Middle East

• Date: 7 July, 2025
• Year: 2025

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has entered into a strategic agreement with Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, to launch pilot trials of self-driving vehicles in the emirate.

Set to begin later this year, the trials represent a major step toward the introduction of a fully driverless commercial mobility service by 2026.

Pony.ai, which has collaborated with top automotive manufacturers including Toyota, GAC, and BAIC, recently introduced its seventh-generation autonomous vehicle. The new fleet features cutting-edge artificial intelligence, integrated with a sophisticated sensor system that includes lidars, radars, and cameras, engineered to enable safe and accurate navigation across complex road networks and diverse weather conditions.

The company’s broader ecosystem also includes partnerships with technology giants Tencent and Alibaba, allowing its robotaxi services to be embedded into widely used platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, offering a seamless user experience.

The MoU was signed in the presence of RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Mattar Al Tayer, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai. Representing RTA was Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, while Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, signed on behalf of Pony.ai. Several senior officials from both organisations also attended the ceremony.

Mattar Al Tayer praised the partnership, noting that it aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for autonomous mobility. He highlighted that Pony.ai’s decision to choose Dubai as its international expansion base reflects the emirate’s growing status as a testbed for next-generation transport solutions.

Pony.ai CFO Dr. Leo Wang highlighted the regional significance of the partnership, "The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets. By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA's visionary leadership, we're establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region.

“The operation of autonomous taxis contributes to the integration of transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users and improving access to their final destinations in line with the first and last-mile strategy. Operating autonomous taxis will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Dubai, improve road safety, and offer greater convenience in daily mobility across the emirate.”

“Autonomous mobility has become a present reality. Leading global companies are accelerating the development of technologies and software that power autonomous vehicles, while governments—through the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities—are working to provide the necessary infrastructure and establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks required to enable their operation.”

Al Tayer added, “RTA’s continued expansion of partnerships with leading global companies in the field of autonomous mobility marks a key step towards achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It underscores RTA’s commitment to working closely with global technology leaders to advance the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility.”

• Date: 3 July, 2025
• Year: 2025

Response Plus Holding PJSC, the Middle East’s leading pre-hospital care and emergency medical services provider, and Burjeel Holdings, a major super-specialty healthcare group in the MENA region, have launched the US$1mn Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award.

The award will honour an organisation in the global energy sector that delivers the most innovative, impactful, and measurable solution to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of energy workers worldwide.

The winner will be announced at ADIPEC in November 2025.

The initiative represents the first global recognition programme dedicated solely to workforce wellbeing in the energy industry, highlighting the growing importance of mental health, resilience, and overall wellness in operational success and employee engagement.

The award is open to organisations of all sizes, with a strong emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the energy supply chain, where the prize money can make a substantial difference to internal culture and long-term wellbeing programmes.

Entries will be reviewed by an independent, international panel of experts from the fields of health, wellness, and leadership.

Encouraging better health

Dr Richard Heron, former VP of Health and Chief Medical Officer at BP, will lead the jury. He will be joined by renowned wellness coach Vinay Menon, who has worked with elite athletes including Chelsea FC and Belgium’s national football team, and journalist and global economic analyst John Defterios.

The Human Energy Awards are aligned with the UAE’s national strategies, including the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031.

This new platform reinforces the country’s efforts to set global benchmarks in health, innovation, and workforce wellbeing.

More information about the award and how to apply is available through the Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award website.

Dr Rohil Raghavan, CEO of Response Plus Holding PJSC, said, “The Human Energy Awards reflects RPM’s commitment to placing people at the centre of progress. This initiative is about setting a new benchmark to recognise how the Energy sector values and supports its workforce.”

Steven Wines, CEO of Prometheus Medical International – a subsidiary of RPM, who is leading the Award steering committee, added, “This initiative is designed to recognise and inspire organisations who think differently about health and well-being. We want to encourage innovative solutions that make a tangible difference to people across the energy value chain.”

John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, said, “Our partnership reflects a shared mission to prioritise the health of those driving the energy sector. This award highlights the vital role of preventive care and well-being in sustaining a resilient workforce.”

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 1 July 2025
• Year: 2025

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, recorded 37 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on 27 June 2025

This significant addition to Alba's distinguished safety track record reflects its commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and resilient work environment for its employees and contractors’ workers. It reaffirms Alba’s strategic vision and core values, particularly prioritising its workers’ safety into every layer of its operations. Alba believes that its people are its most valuable assets, and investing in their safety is an investment in the company’s future success. Its foundational ‘Safety First’ culture is strengthened by dedicated safety campaigns, comprehensive in-house training programmes, weekly Safety Talks and active shop-floor engagement by Alba’s executives, all of which play a crucial role in promoting a safer workplace for all.

The company’s safety performance has been recognised this year with the award of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA’s) President’s award for the third consecutive year, and six major awards from the USA’s National Safety Council (NSC).

• Date: 30 June, 2025
• Year: 2025

SOHAR Port and Freezone has been awarded the prestigious RoSPA Gold Sector Award for Health and Safety for the second consecutive year, recognising its ongoing commitment to the highest safety standards across its operations.

The award, presented by the UK-based Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), is one of the most respected international accolades in the field of health and safety.

Now in its 68th year, the RoSPA Awards programme receives nearly 2,000 entries annually from more than 50 countries, influencing safety outcomes for over seven million workers worldwide.

This latest recognition reinforces SOHAR’s strategic focus on fostering a world-class operational environment driven by a deeply embedded safety culture.

By prioritising the wellbeing of its workforce and stakeholders, the port continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading industrial and logistics hub in the region.

The award also highlights SOHAR’s dedication to sustainability and efficiency, reflecting its long-term vision of building resilient partnerships and maintaining high safety performance across all levels of its operations.

Commenting on the recognition, Eng. Batti Al Shibli, Harbour Master at SOHAR Port and Freezone, said, “We are proud to receive the RoSPA Award for the second year in a row, a reflection of the strong partnerships we have built with our tenants, operators, and stakeholders across the port and freezone. This international recognition is a tangible outcome of our shared commitment to upholding world-class health and safety standards, while fostering an operational environment rooted in sustainability and efficiency. We remain focused on this path, working together to create a safer workplace that reflects our long-term vision of institutional excellence.

• Date: 26 June, 2025
• Year: 2025

AFI Robotics, a Saudi robotic engineering firm, is redefining safety in some of the most hazardous industrial environments by deploying robotic systems designed specifically for confined, toxic, and high-risk areas.

These systems are transforming how aboveground storage tanks, oily ponds, sludge basins, and pits are inspected and cleaned, dramatically reducing the need for human entry into dangerous spaces.

Central to AFI’s safety-first approach is a submersible inspection robot that performs ultrasonic thickness testing while tanks remain online.

Aligned with API 653 and RP 575 standards, the robot provides real-time data on tank floor integrity, enabling predictive maintenance and significantly reducing both downtime and worker exposure to high-risk conditions.

In environments where sludge poses serious health and operational risks, AFI’s robotic desludging system can remove up to 150 cubic metres per hour while mapping sludge volumes.

The real-time visualisation allows operators to assess progress from a safe distance, avoiding the need for manual entry and the dangers of toxic fumes or structural collapse.

The company also offers AI-driven visual inspection platforms equipped with cameras and automated defect recognition.

Safeguarding workers

These tools are designed for flammable and contaminated zones, enabling remote operators to detect cracks, corrosion, and other anomalies without ever entering the hazardous area.

All of AFI’s solutions are designed to improve safety metrics while maintaining operational continuity. With proven deployments across petrochemical sites and manufacturing hubs, the technology is making confined space entry (and the risks that come with it) an increasingly unnecessary part of industrial maintenance.

AFI Robotics is a Saudi-based engineering company that specialises in robotic inspection and cleaning technologies for industrial environments.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Al Khobar, the company designs and deploys advanced robotic systems for in-service tank inspections, sludge removal, and visual assessments in high-risk areas.

In 2022, the company entered a formal joint venture with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics.

It has also received the university’s Vision to Venture Award in recognition of its contributions to industrial robotics research.

“Our mission has always been to engineer solutions that remove risk without removing operational continuity,” says Rabieh Ghossainy, founder and managing director of AFI Robotics. “Whether it's storage tank inspections or pit desludging, we build systems that keep operations in service, without compromise.”

“Saudi Arabia is not just adopting advanced industrial technologies, we're engineering them,” said Talal Al Hamdan, chairman of AFI Robotics, and prominent Saudi entrepreneur and businessman in manufacturing, marine, and high technology solutions inclusive of logistics under ASH Group. “At AFI Robotics, we're proving that homegrown innovation can lead standards in safety, efficiency, and operational resilience. Our robotics are designed for the region, tested in the region, and ready to transform how critical infrastructure is managed on an industry level.”

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 24 June 2025
• Year: 2025

Middle East companies, government departments and HSE leaders have a strong showing in the list of recipients of the British Safety Council International Safety Awards 2025

The International Safety Awards, sponsored by HSI Donesafe, recognise and celebrate organisations from around the world that have demonstrated their commitment to preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health during the previous calendar year. The awards also acknowledge organisations that have shown commitment to wellbeing and mental health at work. In 2025, 789 organisations from 45 countries won an International Safety Award, spanning all sectors. Only the best of the best wins an overall category award. Winners were celebrated at the British Safety Council's annual Gala Dinner held on 19 June in London. 

Among the Middle East recipients, Reem Mohd Saeed Ahmad Hamdan, director general of Jordan’s Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO) scooped the CEO of the Year award. She has led strategic initiatives to improve occupational health and safety (OHS), energy efficiency, and gender inclusion, played a transformative role in health, safety, environmental sustainability, and workforce wellbeing in Jordan’s energy sector. Hamdan has redefined workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and employee empowerment in Jordan’s energy sector and she continues to set new standards for excellence in safety, sustainability, and leadership development.

Winner of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award was Adnan Ahmed Al Ali, National Contracting Company Limited, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose leadership has transformed safety culture through active prevention and genuine care for employee welfare. His approach centres on human connections rather than just systems.

The Seize the Opportunity Award went to Dubai Municipality - Al Garhoud, Health and Safety Department for its response to the April 2024 Climatic Event in Dubai, which resulted in severe flooding. The Health and Safety Department demonstrated strong emergency preparedness, effective crisis management, and a commitment to innovation. Through rapid action, coordinated efforts, and advanced technologies, the department successfully mitigated risks, safeguarded public health, and reinforced Dubai’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges

Winner of the James Tye Award was Ala'aldeen Farhan Ali Al-Soukni, United Development Company Qatar, who has established an annual plan for health, safety and wellbeing across UDC, improving interaction across teams throughout The Pearl development and Gewan Island. From compliance audits to employee wellbeing initiatives, to implementation and enforcement of health and safety requirements for all communities across the complex environment, this has been a huge undertaking.

Dr. Maryam Bin Essa, deputy director of Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, won the Rising Female Star of the Year Award. Her career at Dubai Municipality (DM) is testament to visionary leadership, innovative solutions, and steadfast commitment to health, safety, wellbeing, and environmental management (HSWE). While manager of the Environmental Health Section, she developed key policies and strategic initiatives, as well as making significant contributions to water safety, leading to 13 intellectual property recognitions that have benefited entities and service providers in Dubai.

The Environmental Award went to King Saud University, Medical City (KSUMC), Saudi Arabia's largest teaching hospital, which has developed a comprehensive disaster management strategy, including an Internal Disaster Management Plan, an External Disaster Management Plan, and a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) tool to evaluate climate change risks. This proactive approach helps assess the likelihood and severity of natural events such as sandstorms, temperature extremes, and epidemics, guiding the hospital’s risk mitigation efforts.

Best in Sector awards went to Abu Dhabi’s Spaceage General Contracting Co WLL (construction); WSP (consultancy and advisory) for the Zayed National Museum; Alliad Company DMCC (hospitality and catering) Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZ) (local government) and Ejadah Asset Management – DIFC (property management).

While Best in Country awards went to El Seif Engineering Contracting, Head Office in Saudi Arabia; WSP Middle East - South Surra Project (RA/257) in Kuwait; China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd (Egypt) & CSCEC International Installation Engineering Co., Ltd - Alamein Downtown Towers (Middle East other); Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZ); and Dubai Municipality - Health & Safety Department.

Chief executive of British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said, “These awards demonstrate the commitment of all organisations represented, not only to the health and safety of their own workforces, but to the British Safety Council’s vision that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work. The safer and healthier workplaces you are building mean that more people get to go home safely at the end of each working day.

“In an age defined by rapid change, this commitment to worker health, safety, and wellbeing has never been so needed, nor so important. The world is changing, and access to knowledge and support are invaluable tools in navigating social, political, environmental and technological change. Our members, working in more than 60 countries, share this same commitment, understanding that healthier and safer workplaces are more productive and more profitable too.”

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 23 Jun, 2025
• Year: 2025

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection has introduced the PS DUO, a new portable dual-gas detector designed to improve personal safety in hazardous environments.

The compact handheld device can detect two gases simultaneously using passive diffusion sensing, and features real-time monitoring with audible, visual and vibrating alarms to alert users when gas levels exceed safe limits.

The PS DUO offers a broad selection of gas combinations including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), oxygen (O₂), hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). Its ATEX/IECEx rating and 2-year warranty make it ideal for industrial settings. Users can select gas pairings tailored to their specific applications, such as H₂S and SO₂, particularly relevant in Middle Eastern operations.

The detector features a bright LCD screen displaying continuous gas concentration, wireless connectivity for easy data transfer, and internal memory capable of storing 30 alarm logs. Housed in a rugged IP67-rated rubberised casing, the PS DUO is lightweight (200g), ergonomic, and designed for comfort and ease of use in demanding environments. It runs for up to two years on a single replaceable battery.

Pawel Kulik, product manager-portables, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, said, “It adds to an existing and highly successful range of personal safety and gas monitoring solutions that includes our portable Protégé ZM and PS200.”

The new device complements Teledyne’s existing personal gas monitoring range, including the Protégé ZM single-gas monitor and the PS200 four-gas compliance monitor, both known for reliability and ease of use in hazardous locations.

• Date: 20 June, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi will host the Occupational Health and Safety Week 2025 from 23-27 June, featuring a two-day forum themed “Growth in Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation: A Leap in the Right Direction for Workplace Safety and Health.”

The forum underscores DMT’s dedication to harnessing artificial intelligence and digital technologies to foster safer and more sustainable workplaces.

The event will showcase advanced tools such as big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented and virtual reality to boost performance efficiency, reduce workplace accidents and injuries, and enhance risk prediction and management.

Through panel discussions and specialised workshops, the forum will promote expertise development, knowledge sharing, and strengthen local and international partnerships, aligning with the National Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety and Abu Dhabi’s Occupational Health and Safety System to minimise risks and improve employee wellbeing.

The forum will convene leading experts from organisations including the International Institute of Risk Management, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Khalifa University, and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).

Contributions from entities such as Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, and Abu Dhabi Ports will highlight initiatives to optimise workplace standards and enhance employee health and satisfaction.

The event will conclude with a discussion session to evaluate key insights and provide recommendations to advance Abu Dhabi’s occupational health and safety framework, supporting institutional integration and the Emirate’s vision for sustainable development and digitally adaptive communities.

These efforts aim to foster safer, more resilient workplaces in line with global best practices.

Complementing the forum, DMT and its affiliates will launch awareness campaigns throughout the week to elevate workplace wellbeing and safety standards across Abu Dhabi.

HE Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at DMT, said, "The second edition of the Occupational Health and Safety Week underscores our ongoing efforts to creating safer, healthier workplaces by leveraging digitalisation and artificial intelligence as transformative tools to enhance safety standards and improve employee well-being."

• Date: 16 Jun, 2025
• Year: 2025

The International Code Council (ICC), a global authority on building safety and construction standards, will take part in the 7th edition of Big 5 Construct Egypt, held from 17-19 June 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

Mohammed Amer, managing director – ICC MENA, will present a session titled “Highlighting the Impact of ICC on Innovative Building Practices in the MENA.”

His address will explore ICC’s expanding role in the region, with a focus on its International Codes (I-Codes) and the wider ICC Family of Solutions.

Using real-world case studies, Amer will demonstrate how ICC works with governments, developers, and industry experts to promote international best practices throughout the MENA construction ecosystem.

In Egypt, ICC plays a vital role in advocating for modern regulatory frameworks, encouraging safer, more sustainable infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation continues to support the country’s construction growth, while aligning it with global standards.

Bringing together more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries, Big 5 Construct Egypt showcases cutting-edge innovations driving regional construction forward.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and supported by the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority, the event serves as a key platform for shaping the built environment in North Africa.

Speaking about ICC’s participation, Amer stated, “At ICC, our mission is to support governments and industry stakeholders in implementing internationally recognised codes and standards that enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability. In Egypt and across the GCC, our efforts have played a key role in advancing building regulatory modernisation, integrating smart technologies, and strengthening the professional capacity needed to apply best practices effectively.”

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 13 June 2025
• Year: 2025

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed an agreement to launch the third phase of their Programme of Cooperation, to strengthen labour market governance and promote decent work in the Kingdom

The new phase will build on ongoing collaboration and will focus on seven key areas, one of which is strengthening occupational health and safety. The other areas are promoting inclusive social dialogue and representation; ensuring fair recruitment and labour mobility of migrant workers; protecting the rights of domestic workers; expanding migrant workers’ access to fair judicial processes; improving social protection systems; and supporting the adoption of a fair and non-discriminatory minimum wage system.

The programme has a strong focus on improving conditions for vulnerable workers, including migrant and domestic workers, who make up a significant share of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. It will also enhance the institutional capacity of Saudi worker and employer representatives, including the Saudi National Committee of Workers Committees and the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

To support the programme, the ILO will establish a project team in Riyadh to provide technical assistance and coordinate activities with national stakeholders.

“This next phase of cooperation focuses on practical reforms to strengthen labour market institutions, improve working conditions and expand protections for vulnerable workers,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. “It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labour policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities.”

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) Ahmed AlRajhi, said, “Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labour market. Guided by Vision 2030, we have introduced wide-ranging reforms - from expanding labour mobility and wage protection to pioneering the first National Policy to Eliminate Forced Labour in the region, strengthening labour protections and promoting social justice at every level. As our labour market evolves, collaboration with the ILO helps us align with international standards and build a more sustainable and resilient future of work.”

Previous cooperation has made a significant contribution to labour reform in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of national employment policies, advancing occupational safety and health standards, strengthening social dialogue institutions and promoting rights at work. It has resulted in improvements in female labour force participation, social dialogue mechanisms, skills governance and labour inspection systems.

• Topic: Technology
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 10 June
• Year: 2025

According to Rockwell's 10^th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, Saudi and Emirati manufacturers are leading the way in innovating with AI to tailor cybersecurtiy, energy management and quality control protocol

98% of the Middle Eastern respondents to the study, which collated feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing firms worldwide, use or plan to use generative AI for industrial processes: the highest rate of any region included.

Ediz Eren, Rockwell Automation's regional VP, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, affirmed that the region is "not just experimenting with smart manufacturing technologies; they are applying them to address real operational challenges.

"From cyber resilience to ESG performance and workforce engagement, the data shows a shift toward outcome-driven digitalisation."

61% of operators intend to use AI for cybersecurity and 46% for energy management in the next 12 months.

• Topic: Fire Safety
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 9 May 2025
• Year: 2025

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is partnering with Industrial Detection Solutions (IDS) to establish a new facility to manufacture gas detection sensors in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

In line with the IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) programme that promotes local manufacturing in KSA, the partnership will enable the local production of high-precision sensors for detecting toxic and combustible gases, helping to protect workers and assets at oil and gas production/drilling facilities, LNG/CNG plants, and refining and petrochemical sites.

The products concerned include the DM-700, a non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor that detects and monitors oxygen and toxic gases in the air using electrochemical sensor technology. The intelligent, plug-in, field-replaceable cell automatically recognises gas type and range. While the FP-700 non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor detects and monitors combustible gases over the range of 0-100% LEL using catalytic bead sensor technology. The IR-700 is a similar solution for combustible hydrocarbon gases. It uses miniature non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) optical sensor technology to detect and monitor gases over the range of 0-100% LEL.

All of these gas detectors support maximum safety with an innovative design that virtually eliminates sensor failure due to water ingress, corrosion, vibration or transient spikes.

“Our new partnership with Industrial Detection Solutions ensures that manufacturing is closer to both customers and suppliers, enabling even faster delivery of class-leading gas detection products in support of more efficient supply chains,” said Thomas Moeller, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne GFD. “The proven solutions manufactured in KSA will better serve a vast regional industry that recognises the importance of a robust and prevalent safety culture. We are proud to be part of KSA’s remarkable ongoing journey of economic and industrial growth, and we look forward to a successful future together.”