Middle East

• Topic: Security
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 6th May 2026
• Year: 2026

Saudi Arabia has intensified preparations for the Hajj season with a series of coordinated operational, safety and regulatory initiatives aimed at improving pilgrim mobility, enhancing public health measures and ensuring smooth crowd management across the holy sites.

In Madinah Region, the Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched a centralised road operations centre designed to strengthen monitoring and response capabilities during the pilgrimage period. The facility brings contractors and reporting teams together in one location to streamline communication, improve coordination and accelerate responses to incidents and emergencies.

The authority said the centre enables direct monitoring of weather developments and emergency situations, allowing officials to make faster operational decisions and improve traffic management. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to enhance road safety standards, improve user experience and support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to rank among the world’s leading countries for road quality by 2030.

The move comes as authorities prepare for the significant influx of pilgrims expected during Hajj, with transport efficiency and safety remaining central priorities.

Alongside transport measures, the Madinah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has activated an extensive Hajj operational plan focused on food safety, environmental compliance and animal welfare.

Round-the-clock field inspections are being carried out at fruit and vegetable markets, livestock markets and slaughterhouses under the supervision of specialists and veterinarians. Inspection teams are conducting laboratory testing on agricultural products to ensure they are free from diseases and pests, while monitoring compliance with licensing and health regulations.

Authorities are also overseeing meat inspections at abattoirs, monitoring livestock enclosures and ensuring environmentally responsible waste disposal practices. According to the ministry, teams are supervising six major slaughterhouses, more than 200 livestock enclosures and 106 feed warehouses during the season.

To improve efficiency, field operations related to inspections, data collection and disease control are being tracked electronically through the Midani application, helping automate workflows and strengthen monitoring procedures.

Officials have additionally introduced temporary designated areas for mobile livestock sellers, displayed slaughtering price lists at abattoirs and enhanced accessibility measures, including dedicated facilities for people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce has intensified its own inspection campaigns across Makkah, Madinah, the miqats and roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. Since the beginning of Dhul-Qi’dah, the ministry has conducted more than 23,000 preventive inspection tours aimed at strengthening consumer protection and ensuring the availability of essential goods and services for pilgrims.

The inspections covered retail outlets and commercial establishments in key pilgrimage areas, including Al-Juhfah, Yalamlam and Qarn Al-Manazil. Officials verified pricing transparency, the validity of commercial offers and compliance with regulations designed to maintain service quality throughout the pilgrimage season.

At the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, authorities have also deployed an advanced crowd management system to regulate the movement of worshippers and visitors, particularly during peak prayer periods.

Operational plans implemented ahead of prayer times involve distributing worshippers across prayer halls and courtyards while directing visitors towards less congested areas to reduce pressure on key access routes and corridors.

Modern monitoring technologies are being used to analyse crowd density in real time, enabling immediate operational adjustments when necessary. Interactive multilingual signage and digital guidance screens are also helping direct worshippers to appropriate entry and exit points, improving movement flows and enhancing safety during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 5th May 2026
• Year: 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced the results of its inspections of recruitment offices and companies during the first quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen regulation and protect the rights of service users.

The Ministry said it uncovered several violations, leading to regulatory action against 14 recruitment offices.

Three offices were immediately suspended, while the licences of 11 others were revoked after they failed to correct their violations within the given grace period.

According to the Ministry, the breaches included violations of recruitment and labour service regulations, delays in refunding payments owed to clients and failures to properly respond to customer complaints.

Officials said the measures are part of wider efforts to improve compliance in the country’s labour market and enhance the quality and transparency of recruitment services.

The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing monitoring and enforcement, urging users to rely on approved services through the ‘Musaned’ platform, which provides electronic contracting, service provider ratings and complaint tracking tools.

It also encouraged the public to report violations via the Musaned mobile app.

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 4th May 2026
• Year: 2026

Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global trade and energy security during a joint press conference involving Gulf Cooperation Council member states and the United States.

Speaking on a proposed resolution concerning freedom of navigation, Alwasil warned that any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for international markets and supply chains.

“The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints,” he said. “Any threat to navigation in this corridor directly impacts the stability of global markets and energy supplies.”

He highlighted the wider humanitarian and economic implications of disruptions to maritime trade, noting that interruptions could affect the movement of essential goods, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance.

Alwasil also called for stronger international cooperation to safeguard maritime security and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade in line with international law.

“We must work collectively to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation,” he said. “Protecting key maritime routes is essential for maintaining regional and international peace and security.”

The Saudi representative emphasised that coordinated global action would be necessary to preserve stability in strategic waterways and reinforce confidence in international trade routes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 1st May 2026
• Year: 2026

Ooredoo Kuwait has secured an “excellent” rating following a large-scale emergency evacuation drill at its headquarters, conducted in coordination with Kuwait Civil Defence. The exercise highlights the company’s ongoing focus on workplace safety and crisis preparedness.

The drill simulated a full-building evacuation scenario, designed to test both employee response and the effectiveness of on-site safety systems. Officials from the Civil Defence authority oversaw the operation, evaluating performance against established health and safety standards while providing hands-on guidance to participants.

Alongside the exercise, the company partnered with the Kuwait Public Fire Force to deliver a safety awareness workshop. The session aimed to reinforce knowledge of fire prevention, emergency procedures and risk mitigation, supporting a broader culture of shared responsibility across the workforce.

Following the assessment, Civil Defence awarded the facility its highest “excellent” rating, citing the efficiency of evacuation procedures, adherence to safety protocols and the overall readiness of both personnel and infrastructure.

Omar Al-Bassam, Chief Human Resources and Administration Service Officer, said the initiative reflects the company’s proactive approach to safety. “Ensuring the wellbeing of our employees and visitors remains a top priority. We continue to enhance our safety systems through close collaboration with government authorities, particularly Civil Defence and the Public Fire Force,” he said.

“Exercises of this nature are essential in strengthening preparedness and ensuring our teams can respond confidently in emergency situations. Achieving an ‘excellent’ rating demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach and the strong coordination between all parties involved,” he added.

Osama Al-Ghanim, Director of Services, noted that the drill was executed under a detailed operational framework developed jointly with Civil Defence. “Employees were guided through structured evacuation procedures and directed to designated safe areas within the building, all of which were evaluated to meet stringent safety requirements,” he said.

He added that advanced safety systems and clearly defined emergency protocols played a critical role in achieving the high rating. “Our commitment to international best practice is ongoing. Through collaboration with the Public Fire Force, we continue to deliver training programmes covering fire response, evacuation and first aid to ensure our teams are fully equipped to manage emergencies.”

The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining robust safety standards and acknowledged the support of national authorities in strengthening workplace resilience across the sector.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 1st May 2026
• Year: 2026

Construction activity at Expo 2030 Riyadh has reached a new stage of development with the award of two additional main utilities and infrastructure packages to Al Yamama Company, strengthening the focus on safety as works scale up across the 6 million sq m site.

The latest contracts follow earlier infrastructure works awarded to Nesma & Partners, and form part of a wider programme to prepare the site for future construction phases. These include internal road networks, smart mobility systems, and the installation of essential utilities such as water, sewage, electricity, telecommunications and EV charging infrastructure.

Beyond enabling development, safety remains a central priority across all operations. Project teams have already recorded more than one million safe working hours without a lost time incident, a milestone highlighted by organisers as evidence of strict adherence to health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards.

Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, said the new awards reflect continued progress across the programme while reinforcing safety expectations. “As construction advances, maintaining the highest levels of health and safety is non-negotiable,” he said. “These new packages build on strong momentum across the project, while ensuring that every phase of delivery is carried out with strict compliance to safety, quality and environmental standards.”

He added that contractor selection is based not only on technical capability but also on a proven commitment to worker welfare. “We are working with partners who share our safety culture and understand that responsible delivery is essential to achieving a world-class Expo,” he said.

From the contractor side, Hamad Mohammad Al Ammar, Board Member and Vice President of Al Yamama Company, emphasised safety as a core operational principle. “We are proud to contribute to Expo 2030 Riyadh through these infrastructure packages,” he said. “Our commitment goes beyond delivery timelines; it is rooted in ensuring safe working environments, strong HSE compliance, and sustainable construction practices at every stage.”

With infrastructure works progressing in phases, organisers say the project continues to prioritise safe execution as a foundation for long-term success.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 30th April 2026
• Year: 2026

Growing tensions in the Middle East have placed thousands of seafarers in a difficult and dangerous position, prompting urgent calls for action from global maritime authorities

Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 have raised serious concerns about the safety of around 20,000 seafarers currently stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Representing governments, seafarers and shipowners, the committee has appealed to Member States of the International Labour Organization to act quickly and responsibly. Their message is clear that immediate cooperation is needed to protect lives and ensure the wellbeing of those working at sea under increasingly uncertain conditions. They have also urged flag States and the wider shipping industry to proceed with extreme caution until the situation becomes more stable.

Despite the ongoing crisis, the committee stressed that the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 must continue to be followed without exception. Upholding these standards is seen as even more important during times of conflict, when seafarers face heightened risks and limited support.

The situation has also raised concerns about the supply of essential goods. Many vessels in the region are unable to move freely, making it difficult to access food, water and fuel. The committee has therefore emphasised the need to maintain steady deliveries of these vital supplies. In addition, they have called for practical steps to allow crew changes and safe return of seafarers to their home countries, in line with international regulations.

Another key issue is the recognition of seafarers as essential workers. The committee has asked governments to take clear steps to support their safe movement, including access to shore leave, medical care and communication with their families.

Human rights remain central to the discussion. Seafarers should have the freedom to decide whether to work in high risk areas without fear of losing future job opportunities. The committee also acknowledged ongoing cooperation between global maritime leaders in addressing the situation and working towards safer conditions for all involved.

Saudi Arabia also voiced concerns about the safety of seafarers. The kingdom's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the Netherlands' Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen in Riyadh on 22 April. During the discussion, the ministers reviewed joint efforts to ensure the security and safety of international waterways.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 27th April 2026
• Year: 2026

Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics has published its 2025 Health and Safety at Workplace report, revealing a risk awareness rate of 76.7% among workers aged 18 and above.

The findings also show that occupational injuries remain relatively low. Among workers aged 15 and above, the rate stood at 245 non-fatal injuries and 1.3 fatal incidents per 100,000 workers, excluding road traffic-related cases.

In terms of workplace conditions, just over half of respondents (51.8%) said preventive safety measures are in place at their workplaces. Meanwhile, 46.6% reported access to at least one initiative designed to ease daily tasks, and 34.5% indicated that their employer provides resources supporting personal health and wellbeing.

The report highlights prolonged standing as the most common occupational risk, affecting 25.3% of workers who spend four hours or more on their feet each day. Fatigue or working beyond personal capacity followed at 16.7%, reflecting ongoing challenges around workload and physical strain.

When it comes to health impacts, work-related stress emerged as the most frequently reported issue over the past year, cited by 6% of respondents. Eye and vision problems ranked second at 3%, indicating the effects of prolonged screen use and working conditions.

The data was collected through household surveys conducted as part of the National Health Survey 2025, using self-reported responses from participants. Injury rates were calculated separately using administrative records from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

Overall, the report provides insight into workplace safety conditions in Saudi Arabia, highlighting both progress in awareness and areas where further improvements in health support and risk mitigation may be required.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 27th April 2026
• Year: 2026

A significant new regulation aimed at strengthening occupational health and safety across the Kingdom came into full effect last week, requiring employers to implement mandatory fitness examinations for workers.

From 22 April 2026, the Regulation for Occupational Fitness Examinations and Non-Communicable Diseases Examinations has become enforceable, marking a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to create healthier and safer workplaces.

The move forms part of the country’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions to modernise labour practices, reduce occupational risks, and promote long-term workforce wellbeing.

The regulation, issued by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), applies to all employees in government entities, private sector establishments, and non-profit organisations.

It covers permanent staff, temporary or seasonal workers, trainees, people with disabilities, and those on remote contracts.

Under the new rules, employers must arrange and ensure the completion of comprehensive occupational fitness examinations conducted by accredited specialists in occupational medicine recognised by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

These assessments evaluate physical, mental, and psychological fitness to ensure employees can safely perform their roles.

Examinations are mandatory in several situations: before starting employment (pre-placement), when changing roles or positions that involve different health and safety risks, following an occupational injury or illness, upon return from extended medical leave, and for periodic monitoring in high-risk professions.

The checks also support the early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic health issues that could affect workplace performance or safety.

The regulation was published in the Official Gazette (Umm Al-Qura) and followed a 180-day implementation period after its formal adoption via Ministerial Decision 33232.

This grace period allowed employers time to update policies, engage qualified medical providers, and align data protection and human resources processes with the new requirements.

Health and safety experts have welcomed the development.

The examinations go beyond traditional pre-employment medical checks by incorporating a holistic approach that includes mental and psychological wellbeing – areas increasingly recognised as critical to preventing workplace incidents and supporting productivity.

Typical components of the fitness assessment may include clinical examinations, laboratory tests (such as blood analysis and urine screening), and, where clinically indicated, electrocardiograms (for those over 40), chest X-rays, audiometry, or tests for aerobic capacity and musculoskeletal function.

For certain high-risk roles – for example in construction, firefighting, or industrial settings – additional specialised evaluations are required.

By focusing on non-communicable diseases and overall fitness, the regulation aims to reduce occupational illnesses and injuries, lower absenteeism, and contribute to a more resilient labour market.

It aligns with international standards from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), while reflecting local priorities under Saudi Arabia’s national occupational safety framework.

Employers are now advised to review their existing health and safety policies, identify workers who may require examinations, and ensure compliance to avoid potential penalties.

Failure to meet the requirements could result in regulatory action, although the emphasis in the initial period is expected to be on guidance and support rather than immediate enforcement.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 24th April 2026
• Year: 2026

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reported a 20% decline in truck-related traffic accidents in 2025, following a series of targeted safety initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and regulatory improvements across the emirate’s logistics sector.

The authority attributed the reduction to a coordinated approach aimed at strengthening road safety while enhancing efficiency within freight transport operations. These measures form part of broader efforts to support economic growth, improve supply chain performance and uphold high safety standards.

A number of key initiatives were introduced to address risks associated with heavy vehicle movement. These included the installation of rear underrun protection systems on trucks to minimise the severity of collisions, as well as specialised training programmes designed to improve driver behaviour and technical skills.

RTA also enhanced its rapid response capabilities, enabling quicker removal of broken-down trucks from major roads. This has helped reduce congestion and minimise the risk of secondary incidents caused by stationary vehicles.

In parallel, the authority conducted more than 30 awareness campaigns targeting freight operators and drivers. These initiatives focused on reducing unsafe practices such as abrupt lane changes, insufficient following distances and improper reversing, all of which are common contributors to accidents involving heavy vehicles.

Infrastructure improvements have also played a role. A total of 14 dedicated truck rest areas have been established across six key locations, including major logistics hubs. These facilities are intended to improve driver welfare, support compliance with rest requirements and enhance overall traffic flow.

Regulatory measures have further strengthened compliance within the sector. The number of permits issued for truck movement during restricted hours dropped by around 70% in 2025 compared with the previous year, indicating greater adherence to updated traffic rules.

Together, these efforts highlight Dubai’s focus on creating a safer and more efficient transport environment for freight operations. By combining enforcement, infrastructure investment and driver engagement, the RTA is working to reduce risks associated with heavy vehicle traffic while supporting the continued growth of the logistics sector.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 23rd April 2026
• Year: 2026

Several key authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have formed a strategic partnership to enhance the emirate’s safety and emergency response framework, aligning with directives from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

The collaboration brings together the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Defence Department, Ras Al Khaimah Customs, RAKEZ, Ras Al Khaimah Ports and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. The initiative is aimed at strengthening coordination across critical infrastructure and improving overall operational readiness.

The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation between entities by aligning procedures, improving risk management practices and ensuring compliance with international safety standards. A key objective is to create a more integrated system capable of responding effectively to a range of emergency scenarios.

Planned measures include the regular review and updating of evacuation and emergency response plans, as well as the organisation of joint drills to test readiness and coordination. The entities will also collaborate on improving protocols for handling hazardous materials, alongside delivering specialised training programmes to build technical expertise.

In addition, the partnership will support the alignment of safety requirements for upcoming infrastructure projects and expansions. This is intended to ensure that risk mitigation and emergency preparedness are embedded from the early planning stages, in line with the emirate’s ongoing development.

Officials noted that the initiative represents a significant step towards strengthening the resilience of Ras Al Khaimah’s operational ecosystem, particularly across its ports and logistics infrastructure. By improving coordination and information sharing, the entities aim to enhance response capabilities under both routine and high-risk conditions.

The collaboration is also expected to support the emirate’s broader economic ambitions by reinforcing its reputation as a safe and efficient destination for trade, investment and industrial activity.

The agreement reflects the implementation of Decree No. 25 of 2025 issued by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, which established the Committee for the Security and Development of Ports. The committee is tasked with strengthening port security, improving coordination between authorities and promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices.

Through this coordinated approach, Ras Al Khaimah is advancing its efforts to build a robust, future-ready safety framework capable of supporting continued growth while safeguarding critical infrastructure and communities.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 20th April 2026
• Year: 2026

IntrospeXion, a specialist consultancy firm providing mental health and wellbeing support to offshore and energy workforces, is expanding into the Middle East

The company, led by experienced psychologists and mental health practitioners, will now deliver its behavioural risk and wellbeing consultancy services to clients in the Middle East following the award of new contracts.

Working with regional-specific supply chain and service companies, IntrospeXion will provide a range of support, including on-site mental health hubs and drop-in clinics, audits and assessments, and leadership coaching to top-level energy executives. IntrospeXion will also help new clientele working in complex and demanding environments, such as offshore, to ensure they have direct access to mental health support.

The expansion into the Middle East represents IntrospeXion’s continued growth since first entering the market, demonstrating how companies are increasingly looking to prioritise the wellbeing of their employees to bolster resilience, support teams, and embed psychologically safe practices within safety cultures.

Shabnum Hanif, IntrospeXion’s founder and managing director, commented, “In the energy and offshore industry, HSE and employee wellbeing isn’t limited to the physical risks that they encounter on-site; it's about a holistic approach that encompasses mental health and welfare. When we take care of every risk our people face, we are placing the industry in the best position to push forward. While visiting contacts in the Middle East, it was evident that there was a clear recognition that caring for and investing in people is an integral part of business growth, but that there aren’t always accessible or manageable resources to utilise.

“By moving into the Middle East market, we can provide that resource. Tackling offshore operations and internal mental health policies and frameworks, we are determined to keep demonstrating that wellbeing is not a “nice to have” but rather that it should be ingrained within the operational infrastructure. We are confident that we can help make a difference in the region.”

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 17th April 2026
• Year: 2026

The Ministry of Transport, in coordination with relevant departments of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), has concluded its campaign activities planned for the first quarter of 2026 targeting limousine companies and passenger transport service providers operating through electronic applications.

The campaigns led to the detection of 32 violations of Law No. 8 of 2019 regulating road transport, along with its Implementing Regulations issued under Minister of Transport Decision No. 13 of 2024.

According to the Ministry, the campaigns were carried out across all regions of Qatar, with a particular focus on business districts, service areas, and other high-activity zones. This reflects an expanded enforcement approach aimed at strengthening compliance in densely populated and commercially significant areas.

The Ministry of Transport reaffirmed that it continues its regulatory and enforcement efforts against non-compliant companies. It also urged all operators to comply with applicable laws and obtain the necessary licences before providing services, in order to avoid legal accountability.

It further stressed its commitment to ensuring that passenger transport companies adhere to regulations, meet safety requirements, and deliver high-quality services across the sector.