Middle East
Middle East
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 7th September 2026
- Year: 2026
The evolution of modern commercial real estate demands rigorous adherence to international governance, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence.
Across the global property sector, institutional investors, corporate tenants, and regulatory bodies increasingly expect asset managers to demonstrate robust operational frameworks. Meeting these expectations requires transparent management systems that guarantee service quality while safeguarding both environmental resources and workforce well-being. Within this dynamic landscape, Kuwait-based Al Hamra Real Estate Company has reinforced its industry standing by successfully completing the recertification audit for three internationally recognized ISO management standards awarded by Bureau Veritas.
Announced recently, this milestone reaffirms the continuous alignment of Al Hamra’s management systems with global requirements. The achievement highlights the firm's ongoing Enhancement Strategy, designed to elevate management efficiency, reinforce operational excellence, and embed rigorous best practices across iconic commercial properties like Al Hamra Shopping Center and Al Hamra Business Tower.
Governance and Standards in Property Management
As urban developments and multi-use towers grow in complexity, managing daily operations requires sophisticated oversight. Property managers and developers face mounting pressure to balance economic productivity with ecological responsibility and occupant safety. Implementing formal international standards provides an auditable governance framework that streamlines tenant services, reduces environmental footprints, and mitigates operational risks.
For organisations overseeing large-scale retail and commercial spaces, third-party validation by accredited bodies like Bureau Veritas acts as an essential benchmark. It signals to stakeholders that management systems are active, continually improved processes capable of adapting to shifting market demands and regulatory expectations.
Al Hamra’s Triple ISO Recertification Breakdown
At the core of Al Hamra Real Estate Company’s operational success is the seamless integration of structured management systems. The recent recertification audit covers three critical pillars of governance:
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ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems: Reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to best practices in quality management, structured continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional service excellence to commercial and retail tenants.
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ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems: Underscores the company's dedicated approach to effective environmental stewardship, performance enhancement, and proactive support for sustainable building practices across its properties.
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ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: Demonstrates a robust commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and healthy work environment through effective risk assessment, hazard prevention, and the protection of employee and visitor welfare.
Together, these standards form an interconnected ecosystem supporting sustainable performance across Al Hamra's premier retail and office portfolios.
Driving Strategy and Sustainable Growth
Al Hamra's corporate framework relies on an Enhancement Strategy built upon core strategic pillars: strengthening brand equity, improving operational efficiency and financial flexibility, integrating sustainability across operations, and developing a competitive advantage through a comprehensive operating model.
Commenting on the milestone, Abrar Al Habeeb, General Manager of Al Hamra Real Estate Company, stated: “We take pride in Al Hamra Real Estate Company completing the re-certification audit of the three ISO standards, which reflects our approach of continuous development and performance enhancement in accordance with globastainable management systems that contribute to delivering higher-quality services to our clients and fothening a culture of excellence and commitment to the highest standards.”
Recent Accreditations and Industry Recognition
This ISO recertification complements a wider portfolio of recent accolades earned by the organisation. Notably, Al Hamra Shopping Center achieved a prestigious Diamond Classification under the Ministry of Health's national “Health-Enhanced Mall” initiative, securing a remarkable 94% score. Furthermore, the centre received honorary medals for physical activity promotion, community support, and environmental sustainability, reinforcing its status as a leading community hub in Kuwait City.
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 4th September 2026
- Year: 2026
With digital transformation a key element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, and remarkable strides being made in AI adoption, the Kingdom is seeing digital and advanced technologies transforming operations throughout the economy, including the safety and security sectors
At LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, the global annual technology event, the Ministry of Interior showcased how it is harnessing advanced technologies, data, AI and digital solutions to transform public safety and security through an integrated approach, according to Saudi Press Agency reports.
The ministry’s participation highlighted six interconnected technological systems including field security and safety, where technology enhances readiness and accelerates response; rapid response, which strengthens early intervention capabilities; and road safety, which uses technology and data to make roads safer. Also showcased were security cameras, which provide broader visibility and more advanced monitoring capabilities, and digital services, which make users’ interactions easier, faster, and more integrated. Institutional services connects the various components of the system. Together, the six systems encompass 36 services and projects.
Inaugurating the ministry's pavilion at the LEAP 2026 conference, Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs Thamer Alharbi noted that the Ministry of Interior has harnessed modern technologies and artificial intelligence to deliver reliable security, humanitarian services, and public safety. He highlighted key achievements, such as the national digital identity platform "Nafath," developed with the National Information Center, and field-support innovations, including the "Maidan Companion," an intelligent field-support system designed to continuously analyse situational context during emergency incidents and coordinate specialised emergency capabilities,.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense showcased a range of advanced technologies to enhance public safety and emergency response, including the smart helmet which features cameras and sensors to detect hazardous materials, transmitting data directly to command-and-control centres. By enabling real-time data analysis and faster decision-making, the smart helmet significantly reduces incident response times and enhances personnel safety in high-risk environments. It also showcased the national early warning platform for emergency situations, and the "Salamah" portal.
The National Center for Security Operations showcased key technologies used in its field response system to enhance public safety, enable faster response, improve decision-making, and increase the efficiency of handling security incidents, as well as technologies used in its security camera system.
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 4th September 2026
- Year: 2026
Workers and members of the public in the UAE have access to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) channels to report 11 categories of labour violations, ranging from forced labour and human trafficking to sexual harassment, unpaid end-of-service benefits and excessive working hours.
MOHRE said that disputes involving employers and domestic workers can be formally escalated when efforts to reach an amicable resolution fail. In such cases, a labour complaint can be filed through the ministry’s designated channels, allowing the matter to proceed through the formal review process.
The ministry has outlined 11 types of violations that can be reported. These include fake Emiratisation, forced labour and human trafficking, non-compliance with Emiratisation requirements, sexual harassment, failure to provide end-of-service benefits and requiring employees to work more than two additional hours.
The list also covers violations related to heat-stress protection measures, labour accommodation standards, the employment of workers in breach of regulations, occupational health and safety requirements, and annual leave entitlements, including failure to provide payment in lieu or allow unused leave to be carried forward.
MOHRE said its community reporting service enables members of the public to report unlawful practices at establishments. The initiative is intended to strengthen monitoring and improve compliance across the UAE labour market.
Workers and members of the public can submit reports through the MOHRE UAE app, the ministry’s website or the Labour Claims and Advisory Centre by calling 80084.
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 31st August 2026
- Year: 2026
Al-Futtaim Contracting has launched a Facilities Management and Fire & Life Safety operations in Saudi Arabia at Big 5 Construct Saudi
The Facilities Management and Fire & Life Safety combined advances solid expansion move on part of Al-Futtaim, bringing integrated services for clients across the lifecycle of their assets and developments.
The Facilities Management will offer a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance operational efficiency and asset longevity, spanning sustainable energy management, HVAC maintenance and property upkeep. Its capabilities will support the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia’s growing commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
Fire & Life Safety division, on the other hand, will provide end-to-end fire protection and life safety solutions for commercial, residential, industrial, retail, hospitality and infrastructure developments. Its capabilities cover the complete project lifecycle, including system design and engineering, equipment supply, system integration, testing, commissioning, operation and ongoing maintenance. Solutions will be designed and delivered in accordance with applicable Saudi regulations, project requirements and relevant international fire and life safety standards.
Yousuf Ali Bin Zayed, General Manager, Al-Futtaim Facilities Management, said, “The launch of our Facilities Management operations in Saudi Arabia marks an important step in our growth journey. We are bringing our experience in managing and optimising built environments to customers across the Kingdom, with a focus on operational efficiency, asset longevity and sustainable solutions. We look forward to working closely with customers to deliver services that respond to their evolving needs and create long-term value.”
Nadeem Al Kilani, Head of Fire & Life Safety, Al-Futtaim Engineering, said, “Our Fire & Life Safety offering brings together engineering expertise and end-to-end capabilities across the complete project lifecycle. From system design and integration through to testing, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, our focus is on providing reliable, code-compliant solutions that meet the requirements of customers in Saudi Arabia. We are ready to bring this expertise to the Kingdom and support both standalone and integrated fire and life safety requirements, including technically complex and mission-critical environments.”
The Fire & Life Safety offering is supported by established international technology and product partners including Siemens, Panasonic, TecniKabel, RP-Technik, LDA and PEMALL, strengthening the division’s ability to deliver integrated solutions for customers in the Kingdom.
Murali S., Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Contracting, added: “Saudi Arabia is an important market for Al-Futtaim Contracting, and the launch of our Facilities Management and Fire & Life Safety operations reflects our commitment to growing our capabilities in line with the Kingdom’s continued development. By bringing these specialist services to the Saudi market, we are strengthening the breadth of solutions we can offer customers while building on our established presence and more than five decades of experience across the region.”
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 26th August 2026
- Year: 2026
Returning to Riyadh on 24-25 November, HSE KSA 2026 will bring together the Kingdom’s leading HSE leaders to explore the strategies, technologies and leadership approaches shaping smarter and more resilient operations across Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects and critical industries
Saudi Arabia's transformation is creating entirely new expectations for health, safety and environmental leadership. Mega-projects, AI-driven operations, public infrastructure, tourism and industrial expansion are changing how organisations manage risk, protect people and deliver operational excellence. HSE now stands at the centre of operational performance, workforce protection and long-term business success. From giga-projects and industrial megasites to tourism, utilities and smart infrastructure, organisations across the Kingdom are raising the bar on operational excellence—and HSE leaders are expected to lead that transformation.
Bringing together operators, regulators, contractors and technology providers from across Saudi Arabia's most influential industries, this edition of the Kingdom’s leading HSE conference features strategic keynote presentations, operator-led case studies and interactive panel discussions covering digital transformation, workforce safety, contractor management, public safety, operational risk and leadership excellence. Sessions will focus discussion on:
• How HSE has become a strategic enabler of national transformation
• Protecting the kingdom’s mega projects
• The future of HSE; AI, automation and digital intelligence
• Public safety, tourism and entertainment risk management
• Operational excellence in high-risk industries
• Leadership culture and accountability.
With 20+ operator speakers from organisations including Aramco, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Company, ACWA Power, Saudi Electricity Company, Riyadh Municipality, Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, Qiddiya and many more, the event provides an unrivalled opportunity to benchmark best practice and strengthen your organisation’s HSE performance with inspiration from the Kingdom’s leading lights of health and safety.
Learn proven strategies, explore emerging technologies and build valuable connections with the leaders shaping the future of health, safety and operational excellence across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
Download the brochure here: https://events.offsnet.com/HSEKSA2026#/Brochure?lang=en
For speaking, sponsorship or delegate packages get in touch with Nicholas Fell:
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 24th August 2026
- Year: 2026
FDI Group has strengthened its presence in the UAE with the launch of Fire Dynamics International, a dedicated contracting division operating alongside its independent fire safety consultancy recently launched in the market
Burgeoning fire safety market
It comes as the building fire safety market is burgeoning with new cities, resorts and sophisticated high-rises springing up in the region thanks to ambitious national visions, and new technologies and construction methods create new fire safety considerations. At the same time, fire safety regulations and codes are evolving, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of fire safety amongst all stakeholders.
FDI Group’s new contracting division enables the Group to provide a complete fire safety solution, from strategy, consultancy and design through to installation, remediation and compliance.
As a specialist fire protection contractor, Fire Dynamics International delivers passive and active fire protection systems across commercial, residential and industrial developments. It works with developers, principal contractors, consultants, facilities managers and building owners, supporting new-builds and existing buildings with tailored solutions designed to protect properties and their occupants throughout the lifecycle.
Services include: fire door installation, fire stopping, compartmentation, penetration sealing and passive fire remediation, alongside active fire protection systems, helping clients stay compliant while improving the long-term safety and resilience of their assets.
The company has already installed full active and passive fire installation at DIFC’s Index Tower, with the same scope of works also due to commence shortly at Eywa Tower in Business Bay.
Elliott Brown, founder and managing director of The FDI Group, said, “We identified a clear gap in the market between design-stage consultancy and on-the-ground execution. Too often, developers and contractors have had to engage different specialists at each stage of a project, creating unnecessary complexity, inconsistency and compliance issues.
“Compliance isn't a single checkpoint; it's a continuous thread that runs from concept design and engineering through procurement, installation and commissioning, with Civil Defence approval as the final test. Any break in that thread introduces risk. By launching Fire Dynamics International alongside FDI Consultancy Services, we're bringing those capabilities together, giving clients the flexibility to engage us for individual aspects or as a single partner delivering fire safety from design and consultancy through to installation, testing and final sign-off."
Founded in the UK in 2020, The FDI Group has established itself as a leading provider of fire door consultancy and inspection services. The launch of Fire Dynamics International marks the next phase of its UAE growth strategy, responding to increasing demand for integrated fire safety solutions.
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 24th August 2026
- Year: 2026
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior is particularly proactive in not only cracking down on illegal entrants into the Kingdom but also penalising transportation or sheltering of violators
The Ministry issued a warning of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1mn for defaulters. Vehicles used to transport violators and properties used to shelter them may also be confiscated.
In a week, security authorities have arrested 14,260 people, of which 3,378 accounted for labour law violations.
Around 6,900 were detained for residency violations, while 3,982 were booked for border security regulations.
24 were detained for allegedly transporting, sheltering or employing violators, and another 38 people were arrested while attempting to leave the kingdom illegally.
On the other hand, people attempting to illegally enter Saudi Arabia added up to 1,524. While 13,724 people have been deported for illegal movement charges, another 18,808 were advised by the Ministry to follow diplomatic due diligence and obtain travel documents. Around 5,386 were completing travel arrangements.
A total of 31,922 expatriates, 29,961 men and 1,961 women, were undergoing procedures linked to enforcement measures.
The arrests were made during joint campaigns carried out by security forces and government agencies between 13 and 19 August.
Authorities urged the public to report violations through the designated security hotlines.
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 19th August 2026
- Year: 2026
Energy-focused psychological consultancy IntrospeXion has announced a new contract with a major UAE-based operator to deliver a company-wide mental health and wellbeing programme that will support employees across onshore, remote, and offshore sites
Increased focus on psychological wellbeing
Psychosocial risk factors have been strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and mental health conditions. The ILO noted that these risks impose substantial economic and social costs, affecting productivity, increasing healthcare burdens and undermining organisational resilience. As such, creating safe and healthy working environments is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver of sustainable economic performance, it says. Oil and gas and energy workers are particularly at risk of psychological stress given factors such as loneliness and isolation due to remote and offshore environments, stress due to working in hazardous conditions and fatigue due to shift patterns, with one in five oilfield employees reporting struggles with depression, anxiety or other issues according to a recent study. This has an impact not only on productivity, but also on safety.
Occupational health and safety is evolving in the region to put a stronger focus on psychological factors and mental wellbeing, as companies prioritise the wellbeing of their employees to bolster resilience, support teams, and embed psychologically safe practices within safety cultures. The UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 includes provisions for worker and workplace wellbeing, mandating specific workplace mental health pillars.
Comprehensive workplace psychological wellbeing programme
Against this background, the operator has appointed IntrospeXion to deliver a comprehensive workplace psychological wellbeing programme for its local workforce. Working closely with senior leaders, IntrospeXion's team of psychologists will design and implement a bespoke strategy that reflects the unique operational demands of the energy sector while strengthening psychological health, leadership capability and workforce resilience across the client's UAE operations.
The programme will include psychological profiling, executive coaching, workplace mental health strategy, psychological risk assessment, wellbeing workshops, confidential employee support, critical incident response, and specialist consultancy support. Support will be tailored to the operational realities of both office-based and field personnel across the UAE, helping to aid performance, reduce psychological risk, prevent burnout, and build a resilient workforce.
This collaboration builds on IntrospeXion’s growth in the UAE and wider Middle East, reflecting the increasing demand for its services. Earlier this year, the company announced the launch of a new regional operation, signifying the organisation's ability to deliver specialist workplace psychological services in-country, since when it has established a base in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
Shabnum Hanif, CEO and founder of IntrospeXion commented, “The energy sector has long recognised the importance of protecting physical safety, and we're now seeing forward-thinking organisations place the same strategic focus on psychological safety & wellbeing. Supporting people's mental health isn't simply about preventing ill health; it's about enabling individuals, leaders and organisations to perform at their very best. We're proud to deliver an evidence-based programme that will develop leadership, build resilience, and create lasting value for workforces across the UAE."
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 17th August 2026
- Year: 2026
With an aim to enhance co-operation in occupational safety and health and workplace protection, Egypt’s Minister of Labour Hassan Raddad and Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt Fumio Iwai exchanged ideas on advancing bilateral coordination in employment, vocational training, investment and occupational safety and health
Held at the Labour Ministry’s headquarters in the New Capital, the meeting advanced expertise sharing in areas of workplace safety to come up with healthier work environment ideas. The meeting reinforced ties between the two countries as both sides agreed on a follow up session, which will see participation of as many as 80 Japanese companies that are active in Egypt, providing employment for almost 17,000 workers.
While companies' requirements and grievances were brought up, there was also exploration of further partnership opportunities with the Labour Ministry. Raddad and Iwai spoke on launching a practical vocational training-for-employment programme leveraging Japanese expertise. The Labour Ministry will work closely with Japanese companies to set up training centres serving Japanese-specific industries in the country.
Japanese insights on developing prevention and safety systems will be leveraged by Egypt to improve investor services, streamline procedures and enhance work-permit systems for foreign nationals to foster a flexible business environment. Iwai, on his end, expressed desire for cooperation to secure longstanding partnership with Egypt across sectors.
- Topic: Technology
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 17th August 2026
- Year: 2026
Tencent Cloud has collaborated with Saudi Arabia's home appliance and furniture retailers, Alsaif Gallery, to support the company's enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) transition
To enable seamless integration of Alsaif's omnichannel business, Tencent's local cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities were used to drive the retail chain's self-developed enterprise AI agent platform designed for efficiency enhancement, streamlined decision-making and intelligent customer support.
Alsaif Gallery is the latest giant retailer of Saudi Arabia to have jumped the bandwagon in enterprise AI adoption, driving market demand for secure, scalable and compliant cloud foundations. Tencent Cloud is supporting Alsaif in this journey with stable and highly cost-effective cloud services hosted in its local cloud infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Since Tencent Cloud has a locally built infrastructure, Alsaif gets data localisation support in compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations, alongside other benefits such as reduced latency and enhanced user experience.
Beyond cloud infrastructure, Tencent Cloud delivers a comprehensive portfolio spanning AI development platforms, AI APIs, and infrastructure services across computing, storage, networking, and databases. Combined with its broader ecosystem capabilities and dedicated technical support, Tencent Cloud helps organizations accelerate the deployment and scaling of enterprise AI applications.
Rachel Xie, General Manager of Tencent Cloud MENA, Operations, Channel Development and Marketing of Tencent Cloud International, said: "Saudi Arabia is rapidly embracing AI and digital transformation, and enterprises are looking for trusted technology partners that can provide reliable infrastructure, enterprise-ready AI capabilities, and strong local support. We are pleased to support Alsaif Gallery with our local cloud infrastructure, AI capabilities, and comprehensive ecosystem, helping accelerate its AI adoption journey and explore practical AI applications that can deliver meaningful business value. We look forward to supporting more organizations across the Kingdom as they unlock the value of AI."
Khaled Atif, IT Director of Alsaif Gallery, said: "Our goal was to make AI a practical tool that delivers value across the business. With Tencent Cloud's local infrastructure and support, we have successfully deployed our enterprise AI platform to support smarter business operations and more personalized customer experiences. This has enabled us to accelerate innovation while creating greater value for both our customers and employees."
- Date: 14th August 2026
MENA's leading lights of health and safety will convene in Dubai on 17-18 November for HSE MENA 2026
As the MENA region continues to drive high-impact growth in sectors ranging from oil and gas to construction and infrastructure, health safety and environmental performance has never been more critical. HSE MENA 2026 brings together the region’s leading HSE professionals, regulators and innovators for two days of strategic insights, practical solutions and cross-sector collaboration.
Focus on AI and smart safety systems
This year’s conference, the latest in the acclaimed event series, explores how AI, smart safety systems and connected worker technologies are reshaping HSE, alongside the leadership, culture and workforce strategies needed to build safe and more resilient organisations. From managing diverse workforces and advancing occupational health to navigating evolving regulations and strengthening industry-regulator collaboration, the wide-ranging agenda delivers practical insights for today’s HSE challenges.
Sessions will cover AI and smart safety systems; workforce culture, training and human factors; managing diverse workforces and employee mindsets; regulation, compliance and collaborative government; and the future oulook for HSE.
Through expert case studies, panel discussions and solution-focused sessions, HSE MENA 2026 equips attendees with the knowledge to embrace innovation, strengthen compliance, protect workforces and drive operational excellence.
Stellar cast of speakers
Already a stellar cast of speakers has been assembled representing the region’s leading companies and organisations such as ADNOC, Qiddiya, Innovo Group, RAKEZ, UAE Safety & Emergency Security Association, SafeStart and JOD Advisory International.
The event features a strong lineup of regulators shaping HSE policy and compliance across the region including:
The Government of Ras Al Khaimah
The Ministry of Finance – KSA
The Ministry of Health & Prevention, UAE
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
Don’t miss HSE MENA 2026, the region’s most essential gathering for those shaping the future of health, safety and environmental resilience!
Access the brochure here: https://events.offsnet.com/HSEMENA2026#/Brochure?lang=en
For more information about attending or participating, get in touch with
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 12th August 2026
- Year: 2026
The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) has expressed its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and communities of 16 Bangladeshi workers who died in a fire at a furniture factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
BWI described the incident as a devastating reminder of workers’ fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment, stressing that no worker should lose their life simply for going to work. The organisation mourned the victims and expressed solidarity with Bangladeshi migrant workers and their unions.
The union federation has called on the governments of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh to undertake a full, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. The investigation, it said, should examine workplace safety measures and the regulatory conditions in place at the facility.
BWI said the authorities must draw lessons from the tragedy and implement all necessary measures to strengthen protections for migrant workers against workplace hazards.
The organisation also called on both governments and relevant authorities to ensure that affected workers and the families of those who died receive all benefits, compensation and assistance to which they are entitled.
It further urged authorities to arrange for the remains of the deceased workers to be repatriated to Bangladesh without delay and without any cost being imposed on their families.
“The deaths of these 16 workers must not be reduced to a tragic statistic. Their lives, dignity and rights must be honoured through accountability, justice and stronger protections for all workers.”