Middle East

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

Lost Time Injury (LTI) is a critical metric in occupational health and safety to ensure employee wellbeing.

Companies need to prioritise safeguarding employee exposure to any work-related injury or illness that might keep them from returning for the next scheduled shift or workday.
In high-hazard industries like oil and gas, tracking LTIs helps organisations measure safety performance, identify operational risks, and safeguard workforce well-being.

Maintaining a long period without an LTI requires continuous safety monitoring, strict compliance with international standards, effective hazard mitigation, and a strong culture of workplace accountability. Achieving extended LTI-free milestones highlights an organization's exceptional commitment to operational excellence.

Upholding safety standards

Sarir Oil Operations Company celebrates a major health safety and environment (HSE) milestone as it won the Occupational Safety Award from the Libya National Oil Company for surpassing 2,000 consecutive working days without LTI. 

The award was received on the occasion of the Occupational Safety Day, in recognition of Sarir's' consistent upholding of safety standards. The NOC praised SOO for its preventive measures aimed at ensuring a safe, incident-free working environment.

This achievement reflects OMC’s vision in prioritizing the safety of individuals and the protection of the environment above all else; by the implementation of the highest international safety standards, along with continuous awareness workshops aimed at strengthening the culture of commitment and prevention among all employees. 

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 23rd October 2026

The healthcare sector is universally recognised as a physically and mentally demanding environment, where professionals routinely put the needs of their patients above their own comfort.

Yet, the quality of care delivered to patients is inextricably linked to the physical wellbeing and mental sharpness of the staff providing it. Recognising this crucial connection, Qatar’s Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is taking decisive action. Throughout October, the organisation is marking Global Ergonomics Month with a comprehensive workplace safety campaign explicitly designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and elevate overall employee wellbeing and performance. By placing workplace ergonomics at the very core of its operational strategy, PHCC is addressing one of the most persistent occupational hazards in the medical field.

Addressing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders

For nurses, doctors, and support staff, the daily realities of the job involve prolonged periods of standing, awkward postures, and the physical exertion required to assist those in need. Unsurprisingly, these factors lead to a high prevalence of occupational injuries. Dr Sameera Al Hajri, director of occupational health at PHCC, notes that musculoskeletal disorders—specifically those manifesting as back, neck, shoulder, and wrist pain—rank among the most frequent work-related health complaints in the sector.

To combat this, the current campaign places a heavy emphasis on manual handling and patient transfers. These specific activities represent significant risk points for work-related musculoskeletal injuries among employees. The initiative advocates for practical, preventative measures that staff can incorporate into their daily routines.

Key ergonomic interventions promoted during the campaign include:

• Implementing safer manual handling and patient transfer techniques.

• Encouraging routine stretching and physical movement throughout the working day.

• Improving the overall organisation and layout of the immediate workplace.

Dr Al Hajri has highlighted that simple, strategic changes to working methods and workplace design play a critical role in dramatically improving working conditions and mitigating the risk of long-term injury.

Practical training and skills development

Understanding that theoretical knowledge must translate into practical application, PHCC has structured its campaign around active learning. The organisation is not merely distributing guidelines; it is actively facilitating hands-on experience. The corporation is rolling out practical sessions across three distinct health centres. These dedicated sessions provide a controlled environment where employees can safely practise manual handling and proper patient transfer techniques in real workplace settings.

Furthermore, the initiative embraces digital learning to ensure widespread accessibility. PHCC is currently developing a comprehensive online training module, which will be integrated directly into its learning management system. To supplement this, an e-learning lecture is being rolled out under the organisation's continuing professional development (CPD) programme, ensuring that ergonomic education remains an ongoing priority rather than a temporary focus.

The importance of cognitive ergonomics

While physical strain is the most visible occupational hazard, the campaign also acknowledges the often-overlooked psychological toll of healthcare work. The PHCC initiative explicitly addresses the cognitive side of ergonomics, which is just as vital for maintaining a healthy workforce.

This psychological component focuses on managing mental workload, fostering clear communication, and ensuring logical task organisation. By addressing these factors, the corporation aims to reduce cognitive fatigue, which can lead to burnout and clinical errors. The organisation stresses that consistent training and heightened awareness are key to helping employees proactively identify workplace risks, adapt their immediate environments, and adopt safer working practices across both physical and mental domains.

Investing in employee health and patient care

Ultimately, an ergonomically sound workplace benefits everyone involved in the healthcare system. Workplaces that are meticulously designed around the physical needs and specific job requirements of employees can significantly reduce chronic pain and daily fatigue. In turn, this reduction in physical discomfort directly improves staff concentration, overall job satisfaction, and operational productivity.

As Dr Maryam Al Muslemani, director of occupational health and safety at PHCC, explains, establishing a safe and supportive working environment is fundamentally an investment. It is not only a direct investment in the health and longevity of the employees themselves, but it also serves as a crucial investment in the standard of healthcare ultimately delivered to patients across the network.

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

Public administration at the United Arab Emirates is undergoing a revolution in digital innovation and governance with seamless integration of cutting-edge technology. 

This move is set to enhance citizen services, fortify cybersecurity, and streamline decision-making processes across all levels of government. The latest initiatives mark a decisive transition toward proactive, data-driven governance designed to shape a more agile and efficient future.

Revolutionising government work

The Government of the UAE has announced fresh measures for its work teams, including consistency in delivering deadlines, rapid adaption of Agentic AI and maintaining the country's international repute. 

This message was delivered during the recent UAE Cabinet meeting, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 

With more than 308 million digital transactions and 15.8 million government applications downloads across 1,633 digital services, the UAE remains in the highest tier of the cybersecurity index. "These results confirm that the digital transformation journey continues, and that investing in technology and AI is an investment in the quality and the future of government services,” said Rashid Al Maktoum. 

In line with the UAE's cybersecurity standards and confidentiality principles, the Cabinet has launched a new agentic AI operating model that will be embedded in government work. Supporting analyses of potential programmes, policies and legislation, the Cabinet AI Advisor system will influence government decision making at the Cabinet and the Ministerial Council for Artificial Intelligence and Development.

Ensuring quality output

“In today's meeting the Cabinet approved the launch and rollout of the Cabinet AI Advisor system, a new step in improving government decision making, accelerating the study of projects and initiatives, and raising the quality of government output. The system works through 32 specialised AI advisors that analyse policies and legislation, assess their impact, review global best practice and put forward recommendations. The system will work with our ministers, 24 hours a day, to follow up on decisions and their implementation... The UAE government does not stop... and its decisions are continuous... We aim for a more efficient government, and faster and more accurate decisions,” said Rashid Al Maktoum. 

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 22nd October 2026
• Year: 2026

Working in confined spaces is by nature hazardous, with potential dangers ranging from reduced oxygen levels and the presence of toxic gases to risk of explosions and access difficulties

Confined spaces can present complex and changing risks. Even when a space is considered safe during the initial assessment, atmospheric conditions, work activities and operational factors can introduce new hazards once work begins.

How can you ensure worker safety when confined space conditions change after entry? And are your teams fully prepared to manage evolving hazards and respond effectively in an emergency?

Practical webinar

Join HSE Review and MSA Safety on Tuesday 17 November at 2pm GST for a practical webinar on 'Managing changing confined space risks: from entry to rescue', exploring how organisations can manage confined space risks throughout the entire confined space safety cycle, from hazard assessment and entry preparation through worker protection, ongoing monitoring, rescue readiness and safe exit. Using practical scenarios and drawing on industry best practices, the session will examine how changing conditions can affect space safety, why continuous risks awareness is essential, and how organisations can strengthen their procedures to protect workers at every stage.

What you'll learn

• Understand how confined space risks can evolve before, during and after entry
• Explore the confined space safety cycle, from initial assessment to safe exit
• Identify atmospheric, physical and operational hazards that can affect worker safety
• Discover practical readiness checks to strengthen confined space risk management
• Learn how proactive risk awareness and behavioural change can build a stronger safety culture

Expert speakers

• Rim Abou Chahine, EMEA segment marketing manager, MSA Safety
• Edward Clapham, segment marketing manager, portable gas detection from MSA Safety

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain valuable insights into managing confined space hazards and ensuring workers are protected from entry through to rescue.

Register now: https://alaincharlestraining.com/webinar2/msa-safety-managing-changing-confined-space-risks-from-entry-to-rescue

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 21st October 2026
• Year: 2026

Saudi Arabia’s mega projects present an unprecedented HSE challenge: delivering projects at an unprecedented scale and pace while maintaining consistent standards across complex, multinational workforces and supply chains

Meeting expectations of stakeholders while maintaining safe standards of operation and prioritising worker welfare on fast-moving and demanding projects can be a challenge. Dealing with variations in safety culture and behaviour as well as disparities in levels of competence of multicultural workforces, along with potential communications difficulties arising from language barriers, is an issue throughout the Gulf but is exacerbated in the case of some of these megaprojects which have seen large influxes of migrant workers. Managing and monitoring workers over large and sometimes remote areas and protecting large sites is another issue. Localisation requirements and quotas mean that training to bridge knowledge gaps of local contractors and suppliers and bring them up to international standards is required.

Training for diverse workforces

It is reported that migrant workers are 66% more likely to make mistakes due to misunderstanding instructions and four times more likely to suffer from fatal accidents. Making training programmes and technical safety content more accessible, engaging and understandable for diverse workforces is therefore critical.

Tailoring training approaches that consider workers’ specific cultural and linguistic context should be considered, along with creating interactive engaging safety programmes that leverage visual learning techniques such as pictograms, visual aids and short videos. Digital learning technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality and interactive e-learning training models can also be very effective.

Jincom for example is developing training programmes with project developers in the Kingdom translating safety content into multiple languages, using minimal text and powerful visuals to communicate critical safety information, based on the philosophy that pictures speak the most universally understood language.

Digitising delivery mechanisms to enable organisations to track training comprehension and engagement, ensure consistent messaging across diverse workforces and integrate safety content with existing management platforms is also key.

Subcontractor safety and competency

At HSE KSA 2025, issues around subcontractor safety and competency were discussed, where the importance of focusing on the safety management systems and practices of subcontractors was highlighted. Key takeaways included:
• The importance of a robust procurement process, with health and safety embedded right from the start and included in the assessment criteria
• The need for uniform HSE practices across projects and locations, with a focus on self-driven safety leadership and standards rather than relying on client-dependent compliance;
• The need for main contractors and subcontractors to have their own HSE management systems
• The role of joint audits, engagement and leadership to improve overall safety culture; joint audit programmes involving the PMC, main contractor and subcontractors can be implemented to identify and address safety gaps
• The importance of evaluating subcontractors through metrics such as Lost Time Injury (LTI) rates and safety statistics, with incentives and penalties to drive continuous improvement
• The role of technology in providing accountability, real-time visibility and proactive monitoring; digital platforms can be implemented to track subcontractor safety metrics and automate alerts for proactive monitoring
• The importance of accountability and leadership and integration of HSE into business priorities.

There is also a need to address any gaps through targeted, on-the job training programmes, with specific training programmes for the main risk-associated activities – particularly in light of the issue of the new Regulation on Organising Work in High-Risk Professions. This raises the bar for workplace safety and compliance and could have a significant impact on operators of megaprojects, where work can involve elevated safety risks, such as working at height, heavy equipment operations, welding, cutting and mechanical work. Provisions of the law include the requirement for workers to pass medical fitness examinations to obtain a license in order to be able to perform high-risk roles.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 12th October 2026
• Year: 2026

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) has emphasised the importance of maintaining safety and compliance standards across petroleum products trading activities and fostering safe practices among companies and establishments operating within the sector

To ensure this, the Council seeks to maintain secure and efficient operations across every stage of petroleum products trading, including storage, transport, distribution and supply, as part of its regulatory and supervisory role and in line with the relevant legislation.

H.E. Ahmed Butti Al Muhairbi, secretary general of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products, highlighted that Executive Council Resolution No. 85 of 2025 provides an integrated regulatory framework to improve the efficiency and reliability of Dubai’s petroleum products trading sector by regulating relevant sector activities, strengthening compliance with safety requirements and technical standards, and curbing unauthorised practices.

H.E. Al Muhairbi added, “Compliance with regulatory, technical and safety standards remains a primary responsibility for all entities within the petroleum products trading sector. This requires companies to maintain the validity of all necessary licenses and permits, ensuring that facilities and transport methods strictly adhere to approved requirements. It also requires proper implementation of operations, maintenance and safety procedures aligned with defined requirements, along with maintenance of relevant records and documentation. Ultimately, this approach enhances operational safety, mitigates risks, and actively protects personnel, facilities, and the environment.”

DSCE emphasised that key practices requiring close monitoring and attention within the petroleum products trading sector include the use of unauthorised facilities or transport methods, non-compliance with storage and transport regulations, trading in products that do not conform to approved specifications, and shortcomings in documenting product sources and movements. Inspection campaigns and operations carried out by DSCE, in collaboration with relevant government entities, have discovered cases involving the storage or trading of diesel at unlicensed facilities and its transport using methods that do not meet approved requirements. Such practices pose significant safety risks, including petroleum product leaks and their potential environmental impact.

DSCE has urged companies and establishments within the sector to strengthen compliance with approved regulatory and technical frameworks, ensure that licences and permits remain valid, verify that products conform to UAE-approved specifications, and utilise safe and authorised facilities for storage. The Council also underlined the importance of operating vehicles and using transport methods that meet approved requirements, implementing safe operating procedures during transport and handling, complying with maintenance and inspection programs, and significantly upgrading emergency response readiness across all infrastructure and transport assets.

The Council continues to strengthen its field monitoring framework through the permanent joint field inspection team for the petroleum products trading sector, in coordination with relevant government entities. These inspections and monitoring operations ensure compliance with approved requirements, identify unauthorised practices, and facilitate the execution of necessary measures in accordance with applicable regulations and resolutions. Since commencing operations in July 2022, the permanent joint field inspection team has conducted 449 joint inspection campaigns within the LPG sector.

These efforts reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global city in applying regulatory and operational best practices while advancing sustainable development.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 9th October 2026
• Year: 2026

 Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) and Sharjah Police General Command have come together to discuss strengthening cooperation to enhance the security and safety of companies and organisations

H.E Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of HFZA, received a Sharjah Police delegation headed by Major General Ahmed Saeed Al Naour, director-general of the General Directorate of Prevention and Safety, accompanied by Brigadier Khalid Saeed Bo Zengal, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Prevention and Safety, and several officials.

Reflecting the increasing focus in the region on a proactive approach to health and safety, the discussions focused on using smart technologies and systems to advance preventive measures, strengthen preparedness and business continuity, and improve the efficiency of services provided to investors, supporting Sharjah’s position as a safe and attractive business and investment destination.

The meeting reviewed HFZA’s security and safety systems and approved procedures, explored preventive safety requirements and discussed benchmarking practices to exchange expertise and identify effective approaches.

Al Naour said strengthening strategic partnerships and integration between government entities is fundamental to developing the prevention and safety ecosystem and raising preparedness across economic establishments in line with Sharjah’s economic growth and diversification. He said cooperation with HFZA represents a model of institutional integration based on exchanging knowledge, expertise and specialised practices, while using advanced technologies and systems to improve preventive procedures and their efficiency.

Al Naour added that Sharjah Police is committed to strengthening a preventive and proactive approach by expanding coordination and information exchange with strategic partners and continuously developing procedures that protect lives and property, ensure business continuity and support sustainable economic activity.

Al Mazrouei said strengthening security and safety is a key pillar in sustaining economic activity, reinforcing investor confidence and supporting business stability, growth and expansion.

He added that HFZA is working to promote an institutional culture based on prevention and proactive preparedness by raising awareness of approved requirements and standards and adopting practices that ensure a safe and resilient business environment.

Both sides stressed the importance of continued coordination, cooperation and knowledge exchange in security, safety and prevention, as well as sharing information on economic activities and preventive safety requirements to strengthen institutional integration, business continuity and Sharjah’s secure and sustainable economic environment.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 4th October 2026
• Year: 2026

Did you know that human factors and critical errors are behind 95% of unintentional injuries?

Join one of SafeStart’s two-day Trainer Certification Level 1 courses coming to the Middle East this October and November and learn how to deliver proven human factors and critical error reduction techniques within your organisation. Find out how the SafeStart approach can reduce workplace accidents, strengthen safety performance and build a sustainable culture of safety excellence.

Designed for HSE and safety professionals, this globally-recognised certification equips participants with practical tools, real-world insights and expert guidance to address human factors, reduce risk exposure and influence safer decisions.

Where are the courses being held?

Course details and registration links are as follows:

Dammam 6-7 October :
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationLevel1CourseDammamKSA-6-7Oct
Riyadh: 27-28 October:
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationLevel1CourseRiyadhKSA-27-28October
Dubai: 10-11 November:
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationLevel1CourseDubaiUAE-10-11-November

What is SafeStart?

SafeStart is a proven, human factors-based safety programme used worldwide to help organisations reduce injuries and incidents by addressing human error, critical risk exposure and decision-making challenges. It is being used in 76 countries and over 5,000,000 people have been trained at 10,000+ worksites. It is currently available in 33 languages and average injury reductions are 50% in the first two years and 80% over four years.

This Level 1 certification will guide you through SafeStart’s six-step process, enabling participants to lead safety transformation and support long-term cultural change across their organisation. 

The interactive session will highlight key paradigm shifts and ensure personalised experience for participants. There will be introduction to the concepts of states and errors, three types of at-risk behaviour, three sources of unexpected events, the personal risk pyramid, and four critical error reduction techniques. The session will also explore long-term strategies and recommendations for bringing in change as well as sustaining it.

By attending, you will:
• Earn your SafeStart certification
• Learn how to apply SafeStart’s human factors approach in real-world environments
• Gain practical tools to influence safer decisions
• Strengthen your organisation’s long-term safety performance
Complete the course, earn your certification and bring these techniques back to your teams to improve safety, quality and operational performance.

Who should attend?

Ideal for: HSE/EHS managers, safety leaders, operations managers, site managers and internal trainers.

About the trainers

The sessions will be led by expert trainers from Safestart International, namely Larry Wilson, author and founder; Sarah Stoker, development director; and Anmol Tiwari, territory sales manager, MENA.

Larry Wilson is a pioneer in the area of Human Factors in safety. He has been a safety consultant for over 25 years and has worked on-site with hundreds of companies worldwide. He is the author of numerous books and an active keynote speaker at health and safety conferences around the globe.

Book your place now!

Dammam 6-7 October :
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationLevel1CourseDammamKSA-6-7Oct
Riyadh: 27-28 October:
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationLevel1CourseRiyadhKSA-27-28October
Dubai: 10-11 November:
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationLevel1CourseDubaiUAE-10-11-November

• Topic: Fire Safety
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 2nd October 2026
• Year: 2026

As the GCC market for thermal image fire detection grows in sectors ranging from refining to data centres, two of Teledyne FLIR's thermal imaging cameras have received UL 2684 listing, providing fire engineers, insurers and asset owners across the GCC with an independently evaluated benchmark for thermal image fire detection

Teledyne FLIR's A40 and A70 (Axx-Series) thermal imaging cameras are listed as thermal image fire detectors under ANSI/CAN/UL 2684, the joint US/Canadian standard for video and thermal image detectors used in fire alarm systems. This gives Gulf projects an NFPA-aligned benchmark for thermal image fire detection, as the UL 2684 listing complements the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which introduced a dedicated category for thermal image fire detection.

How does this help the GCC?

For the GCC, where many fire protection frameworks draw upon NFPA codes and UL-listed equipment is already part of established project review, this makes it easier to evaluate and specify thermal image fire detection solutions within critical infrastructure projects.

UL 2684 sets out defined requirements for fire testing, environmental and electrical performance, and durability, providing stakeholders with equipment that has been independently tested against a published standard by an accredited laboratory.

Thermal image fire detection has a range of applications in the Gulf markets, given the infrastructure being built and operated throughout the region, as it enables the detection of anomalies in temperature before smoke and fire appears, allowing for early intervention to prevent fire breaking out and thereby promoting a more proactive safety management approach.

Thermal image fire detection is increasingly valuable in petrochemical and refining facilities, where friction heating or equipment degradation can develop long before ignition. The same advantage applies to utilities and electrical infrastructure, battery energy storage systems, data centres, rooftop and utility-scale solar, manufacturing facilities, logistics hubs and other industrial assets where an abnormal temperature rise often represents the earliest indication of an emerging risk.

How does thermal image fire detection compare with traditional fire detection?

Traditional fire detection technologies respond to the products of combustion, such as smoke, flame, or heat reaching a detector. By that stage, the fire process has already begun.

A thermal image fire detector works at an earlier stage, measuring the temperature of the asset itself before smoke is generated. Unlike conventional thermal cameras used primarily for visualisation, a calibrated thermal image fire detector continuously measures temperature across every pixel in the scene.

By identifying thermal anomalies at an earlier stage, organisations can address developing issues through planned maintenance rather than emergency response. A loose electrical connection can be tightened, a battery module isolated, or a failing component replaced before operations are disrupted, thus reducing downtime, avoiding potential costs and contributing to plant reliability and business continuity.

As well as operational benefits, thermal monitoring can also support broader risk management and asset-protection strategies, as insurers, risk consultants, and infrastructure owners increasingly seek solutions supported by independently validated standards.

Teledyne FLIR's Axx-Series cameras combine thermal detection with integrated visible imaging to help operators verify alarm conditions quickly. Analytics are processed directly on the camera, reducing dependence on external servers while enabling rapid response. When alarm conditions are met, the cameras initiate fire alarm events through compatible fire alarm control systems.

Designed for line-of-sight monitoring of high-value assets, thermal image fire detection is intended to complement conventional fire detection technologies as part of a comprehensive fire protection strategy.

"Safety has always been at the heart of what we do, and in fire protection, safety runs on standards. A fire starts as heat, not smoke, and our cameras detect that heat before there is smoke or flame. The question we get in this region is not whether thermal detection works. It is what the device is listed to, and how that fits the code the authority is working from. Until now there was no listing to point to. That has changed," said Matthew Hasty, global vertical director for Science, Automation, and Early Fire Detection at Teledyne FLIR.

• Date: 1st October 2026

Across the GCC and wider region, HSE is being reshaped by a combination of operational scale, workforce complexity, climate-related risk, digitalisation and changing expectations of safety leadership. In this interview, Shebin Abraham, founder of QHSE Directory, who has more than two decades of international HSE experience, discusses the changing HSE landscape, emerging risks, AI and digitalisation and how the profession is evolving. He concludes that the strongest future model will combine experience, data, technology, human judgement and collaboration.

HSE Review: Since we last spoke, what are some of the biggest changes you have observed in the HSE landscape across the GCC and wider region?

Shebin Abraham: Over the past few years, I have seen a significant shift in how organisations think about HSE.

Earlier, in many organisations, HSE was viewed primarily through the lens of compliance - meeting regulatory requirements, completing inspections, conducting training and closing observations.

Today, the conversation is becoming much broader.

Organisations are increasingly looking at risk prediction, worker wellbeing, operational resilience, process safety, environmental performance, contractor management and the use of technology to prevent incidents before they happen.

The regional operating environment is also changing rapidly. The scale of construction, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, logistics and industrial development across the GCC means that HSE teams are managing increasingly complex operations and workforces.

Climate-related risks are another area that cannot be ignored. In the UAE, for example, occupational heat stress remains a significant operational consideration, with the 2026 midday work restriction running from June 15 to September 15.

But perhaps the biggest change I see is philosophical.

Good HSE is gradually moving from being reactive to being predictive.

The question is no longer only, "Did an incident happen?"

It is increasingly becoming: "What signals are telling us that an incident could happen, and what can we do before it does?"

That shift will define the next generation of HSE management.

HSE Review: What HSE priorities are organisations focusing on most today, and which emerging risks do you believe deserve much greater attention?

Shebin Abraham: The priorities vary by industry, but several themes are becoming common across the region.
Organisations are continuing to focus heavily on process safety, high-risk activities, contractor safety, emergency preparedness, occupational health, environmental compliance and workforce competency.

At the same time, I believe we need to broaden our definition of risk.

For example, heat stress and occupational health cannot be treated as seasonal or secondary issues. They need to become part of operational planning.

We also need to pay more attention to psychosocial risks, fatigue, human factors, ergonomics and the changing nature of work.

And then there is technology.

As organisations introduce automation, robotics, AI-powered systems, connected equipment and digital monitoring, we are creating new categories of risk alongside the opportunities.

Cybersecurity, human-machine interaction, algorithmic decision-making, data quality and over-reliance on automated systems will increasingly become relevant to HSE professionals.

The ILO's recent work on AI and digitalisation makes this point very clearly: technology can reduce hazardous exposure and improve monitoring, but it can also introduce new ergonomic, psychological, operational and cybersecurity risks.

The HSE professional of the future has to ask two questions simultaneously.

"What risk can this technology remove?" "What new risk does this technology create?"

HSE Review: With AI, technology and data increasingly entering the HSE space, where do you see the greatest opportunities - and where should organisations be cautious?

Shebin Abraham: I see enormous potential in technology, particularly when it is used to strengthen the work of HSE professionals rather than replace professional judgement.

AI can help organisations analyse large volumes of inspection data, identify recurring patterns, prioritise risks, analyse incident trends and support decision-making.

Computer vision, IoT sensors, wearables, environmental monitoring, digital permit-to-work systems, VR training and predictive analytics can also help move HSE from periodic observation towards continuous risk visibility.

We are already seeing this direction emerging across the industry.

But I would caution organisations against adopting technology simply because it is labelled "AI".

Technology is not the safety strategy. It is an enabler of the safety strategy.

If the underlying data is poor, AI can produce poor conclusions. If workers do not trust the system, adoption will suffer. If an organisation uses technology as a substitute for competent HSE professionals, it can create new vulnerabilities.

The ILO has also highlighted the importance of worker participation, appropriate governance and proactive risk assessment when introducing AI and digital technologies into occupational safety and health.

My approach is therefore simple: Use technology to see more, understand more and respond faster – but keep human expertise, accountability and worker involvement at the centre.

HSE Review: QHSE Directory has evolved significantly over the past year. What have you learned from the way the global HSE community is using and engaging with the platform?

Shebin Abraham: When QHSE Directory started, the idea was relatively simple: make it easier for HSE professionals and organisations to find the right safety solutions.

But our experience has shown us that the industry needs much more than a directory.

There is a huge ecosystem behind HSE – manufacturers, consultants, training providers, technology companies, freelancers, universities, conferences, procurement teams and, most importantly, the professionals working on the ground.

The challenge is often not that solutions don't exist.

The challenge is discovering the right solution, understanding it, trusting it and connecting with the right provider.

That is where QHSE Directory has evolved.

Today, we are building a broader ecosystem connecting HSE professionals, organisations, manufacturers, consultants, trainers and solution providers across markets. The platform now covers areas including HSE products, digital solutions, training, consultants, freelancers, universities and industry events.

One of the biggest things I have learned is that the HSE community is extremely willing to share knowledge when the platform creates genuine value.

Our growing professional network and engagement have reinforced something I have believed throughout my career: HSE is not a collection of isolated companies and professionals. It is an ecosystem.

QHSE Directory's long-term objective is therefore not simply to list companies. It is to make that ecosystem more connected, discoverable and accessible.

HSE Review: If you look five years ahead, what will the HSE profession need to do differently to remain relevant and stay ahead of emerging risks?

Shebin Abraham: I believe the next five years will require a fundamental change in the role of the HSE professional. We cannot remain focused only on compliance, inspections and incident investigation.

The HSE professional of the future will need to understand technology, data, business operations, human behaviour, sustainability and emerging risks alongside traditional safety knowledge.

We also need to become better at communicating with senior leadership.

Safety should not be presented only as a cost or compliance requirement. It should be connected to business continuity, productivity, operational resilience, workforce wellbeing, reputation and long-term value.

Another important change will be collaboration.

No single organisation has all the answers. There are excellent technologies, products, consultants, training providers and innovations being developed across different countries, but many of them remain invisible to the organisations that could benefit from them.

That is one of the reasons I believe platforms and professional ecosystems will become increasingly important.

Finally, we need to invest in people.

Technology will change the tools we use, but competent people wil still be at the heart of safety.

The HSE profession needs professionals who are technically strong, digitally aware, commercially conscious and willing to continuously learn.

If we can combine experience + data + technology + human judgement + collaboration, I believe we can build a much more proactive HSE ecosystem over the next five years.

HSE Review: After more than two decades working across different industries and countries, what is one lesson about HSE that has stayed with you throughout your career?

Shebin Abraham: If there is one lesson I have learned throughout my career, it is that safety is ultimately about people.

Procedures, standards, audits, technology and systems are all important. But none of them can replace the judgement, behaviour and commitment of the people doing the work.

I have worked across construction, oil and gas, offshore projects, manufacturing, shipyards, industrial operations and other high-risk environments. The technology and processes may change from project to project, but one thing remains constant: people need to understand the risk, believe that safety matters and have the confidence to speak up when something is not right.

That is why I remain optimistic about the future of HSE.

We have better technology, better data, better international knowledge-sharing and more innovative solutions than ever before.

Safety is ultimately about people. 

The opportunity now is to connect all of these things together – and make sure they ultimately improve the safety and wellbeing of the people who go to work every day.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 29th September 2026
• Year: 2026

As temperatures soar across the Arabian Peninsula during the peak of summer, the physical toll on outdoor workers becomes a critical concern for authorities and employers alike.

Protecting the workforce from extreme heat is not just a matter of compassion; it is a fundamental pillar of modern occupational safety. In a resolute effort to safeguard its vast private sector workforce, Saudi Arabia has officially concluded its stringent 2026 ban on working under direct sunlight.

The official conclusion and nationwide monitoring

The HRSD, working in tandem with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, formally announced the successful conclusion of the 2026 implementation period for the midday work ban.

To ensure that private sector establishments adhered strictly to these life-saving regulations, the Ministry deployed extensive administrative resources across the Kingdom. Rather than relying solely on voluntary compliance, government inspection teams proactively canvassed construction sites, infrastructure projects, and other vulnerable outdoor workspaces. The immense scale of the monitoring effort reflects the government's zero-tolerance policy towards occupational hazards and the endangerment of workers.

By the numbers: inspections and accountability

The Ministry's rigorous enforcement strategy yielded significant data, illustrating both the high levels of compliance and the specific areas where immediate intervention was necessary. The key figures from the 2026 enforcement period highlight the highly proactive nature of the HRSD's operations:

• Extensive Field Visits: To monitor compliance with the ban, the Ministry's inspection teams conducted over 17,000 field visits across the Kingdom, ensuring comprehensive geographical coverage.

• Targeted Enforcement: The intensive monitoring and on-site checks resulted in the recording of 1,910 violations against non-compliant establishments that failed to protect their staff.

• Community Engagement: Between the commencement of the ban and the 26th of August, the Ministry received and rapidly processed over 300 reports from the public and workers.

The mechanics of the midday work ban

Understanding the mechanics of the midday work ban provides excellent insight into its fundamental necessity. Annually implemented from the 15th of June through to the 15th of September, the regulation strictly prohibits any work under direct sunlight between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

By enforcing this mandatory break, the government actively shields millions of workers from the most dangerous parts of the day. Employers are consequently required to adjust their operating schedules—such as starting shifts much earlier in the morning or extending them into the cooler evening hours—to maintain productivity without ever compromising staff welfare.

Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

This stringent approach to occupational health is not an isolated policy; it is deeply interwoven with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. A central objective of this transformative national agenda is to drastically improve the domestic work environment and elevate occupational safety and health standards to match or exceed global benchmarks.

By prioritising the physical well-being of the labour force, Saudi Arabia is cultivating a highly sustainable and attractive labour market. The strict enforcement of the midday work ban serves as a tangible demonstration of the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to workplace safety.

Looking Forward

As the 2026 summer period formally concludes, the data gathered from the 17,000 inspections will directly inform future regulatory strategies, helping the HRSD continuously refine its monitoring techniques. The successful execution of the ban reinforces the essential message that while the nation continues its rapid infrastructural development, the health of the people building it remains completely paramount. Through continuous vigilance, the Kingdom is setting a regional benchmark for occupational safety.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 28th September 2026
• Year: 2026

The global maritime transport industry serves as the backbone of international trade, connecting economies across the world's oceans.

Recognising the critical importance of this sector, Saudi Arabia has taken significant strides to position itself as a progressive leader in maritime logistics. On September 24, 2026, against the coastal backdrop of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia celebrated World Maritime Day. Represented by the Transport General Authority (TGA) alongside various partner entities, the Kingdom used the occasion to highlight the continued development of its maritime sector and its active role in advancing the global maritime transport industry.

Navigating the future of maritime transport

World Maritime Day traditionally serves as an occasion to reflect on shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment. For Saudi Arabia, it also provides a platform to showcase its transformative approach to maritime infrastructure and human capital. The continued development of Saudi Arabia's maritime sector is part of a broader strategy to modernise the nation's economic capabilities while supporting international supply chains.

The Transport General Authority plays a pivotal role in this ongoing transformation. As the primary regulatory body for transport in the Kingdom, the TGA ensures that the maritime sector adheres to the highest international standards. Crucially, the TGA does not operate alone. The active involvement of partner entities underscores a highly collaborative ecosystem. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the industry's growth is both sustainable and comprehensively supported across all levels of operation.

A strategic shift: championing women in maritime

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Saudi Arabia’s current maritime narrative is its deliberate focus on workforce diversity. Historically, the global maritime industry has been heavily male-dominated, with women often underrepresented in technical and operational roles. However, Saudi Arabia is actively working to shift this paradigm. The Kingdom has "continued to support women's participation in the maritime sector through training and qualification programs," signalling a modern and inclusive approach to professional development.

This support extends beyond mere policy statements; it is firmly rooted in actionable educational initiatives. The Transport General Authority and its partners are dedicated to equipping female professionals with the essential skills required to thrive. This is primarily achieved through rigorous training and qualification programmes designed to bridge the gender gap and elevate the overall competency of the workforce.

Key initiatives and milestones

To understand the practical impact of these inclusivity efforts, it is helpful to look at the structural changes characterising the sector's development:

• Targeted Skill Development: Saudi Arabia is offering specialised maritime courses that provide comprehensive knowledge, ensuring that professionals meet stringent global standards.

• Measurable Progress: During the first quarter of 2025, the sector saw "20 female trainees participating in specialized maritime courses," marking a tangible step forward.

• Long-term Qualification: The focus on formal qualification programmes guarantees that trainees receive recognised credentials, empowering them to pursue high-level industry careers.

• Collaborative Ecosystem: By working closely with partner entities, the TGA ensures that training programmes are aligned with actual industry demands.

Setting a new industry standard

The participation of female trainees in early 2025 is a foundational achievement. It demonstrates that the Kingdom is systematically building a robust pipeline of female talent ready to take on critical roles within the maritime sphere. By providing these specialised courses, Saudi Arabia is not only empowering its citizens but also expanding its available talent pool, which is essential for the continued development of its maritime sector.

As Saudi Arabia advances the global maritime transport industry, its strategy is twofold: enhancing logistical capabilities while simultaneously modernising its workforce. The celebrations in Jeddah for World Maritime Day highlight a nation boldly charting a progressive course for the future. Through the steadfast efforts of the TGA and the implementation of inclusive training programmes, the Kingdom is proving that maritime excellence relies just as much on human capital and diversity as it does on infrastructure.