENA region, the UN Vision for Road Safety, and the Safe System Approach, while inviting Clubs to share knowledge and takeaways from their own initiatives.
The FIA University programme has been designed with inputs from international experts helping FIA Member Clubs and government authorities to develop road safety projects. It will be delivered through in-person sessions as well as online learning. It has been developed in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and with the support of the FIA Foundation.
The launch of the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme in the MENA region precedes the Graduation Ceremony for 17 FIA Members from Asia-Pacific (FIA Region II) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, following their successful completion of the programme.
President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “The launch of the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa showcases the commitment of our FIA community to advancing road safety across the region at scale, bringing together 17 Member Clubs at this inaugural seminar in Cairo.
“At the FIA, we are committed to supporting our Members in their delivery of life saving initiatives, and through this programme we’re giving them and government authorities the tools and support to create safer roads for everyone.”
FIA MENA President, Essa Hamza Al Failakawi said, “Member Clubs across our region face unique road safety challenges, and by bringing them together to collaborate and share expertise, we can help them find the solutions they need.
"Launching the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme across the Middle East and North Africa is the crucial first step in turning the local knowledge of Member Clubs into meaningful action.”
Director of UNITAR’s Division for People and Social Development, Alex Mejía said, “Effective road safety policies only work when organisations work together towards a common goal. Through this programme, participants gain the practical tools and insights to make a difference on the ground.
"We’re proud to partner with the FIA as we work together to make roads safer for everyone across the Middle East and North Africa.”
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10th July 2026
- Year: 2026
More than 400 representatives of construction companies attended an awareness workshop held by Abu Dhabi City Municipality on heat safety regulations and heat stress prevention
The workshop aimed to familiarise employers and site supervisors with the importance of implementing heat stress management programmes and adopting the necessary preventive measures to minimise the impact of working in hot weather conditions, thereby ensuring a safe and healthy working environment at construction sites.
It included a presentation on the mechanisms for implementing the Midday Work Ban during the summer period, heat safety requirements, and the key measures that must be followed to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
The Midday Work Ban applies to workers carrying out duties in open areas and under direct sunlight. It applies from 12-30pm to 3.00 pm from 15 June to 15 September. Key categories include construction workers, road and infrastructure workers, excavation and utility workers, external maintenance personnel, landscaping, agriculture and park workers, as well as cleaning and waste collection workers operating outdoors. The ban does not apply to employees working inside enclosed buildings or air-conditioned facilities equipped with appropriate protective measures, provided that occupational health and safety requirements are fully observed.
The Municipality emphasised the importance of compliance with the resolution by contractors and workers in the construction sector in order to safeguard workers’ health and safety. The session highlighted the risks associated with working during periods of high temperatures, methods of preventing heat stress, emergency response procedures, and the importance of providing appropriate cooling facilities, rest breaks and hydration solutions at work sites.
Omar Mohammed Al Shahi, acting director of the Municipal Services Sector at Abu Dhabi City Municipality, stated that the workshop reflects the Municipality’s commitment to promoting a culture of prevention across work sites and supporting companies operating in the construction sector in implementing best practices in occupational health and safety. He noted that these efforts contribute to protecting workers from heat stress risks and fostering a safe and sustainable working environment throughout the summer season.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality urged members of the public and workers at construction sites to report any violations relating to non-compliance with the Midday Work Ban or heat safety requirements through the approved official channels or via email at
The Municipality said it intends to continue implementing awareness programmes and inspection campaigns throughout the Midday Work Ban period to enhance companies’ preparedness for summer working conditions and further strengthen the culture of safety and prevention within the construction sector.
These efforts contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable working environment that protects workers’ health and wellbeing while supporting quality of life in Abu Dhabi.
Other Gulf states also implement midday work bans and have implemented initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of heat stress. International Labour Organization (ILO) reports highlight that more than 2.4bn workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, resulting in more than 22.85mn occupational injuries each year.
https://hsereview.com/regional-coverage/middle-east/qatar-strengthens-heat-safety-measures