Middle East

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) explores how AI, digitalisation, robotics and automation are improving worker health and wellbeing in workplaces worldwide, while underlining the need for proactive policies to ensure these technologies are implemented safely and equitably

The report, titled Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work, highlights how robots help reduce risks and improve efficiency by taking on hazardous tasks, assisting in surgeries, and optimising logistics. AI-powered systems enhance safety and health monitoring, and streamline tasks and operations, easing workloads and driving innovation – even in traditionally low-tech sectors. 

“Digitalisation offers immense opportunities to enhance workplace safety. Robots can replace workers in hazardous ‘3D jobs’, which can be dirty, dangerous, and demeaning. Automation can reduce repetitive tasks, such as in factory production lines or in administrative work, allowing workers to take on more challenging tasks,” said Manal Azzi, team lead on OSH Policy at the ILO. “But for us to fully benefit from these technologies, we must ensure they are implemented without incurring new risks.”

Technology’s impact on safety and health

The report highlights that advanced robotics and automation, the use of virtual and extended reality, as well as new tools such as smart wearable devices that provide real-time risk detection or environmental sensors that track air quality, are transforming safety and health by preventing accidents and reducing hazardous exposures. Furthermore, digitalisation is leading to the rise of hybrid and remote work arrangements that are creating flexibility and improving mental health.

VR is transforming training by providing immersive, interactive experiences for high-risk environments that are difficult to simulate theoretically, such as emergency response, fire training and working at heights. The report highlights an example from Qatar, where The Qatar Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the ILO, launched a VR-based training programme for labour inspectors, which enhances OSH enforcement by allowing inspectors to explore virtual construction sites, identify workplace risks and correct safety violations without entering hazardous environments. The programme also improves guidance for employers and workers, strengthening compliance with OSH standards.

However, these advancements may also bring in new risks. While robots effectively take on hazardous tasks, workers who maintain, repair, or collaborate with these machines may face new dangers. Unpredictable robotic behaviours, system failures, or cyber threats can compromise safety. Ergonomic risks may arise from human-robot interaction, as well as from the use of wearables and exoskeletons that lack proper fit, usability, or comfort.

The study highlights that over-reliance on AI and automation may reduce human oversight, which would, in turn, increase OSH risks, while algorithm-driven workloads and being continuously connected can contribute to stress, burnout, and mental health issues.

The report also exposes safety and health risks faced by workers across the digital supply chain, from those in extraction processes to those powering AI, as well as workers handling electronic waste.

Global policy response and the role of the ILO

The report highlights regulatory gaps in managing OSH risks linked to digitalisation and calls for stronger global, regional, and national policies. The ILO’s OSH conventions (Nos. 155 and 187) provide a foundation for ensuring the right to a safe and healthy workplace in the digital era.

Policies and regulations worldwide increasingly include new measures covering robotic safety and human-robot interaction, the right to disconnect, improved algorithmic management of work, and safe telework and platform work.

Worker involvement is essential at every stage of technology adoption, the report argues. Training and awareness raising initiatives are key to ensuring safe use of new technologies. Further research will be needed to fully understand the long-term occupational safety and health impacts of digital transformation.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

With World Day for Safety and Health at Work approaching, it is an ideal time for businesses to reflect on the importance of maintaining health and safety in every workplace.

Gavin Scarr Hall, director of Health & Safety at Peninsula, says, “Health & safety is not just the responsibility of select few – it’s something that affects all of us, every day. Whether you’re in the office, at home or working remotely, we all play a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe environment. While great advances have been made, there are still far too many mistakes being made by businesses across the country many of which are easily avoidable and quick to fix. I’ve put together a list of the top 5 most common mistakes my team has found over the last year.”

Failing to display the Health & Safety Law poster
A surprisingly common oversight among businesses is not displaying the mandatory Health & Safety Law poster. The poster outlines the legal responsibilities of both employers and employees regarding workplace safety. Businesses employing staff are legally obliged to either display the poster where it is easily visible or distribute the official leaflet to each employee. “So, take it out of the drawer and get it on the wall,” urges Scarr Hall.

Not sharing risk assessments with staff
Completing a risk assessment is only part of the process; failing to involve employees is a mistake seen all too often. Staff typically have detailed knowledge of the practical risks associated with their work, and involving them helps create more effective safety controls. Sharing the outcomes also promotes greater compliance and fosters a culture of collective responsibility.

Neglecting health & safety training
Employers are required by law to provide appropriate information, instruction, and training to employees, contractors, and site visitors to ensure safe working practices. Training must be accessible, taking into account the varying language skills, educational backgrounds, and learning abilities of workers. Selecting the right method—whether classroom training, on-the-job instruction, or toolbox talks—ensures employees receive the knowledge they need to work safely.

Poor housekeeping practices
Workplaces must be kept clean and well-maintained, as required by safety and welfare regulations. Good housekeeping is essential not only for hygiene but also for accident prevention. Employers should implement formal maintenance and cleaning routines, while employees should also be responsible for keeping their workspaces tidy and hazard-free. Policies must clearly outline these expectations.

Overlooking mental health and work-related stress
Mental health issues are now the leading cause of workplace absence, with over half a million workers suffering from work-related stress in the UK alone. “The earlier an employee’s symptoms of stress at work are recognised the easier it is to control and manage,” says Scarr Hall. To address this, employers should implement a work-related stress policy that details the company's commitment to prevention and the measures in place to support affected employees.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

Wolters Kluwer, a global provider of professional information, software solutions, and services, has released new survey findings revealing significant trends around Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) management.

According to the survey, 49% of EHS functions plan to invest in AI within the next 12 months, and 77% prioritise AI skills when recruiting.

Richard Pulliam, SVP and General Manager of Wolters Kluwer EHS & ESG, commented, “AI promises to revolutionise EHS by enabling leaders to collect data, and then interpret, plan, predict and act with unprecedented speed, accuracy, and efficiency. With nearly half of EHS teams planning to invest in AI in the coming year, the ability to collect high-quality data from across the enterprise will be crucial to optimising this potential. We are deeply committed to driving innovation and providing game-changing technologies to ensure EHS teams are future-ready.”

EHS teams slow to adopt AI compared to other business functions
While AI is reshaping many industries, EHS teams have been slower to implement the technology. Only 28% of EHS practitioners reported current AI use within their departments. In contrast, 62% said AI adoption in their EHS function lagged behind other areas of their business.

Investment in AI is growing, but budget clarity is needed
Nearly half of the survey respondents reported active plans to invest in AI technologies over the next year. However, 38% were uncertain about their department’s AI investment intentions, suggesting a need for clearer communication about available budgets and strategies. Only 13% of respondents stated there were no plans to invest in AI.

Developing AI skills a rising priority for EHS teams
Building AI capabilities is becoming increasingly important. According to the survey, 25% of EHS practitioners currently have no AI skills or experience, and 61% classify themselves as beginners. Encouragingly, half of EHS functions have either already provided AI training or plan to offer it soon.

When it comes to recruitment, AI skills are highly valued. A significant 77% of respondents noted that AI expertise is an important consideration when hiring, reflecting a dual strategy of upskilling existing teams and attracting new talent with relevant capabilities.

The survey, conducted with 162 EHS professionals at the Wolters Kluwer Sustainable Performance Forum (SPF) 2025, underscores a clear shift: while EHS has been slower to adopt AI compared to other fields, investment and skills development are becoming key priorities. As businesses continue to focus on improving efficiency, safety, and compliance, AI is poised to play a critical role in transforming EHS practices.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

The UK's Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has announced a significant training contract with Bahrain-based Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill (Garmco)

Under the agreement, Garmco is licensed to deliver IOSH’s Working Safely, Managing Safely and Fire Safety Awareness courses.  IOSH has also approved the company’s three tailored half-day courses on CoSSH, confined spaces, and permit to work.

The contract demonstrates Garmco’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety of its human capital as well as representing another positive step that IOSH is taking to improve workers’ health and safety in the Gulf States.

Mohamed Rafea, CEO of Garmco, said, “Becoming an IOSH-approved training provider marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster a proactive safety culture and support our employees’ professional growth.”

He added that the partnership would enable Garmco to provide international safety training that strengthens its team’s competence and knowledge, ensuring they are better equipped to implement advanced safety practices and comply with internationally recognised safety standards.

Iain Mcintosh, senior business development manager at IOSH, said, “We are thrilled to have teamed up with Garmco. It’s another demonstration of what we can offer through our IOSH for Business initiative. We look forward to helping the company to create an internal training function that will strengthen its critical safety initiatives and enhance the expertise of its staff.”

GARMCO works proactively to ensure the health and safety of all employees, contractors and visitors through stringent measures that are governed by GARMCO’s occupational health and safety policies aligned with ISO 45001:2018 and other relevant international and national standards.

The company has a fully-equipped health centre that conducts regular medical check-ups for staff, as well as a fire station that organises fire drills and emergency evacuation exercises. Health and safety rules and guidelines are continuously communicated to all staff, and related key performance indicators are monitored on a monthly basis, together with a review of employee feedback. Job safe practice training and preventive campaigns are conducted on a regular basis, fostering a culture of occupational health and safety. 

As an example, in December 2024, GARMCO organised a Safety Week campaign to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace and equip employees with the necessary information and skills to protect themselves and their colleagues through interactive activities that enhance effective participation among employees.

In February, GARMCO employees participated in the fourth edition of the Bahrain Firefighter Challenge, which brought together firefighters from various government and private sectors, along with amateur participants, to in challenges simulating the field tasks of firefighters. The event contributes to enhancing professionalism among firefighters and fosters community partnership in promoting a culture of safety.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

The world’s busiest international airport has been awarded the Airports Council International (ACI) Safety Recognition Award 2025, recognising Dubai International’s proactive and innovative approach to aerodrome safety, positioning the airport as a leading example of safety leadership in global aviation

Presented during the 2nd ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly and Conference in New Delhi, India, the award was accepted by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Buti Qurwash, Senior Vice President of Safety & Security. ACI’s recognition is given to airport operators demonstrating a commitment to safety that extends beyond regulatory compliance, with a focus on operational resilience and risk management.

The airport has implemented several internal initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of safety. These include the Safety Superstar Award, highlighting exemplary individual safety practices, as well as a confidential reporting system to encourage early identification of safety concerns by employees at all levels.

Interactive educational tools, such as safety videos and targeted surveys, along with joint campaigns between departments and partners, further reinforce safety awareness and shared responsibility. Through the use of data, smart technologies, and real-time insights, DXB is enhancing its capacity to manage operational risks and anticipate future challenges.

Griffiths noted that safety at DXB is seen not only as a regulatory obligation but as a foundational element of airport operations. This recognition from ACI reflects the efforts of teams and partners working collaboratively to ensure a safe, smooth experience for passengers and stakeholders alike.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

e& UAE has launched a new initiative to modernise telecom tower inspections using autonomous drones enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI).

The rollout marks a significant step in transforming infrastructure maintenance, offering improved safety, faster operations, and reduced environmental impact.

The system integrates real-time data analytics, autonomous flight, and AI to streamline the monitoring and upkeep of telecom towers throughout the country. Flights are operated remotely via the company’s Drones Operations Centre, where teams monitor each mission in real time, enforce safety protocols, and verify the accuracy of inspections.

Unlike manual inspections that often involve significant risks and downtime, these drones can autonomously navigate complex sites, helping to protect workers while increasing the speed and efficiency of assessments. The drones are also designed to assist in emergency response scenarios, where they can support the delivery of aid and ensure network continuity in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations.

Using advanced AI-powered analytics, the drones can identify structural faults or irregularities on the spot, allowing maintenance teams to act before problems escalate. This proactive maintenance approach reduces potential service disruptions and extends the lifespan of infrastructure.

Beyond structural inspections, the drones can also support oversight of safety procedures and detect unauthorised activity around telecom assets, contributing to a more secure and resilient network.

All data collected during inspections is fed into e& UAE’s digital infrastructure management platform. This enables predictive maintenance planning, more efficient asset use, and a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional methods of tower inspection.

Marwan bin Shakar, acting chief technology & information officer, e& UAE, said, “The integration of autonomous drones into our operations reflects our commitment to reimagining network operations through cutting-edge innovation that improves reliability, safety and sustainability. Through AI-powered insights and real-time control, we are enhancing the safety and accuracy of telecom tower inspections while enabling faster, data-driven decisions that future-proof our infrastructure. And with the support of the Drones Operations Centre, we’re demonstrating how technology can elevate operational resilience while supporting the UAE’s broader ambitions for smart, sustainable cities.”

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

Abu Dhabi-headquartered EMSTEEL, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, has been recognised as a 2025 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel) for the second consecutive year

The recognition was presented during the worldsteel Special General Meeting held in Sydney, Australia. Now in its eighth year, the Steel Sustainability Champion accolade—part of The Steelie Awards—honours companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable development in the global steel industry. They have to fulfil stringent criteria, including signing the worldsteel Sustainability Charter, meeting 20 sustainability criteria, providing Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data, and participating in worldsteel’s initiatives such as the Steelie Awards or the Safety and Health Recognition Programme.

The recognition is a direct result of the significant progress EMSTEEL made throughout 2024 in enhancing sustainability. For example, the company has partnered with Masdar to launch the MENA region’s first green hydrogen demonstration project for the steel industry, positioning EMSTEEL as a leader in the UAE’s hydrogen economy and a driving force for providing sustainable solutions for the construction and manufacturing sectors.

EMSTEEL is also active on the global stage. As a co-chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation, an initiative led by the International Renewable Energy Agency, EMSTEEL is working alongside 84 partners to set joint decarbonisation targets, including tripling renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030.

As part of its ambitious decarbonisation roadmap, EMSTEEL aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in its Steel Business Unit and 30% in its Cement Business by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has already made substantial progress, having reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity by 23%.

Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Being named a worldsteel Sustainability Champion is a true honour and a reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone at EMSTEEL. It reinforces our commitment to driving the transition towards a low-carbon future, not just for the steel industry, but for the entire global industrial landscape. With a continued focus on innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, we will build a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.

“As the first steelmaker in the world to capture part of its CO₂ emissions, we have been able to operate with 45% less carbon intensity than the global average and are excited to continue playing a cataclysmic role in decarbonising this hard-to-abate sector and the downstream supply chain.”

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

2,864 workers attended a construction safety lesson at Diriyah's Wafi Safar development, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson

The 30-minute lesson covered the 'Top Five Critical Safety Hazards in the Construction Industry'.

A dedicated outdoor venue was constructed specifically with the world record in mind.

Diriyah Company's group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, ceelebrated the record. "This new world record, in which Diriyah’s project staff gathered in Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company’s masterplans covering an area of over 62 sq km demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and our goal of ensuring everyone returns home safely to their families.

"Our Health & Safety management system goes above and beyond to ensure and protect the welfare of employees, contractors and on-site teams working across the Diriyah project."

Diriyah is one of several giga-projects backed by the Public Investment Fund, and aims to provide homes for around 100,000 residents upon completion.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has signed an MoU with Aramco to collaborate on advancing fire and life safety to meet Aramco’s requirements and support public safety in Saudi Arabia, as well as testing and personnel training on UL standards and workplace safety

The MoU includes collaboration to support Aramco’s IKTVA programme goals, which support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, including developing the local energy sector, creating new jobs, improving supply chain efficiency and promoting Saudi Arabia as an export hub.

“With our mission of working for a safer world, we are ready to support the goals of Aramco and Saudi Arabia for a safer and more sustainable future,” said Jomy Joseph, regional director of the Middle East and Africa at UL Solutions. “This MoU fosters a better understanding of stakeholder requirements and how we can help enable innovation for a safer and more successful future in Saudi Arabia with our longstanding expertise in fire and life safety science.”

“Our potential collaboration with UL Solutions through this MoU marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing fire safety standards and enhancing emergency response capabilities,” said Abdullah M. Ghamdi, vice president of Fire Protection at Aramco. “Together, we look forward to combining our strengths toward achieving Vision 2030 by creating safer environments, enhancing our respective capabilities and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in fire safety practices.”

Saudi Arabia’s fire and life safety standards are being upgraded as part of the Vision 2030 plan, in alignment with the Kingdom’s rapid growth, with the expansion of mega and giga projects significantly increasing the demand for specialised Fire & Life Safety expertise. International consultancy AESG recently announced it is strengthening its fire and life safety business in Saudi Arabia, and the US-based NFPA is stepping up its collaboration with Saudi Arabia to advance fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development, to support the Kingdom’s mega projects. Local and regional demand for fire prevention and safety implementation systems is anticipated to continue to grow strongly.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

Houston-based SureWerx, a prominent global supplier of safety gear, tools, and equipment, has completed its acquisition of Reliance Fall Protection, LLC, a company specialising in fall safety solutions.

The financial details of the deal were not made public.

Reliance Fall Protection, with operations in Houston, Texas, and Arvada, Colorado, has been a key player in the industry since its founding in 2000.

The company initially gained recognition for developing horizontal lifeline systems that minimise fall height requirements while maintaining structural integrity at the endpoints.

Over the years, it has expanded its portfolio to include a broad range of safety products tailored for construction and height-related work.

These offerings encompass self-retracting lifelines—such as the Enviroshield Sealed-Block, Skyloc II, and MicroLoc—along with harnesses, lanyards, an Aluminum Rail Fall Arrest System, and various anchors, including adjustable davits.

The acquisition enhances SureWerx’s position in the fall protection market, adding Reliance’s expertise to its existing lineup.

“Adding Reliance Fall Protection to our growing, world-class portfolio of fall protection products and SureWerx brands moves us ever further toward our goal of becoming the global leader in safety and productivity,” said SureWerx CEO Chris Baby.

“Reliance Fall Protection complements our FALL SAFE and PeakWorks fall protection brands and brings us closer to building a robust and innovative fall protection portfolio as part of the SureWerx platform. Reliance Fall Protection excels in the most technical and demanding portion of the fall protection market, setting them apart from their competition. We are thrilled to be adding this highly respected brand to our market-leading portfolio of best-in-class safety products.”

Reliance Fall Protection has built its brand on advancing safety standards through accessible, high-quality equipment.

“Reliance Fall Protection has always been dedicated to raising the standards of personal fall protection equipment by providing readily accessible products both regionally and nationally. Reliance Fall Protection prides itself on exceeding customers’ expectations by meeting regulatory safety standards in ANSI Z359 and ISO 17025 internally,” said Reliance Fall Protection founder, Joe Shaw.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with SureWerx, a company that holds the same values and commitment to worker safety as Reliance Fall Protection. Their reach into the global industrial markets across multiple channels will undoubtedly accelerate growth of all Reliance Fall Protection’s well-respected brands. We are in good hands—the future for Reliance Fall Protection is destined for accelerated growth and the shared continued commitment to keeping workers safe!”

The move aligns with SureWerx’s strategy to expand its influence in the safety and productivity sector, particularly in construction and industrial markets worldwide, including the GCC region where it has a growing presence.

Industry observers see this acquisition as a step toward consolidating advanced fall protection solutions under one umbrella, potentially benefiting workers in high-risk environments.

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

The UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment has issued a ministerial resolution announcing the official establishment of the Safety and Emergency Security Association, designed to promoting a culture of safety and enhancing community readiness in the face of emergencies

The association, which will be headquartered in the Emirate of Sharjah, is the initiative of  a group of distinguished national experts with extensive experience in safety and emergency security and  stems from a belief in the importance of collective action and cross-sector collaboration to promote prevention, safety, and empowerment across various fields.

The association is set to play an important role in raising public awareness of safety concepts and preventive measures. This will be achieved through awareness campaigns and activities aimed at various segments of society across all age groups. It will also target non-Arabic and non-English speakers who might struggle to access safety information due to language barriers, with dedicated training in their languages, and multi-lingual information.

In addition, it will offer specialised training programmes to develop skills in safety and emergency preparedness, a key initiative being to train fresh graduates interested in this area. It will strengthen collaboration with government, academic, and private entities to expand strategic partnerships—ultimately enhancing the community’s readiness to respond to emergencies.

The launch of the association coincides with the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, designating 2025 as the “Year of Community” under the theme “Hand in Hand.” This national initiative aims to strengthen social bonds and community cohesion, instill values of cooperation and belonging, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage active participation through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives—all of which reinforce a culture of shared responsibility and drive collective progress.

The association will emphasise the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility across sectors to enhance prevention, promote safety, and empower communities.

"Safety and security are not limited to environmental disasters. A disaster can take many forms, environmental or health-related," said Haitham Mohammed Al Raeesi, the association's Chairman and Manager, Emergency, Crisis & Business Continuity at Dubai Municipality.

"Our role is to raise awareness among individuals on how to act in emergencies, whether it's a fire or a personal crisis. As a non-profit organisation, our goal is to build an informed community."

• Region: Middle East
• Year: 2025

Saudi Arabia has made notable strides in Numbeo's recently-published Safety Index, climbing from 26^th place in 2024 to 14^th in 2025. This remarkable improvement places Saudi Arabia among the top 15 safest countries in the world, surpassing notable nations such as Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, and China.

Saudi Arabia’s jump in the rankings saw it overtake several European nations known for their high safety standards, including Switzerland (17^th in 2024 to 23^rd in 2025), Finland (23^rd to 24^th), and the Netherlands (21^st to 26^th).

Overall, as a region, the Middle East reported varying performances in the safety index. The UAE (2^nd place) and Qatar (3^rd place) continue to earn their status as some of the safest countries worldwide. Oman (5^th) also remains a regional leader in safety. Bahrain, though still ranked highly, dropped slightly from 13^th to 16^th.

Kuwait and Israel, both in the top 40, have also maintained relatively strong positions, though not recording a major upward shift like Saudi Arabia.

Numeo also recently released its Quality of Life index of 62 Asian cities, where the Middle East earned all top three slots. Explore full coverage of those rankings here.