Middle East

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 19 September 2025
• Year: 2025

At HSE KSA, held in Riyadh from 9-10 September, Dr. Paul Robinson, managing director of Acumen, gave a keynote presentation underlining the importance of building a proactive and connected digital footprint to support HSE and sustainability practices, and providing valuable advice to help organisations more effectively manage their digital footprint

Robinson began by stressing how important it is to understand the digital footprint, and its impact from an HSE and sustainability perspective.

“We’re all consumers of technology at the workplace, and every time we use a technology platform we are creating a digital footprint,” he said, explaining that while HSE professionals now have access to a huge range of software solutions and easily-implemented cloud-based solutions, this proliferation has also increased the complexity and messiness of the digital footprint. As a result, IT departments can become reactive rather than proactive.

Understanding the digital footprint

Defining the digital footprint, Robinson said, “In a nutshell it is those tools, technologies and solutions that help collect analyse, process and report on data. Put simply, it is those technologies you use every day, it is that digital capability for collecting and processing data.”

The HSES digital footprint can take many forms, from the everyday office tools used to collect HSES data, everyday mobile applications and in-field data collection, to ERP systems and integrated HSES systems.

“It’s all those elements put together.”

He emphasised that not all digital footprints are the same, and that some work better than others.

Discussing the challenges of managing the digital footprint, he explained that in many organisations, HSE and sustainability are often an afterthought, leading to a messy digital footprint with data in silos. With AI, the annual cycle of data collection, analysis and reporting becomes more complex.

“AI is not just collecting data, it isn’t just processing data, It’s becoming your 24/7 eyes on your data and your environment. So importantly, your technology platform has to allow you to collect data, analyse data, allow reporting both internal and external, allow you to baseline and allow you to have access to historical data.”

Robson introduced the ‘reach and range’ concept from Howard Business School, which helps conceptualise an organisation’s digital footprint in terms of how richly it can collect data.

“Reach is how far your HSE systems can reach into your organisation, and range is how rich those systems can allow you to collect data. The better the reach and better the range you have, the better systems and technologies you will have.”

Integrated vs disparate systems

Robinson discussed the importance of integrating safety and sustainability practices into daily work activities to reduce the annual effort required for data management, explaining that most organisations have a mix of integrated and disparate systems, which complicates management and increases the risk of losing critical data.

He shared case studies comparing an organisation with disparate systems looking to manage safety and sustainability in silos, with one operating a fully integrated system and managing safety and sustainability with a connected strategy. He highlighted the resource-intensive nature of managing disparate systems, explaining that a connected digital footprint reduces effort, enables continuity, automates processes and facilitates smoother workflows.

Introduction of new tools

Robinson underlined the need for a connected digital footprint to support the implementation of new tools and technologies efficiently. He explained that the introduction of new technologies, such as behavioural-based safety and AI, further complicates the digital footprint if not properly integrated, creating more data and more complexity along with the potential for errors and loss of data.

“AI is all-engulfing, and your digital footprint and technology stack have to support that. As HSE and sustainability practitioners, you need to be aware of the impact this could have on your organisation and how to manage it,” he said.

Avoiding disparate and closed systems and those that will not allow change and evolution is critical.

“A connected approach will allow you to implement newer technologies, newer tools, newer techniques, and AI more easily. Importantly, they are embedded into your workflows, becoming part and parcel of your daily activities.

“Fully integrated systems need to be in place, where you can access data across safety, across sustainability, across health, across training, across jobs. That’s really, really important.”

Practical steps

Offering some practical steps for a better HSES footprint, Robinson suggested,
• Map out workflows to identify disparate systems
• Integrate HSE and sustainability
• Understand the technology footprint alongside the HSES footprint
• Automate data collection, retention and targets
• Automate data reporting
• Deliver continuity of process

Concluding, Robinson advised, “Think about your digital footprint, the clear continuity of your digital footprint, your reach and range, and be integrated and connected. It will make a huge difference if you can start to bring your systems together and make your HSE and sustainability systems part of your everyday systems, rather than disparate reporting systems.”

• Topic: HSE
• Date: 17 September
• Year: 2025

At the HSE KSA event held in Riyadh from September 9–10, Suphil Thomas, country sales manager for MSA Safety, delivered a compelling keynote on fall protection, championing a holistic, site-specific approach to workplace safety that reflects MSA’s global leadership in the field.

“At MSA, our mission is clear: to ensure that men and women return home safely from work, and that their families and communities flourish in health and well-being,” Thomas declared, setting the tone for a transformative dialogue on safety culture.

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in Saudi Arabia, Thomas emphasised the critical need for customised safety strategies. “No two sites are the same,” he noted, challenging the widespread reliance on generic risk assessments. “Too often, contractors use pre-filled templates—they simply copy and paste.”

Representing MSA Safety, a century-strong global pioneer in safety innovation, Thomas spotlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence. “We’re not just a manufacturer—we’re a safety partner. Our focus is on developing cutting-edge technologies and delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of every customer,” he said.

Today, MSA protects over 40 million workers worldwide, and continues to raise the bar for safety standards across industries.

Thomas introduced MSA’s 360-degree fall protection strategy, built on five foundational principles. The first and most important: eliminate the need to work at height whenever possible. “If you can keep someone off the roof, do it. Risk avoidance is the smartest protection,” he advised.

He detailed high-risk environments—from rooftops and cranes to aviation and telecom towers—where fall protection is non-negotiable. “MSA is proud to be a trusted supplier of aviation maintenance kits. We’re listed in the spare parts catalogues of Boeing and Airbus,” he added, underscoring the brand’s global credibility.

A key insight from the presentation was the distinction between basic compliance and true safety. “Compliance sets the minimum. As HSE professionals, we must go beyond that—to protect lives and uplift communities,” Thomas urged, advocating for rigorous training and proactive site management.

He outlined the hierarchy of fall protection:

• Eliminate the hazard

• Guard the hazard (e.g., guardrails, handrails)

• Equip individuals with personal protective equipment

• Enable rescue systems

To illustrate, Thomas shared a practical innovation: “Instead of climbing a ladder with a sponge, workers now use extendable poles to clean windows from the ground. That’s how smart design reduces risk.”

Clarifying accountability

Thomas addressed a critical question: who bears responsibility for fall protection? “Ultimately, it’s the facility owner who must ensure a safe working environment. Contractors bring their PPE, yes—but anchorage points and safe access systems must be provided by the end user.”

He stressed that fall protection systems must be custom-engineered for each site. “Design matters. A system built for two users may be cost-effective, but if you’re sending six people to the roof, that’s a design flaw.”

Installation and inspection are equally vital. Systems must be installed by certified professionals and inspected by authorised experts. “Skipping steps—like applying water sealant on membrane roofs—can lead to leaks. That’s an installation error, not a product defect,” he warned. Unauthorised third-party inspections are unacceptable and compromise safety.

Thomas likened fall protection systems to fire extinguishers: “They require annual inspections—just like any other critical safety equipment.”

Training: the final link

Thomas closed with a powerful reminder: “What’s the point of having a system if your team doesn’t know how to use it?” He cited a common misuse: “I’ve seen people fully retract a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) and attach it to a lower rung of a ladder—that’s incorrect.”

For industries across Saudi Arabia, Thomas offered a clear and actionable blueprint for elevating fall protection standards. “Fall protection is like a chain,” he concluded. “If one link is weak, the entire system fails.”

• Date: 15 September, 2025
• Year: 2025

The US$1mn Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award has opened for submissions, recognising outstanding achievements in advancing workforce health and wellbeing in the global energy sector.

Presented by 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 MENA, the award is supported by Prometheus Medical International, a UK-based defence medicine training company.

Organisations worldwide operating in the energy sector are invited to apply before the 30 September 2025 deadline. The initiative is closely aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to position the country as a global leader in quality of life by promoting healthy lifestyles, mental wellness, and positive workplace cultures.

The award will honour one organisation demonstrating the most innovative and measurable impact on workforce wellbeing, with particular emphasis on scalable solutions and inclusive participation, including from small and medium-sized enterprises.

The inaugural winner will be announced in November during ADIPEC 2025, further highlighting the UAE’s role as a global hub for energy innovation and sustainable development.

For participation and submission guidelines, organisations can visit the Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award website.

Dr Rohil Raghavan, CEO of Response Plus Holding PJSC, said, “The Human Energy Awards are more than a recognition platform. They are a catalyst for change. By aligning with the UAE’s national agenda, we are reinforcing the international importance of health and wellbeing as strategic imperatives for economic resilience and global competitiveness.”

 Steven Wines, CEO of Prometheus Medical International and Head of the Award Steering Committee, added, “The US$1mn Human Energy Award is designed to recognise and inspire organisations who think differently about health and wellbeing. In line with its commitment to transparency, credibility, and global relevance, the Award has announced a distinguished international panel of jury. We want to encourage innovative solutions that make a tangible difference to people across the Energy sector.”

• Date: 12 September, 2025
• Year: 2025

The UAE has achieved a score of 98.86% in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, placing it among the world’s top performers in aviation safety, according to a new report from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The GCAA credited this result to strong regulatory oversight, significant investment in human capital, the adoption of advanced technologies, and alignment with global best practices. The findings were shared in a Wam news agency report, underscoring the UAE’s determination to position its aviation sector at the forefront of international safety standards.

As part of its broader efforts to document and share progress, the authority has launched a new series of analytical reports titled A Closer Look: Civil Aviation in the UAE. The most recent edition, Building One of the World’s Safest Skies, highlights milestones in aviation safety and outlines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

At the core of these achievements is the UAE’s National Aviation Safety Plan (2023–2026). Implemented under the State Safety Programme and aligned with ICAO’s Global Safety Plan, it focuses on reducing operational risks, strengthening oversight, and embedding a safety-first culture across the sector. In 2024 alone, the GCAA carried out more than 900 safety oversight activities, including inspections, licensing, infrastructure checks, and airspace reviews.

Technology has been a major enabler of progress. The authority has rolled out an AI-powered, risk-based oversight system that provides real-time risk dashboards, automated audit prioritisation, and operator self-assessment portals. This system enhances efficiency and regulatory reach without increasing staff numbers, reflecting the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision of combining innovation with effective governance.

Other notable initiatives include the Voluntary Reporting System (VORSY), which encourages pilots and operators to report potential hazards, and the Communicable Disease Management Protocol (CAR-CDMP), developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This protocol—recognised by both ICAO and the World Health Organization—sets new standards for preventing and managing disease transmission within aviation operations.

The UAE has also assumed a leadership role on the global stage by hosting and organising several high-profile aviation gatherings. These have included the ICAO Conference on Aviation & Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in 2023, the ICAO RASG-MID meetings in 2024, the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium in 2025, and the Global Sustainable Aviation Market (GSAM) 2025, alongside its annual UAE Aviation Safety Conference.

The GCAA emphasised that safety in the UAE is not treated as a procedural requirement, but as the foundation of aviation operations. It underpins passenger trust, ensures the continuity of air travel, and safeguards lives. The authority stressed that these principles drive every initiative undertaken in the sector, reinforcing the UAE’s position as one of the safest and most trusted aviation hubs in the world.

• Topic: Training
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 11 September 2025
• Year: 2025

3t, a leading provider of safety-critical training and blended learning solutions for high-hazard industries, has received accreditation by Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority (TGA) enabling it to run its maritime training programmes at its Dammam training centre

The accreditation means that 3t’s maritime training meets internationally recognised standards, ensuring Saudi Arabia’s maritime workforce is equipped with world-class skills, safety protocols, and operational readiness. It underlines 3t’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in workforce localisation and the development of safety-critical capabilities.

“We are extremely proud to receive TGA accreditation,” said Hani Sagr, managing director MENA at 3t. “This recognition affirms the exceptional quality of our training programmes and our strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia’s maritime future. It enables us to deliver industry-aligned training that supports local talent development and meets the evolving needs of our clients and partners across the region.”

Dr. Atiyah Alatiyah, director of Maritime Accreditation and Qualification at the TGA added, “The Transport General Authority has accredited 3t’s maritime training centre in Saudi Arabia for delivery of basic STCW courses. This recognition reflects our commitment to raising safety and operational standards across the Kingdom. By endorsing high-quality, internationally aligned training providers, we are helping to build a skilled, future-ready workforce that supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global maritime leader.”

This achievement complements 3t’s wider strategic initiatives in the Kingdom, including the recent rebranding of its GTSC training centre in Dammam and the launch of a pioneering programme aimed at empowering women in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector.

• Date: 9 September, 2025
• Year: 2025

Health and safety will be a central theme at WETEX 2025, reflecting Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) commitment to promoting global standards of workplace well-being.

Hosted at Za’abeel Hall 6 across the three-day exhibition, the dedicated Health & Safety Hub offers an extensive programme designed to raise awareness, share best practices, and explore the latest innovations in occupational health and safety management.

Running from 30 September to 2 October 2025, the sessions will provide a platform for industry leaders, safety practitioners, and policymakers to address key aspects of workplace health. Discussions will span occupational health and safety standards, emergency preparedness, workplace well-being, stress management, and resilience building. This comprehensive agenda ensures that delegates gain both practical and strategic insights into safeguarding workers in high-risk industries such as energy, water, construction, and manufacturing.

The brochure emphasises WETEX’s goal of aligning with international benchmarks in health and safety, while also tailoring solutions to the region’s evolving industrial and environmental context. By focusing on prevention, preparedness, and mental health alongside physical safety, the Health & Safety Hub represents a progressive approach to risk management.

Health and safety will also be integrated into other areas of the event programme. On the second day of the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) agenda, DEWA will deliver a dedicated session on “Health and Safety Overview”. This engagement underlines the authority’s proactive role in ensuring that suppliers and contractors maintain compliance with its rigorous safety framework. The session will highlight best practices for safe operations, while also exploring how DEWA collaborates with its partners to build safer supply chains.

The inclusion of well-being, stress management, and resilience highlights a broader recognition that workplace safety goes beyond compliance. WETEX 2025 will showcase strategies that support not only accident prevention but also workforce sustainability and productivity. By providing a dedicated platform, the event ensures that health and safety remain integral to the conversation about energy transition, sustainability, and innovation.

Through its Health & Safety Hub and supporting sessions, WETEX 2025 reinforces the importance of embedding safety at every level of organisational practice. Visitors can expect actionable insights, exposure to global standards, and opportunities to engage with experts committed to shaping safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces across the region.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 3 September 2025
• Year: 2025

Reports have confirmed that the Saudi Water Partnership Company's Al-Rayes-Rabigh pipeline project has surpassed two million safe work hours

Upon completion, currently estimated in Q2 2026, the 150km-long pipeline will process up to half a million cubic metres of water daily.

TradeArabia has reported comments from Khaled Al-Quraishi, the chief executive of the Saudi Water Partnership Company. "The project has achieved more than two million safe work hours... with work in full swing, the project is on track for commercial operations by the end of the second quarter of 2026."

The project is the first pipeline connecting water desalination sources in Makkah and Madinah, estimated to cost around 2.5 billion Saudi Riyals. Finance was secured in March 2024.

Announcing the financial close of the project last year, Al-Quraishi said, "Rayis-Rabigh IWTP consortium managed to successfully complete the financial closure... despite the floating global market conditions.

"This demonstrates SWPC’s commitment to fully support investment projects and to increase private sector participation by giving local and foreign investors the opportunity to participate in the implementation of these projects. As a result, these projects will create job opportunities and support local content to complement the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030."

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 2 September 2025
• Year: 2025

Newly-released figures from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) show an improving picture in workplace health and safety in the Kingdom

According to the Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics publication 2024, 95% of workers have coverage for basic healthcare, 39% of workers received training in health and safety measures, 40.4% have access to a dedicated occupational health and safety department at their workplace, and 38.8% have an occupational health and safety representative at their workplace. 32.2% of workers received periodic medical examinations provided at their workplace.

The rate of work injuries among workers aged 15 and above reached 245.7 non-fatal injuries and 1.1 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, excluding road traffic injuries. The non-fatal injuries rate has shown a significant improvement in recent years, dropping by 30% compared with 416 per 100,000 reported a few years ago. Regarding risks at workplace, the results highlighted that 5.4% of workers were required to work on hazardous machines, 2.1% were required to deal with chemicals, and 1% are exposed to heavy metals.

The results also showed that over the past 12 months, 79.5% of workers reported that they had not experienced any work-related health problems. The most common work-related health problems were "work-related stress" at 2.1%, followed by "eye and vision problems" at 2%.

The estimates of Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics are based on self-reported data from participants through field visits conducted in the 2024 National Health Survey (NHS), except for the work-related injury rate, which was calculated from the register-based data from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and the 2024 population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics. 

Updated systems and regulations

In line with Vision 2030 objectives aiming to minimise workplace injuries, diseases, and fatalities across all sectors, the systems and regulations related to occupational safety and health have been developed and updated in recent years, aligned with the needs of the Saudi labour market and international standards.

Key legislative measures passed in the last couple of years have included quotas for HSE practitioners for a certain numbers of workers, along with Saudization quotas for HSE practitioners; and regulations prohibiting outdoor work in the middle of the day, in common with other Gulf states. Initiatives launched by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) have included the creation of a national platform for reporting and investigating work-related accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases to identify root causes of accidents, establish appropriates rules to reduce them and prevent their recurrence. It is also conducting training and awareness initiatives, establishing OSH research and development centres, developing a system to verify OSH practitioners, improving the knowledge and capabilities of OSH practitioners to implement mandatory health and safety regulations, and running programmes to enhance companies’ compliance with OSH requirements and regulate high-risk occupations.

These policies and initiatives are achieving results, with a significant reduction in the Kingdom's work-related injury rate.

At the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference held in Riyadh in May, H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, announced landmark initiatives aimed at enhancing the occupational safety and health system in both Saudi Arabia and across the region. These included the launch of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the creation of an Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Insurance, as well as the introduction of the National Incentive Program for Compliance and Excellence, among others.

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

Workers in Oman's energy and minerals sector must meet mandatory licensing requirements implemented by the Sultanate's Ministry of Labour

Effective from September 1^st, 2025, the licensing rule change aims to regulate the labour market and improve workplace efficiency and safety.

43 professions, including HSE advisor, excavator operator, and machinist, among others, are subject to mandatory licensing under the new rules.

Licenses can be obtained via the Oman Energy Association, and are (as of September 2025) a prerequisite for the renewal or issue of work permits. Work permits will not be granted without the professional practice licenses. The Ministry of Labour has urged organisations to take measures to ensure their workforces adhere to the new regulations.

Similar regulation has been introduced to the logistics sector, including refrigerated truck drivers and waste transport truck drivers.

• Date: 28 August, 2025
• Year: 2025

OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) has successfully commissioned the Bisat-C Expansion Facilities in Block 60, raising total oil processing capacity to 67,000 barrels per day, according to the Oman News Agency.

The project, described as a major milestone in OQEP’s upstream growth strategy, was delivered in record time, from contract award in January 2024 to first crude in less than 18 months. The early completion reflects what the company called “high levels of coordination, planning, and technical execution.”

The expansion enables an additional gross fluids handling capacity of 447,000 barrels per day, including 37,000 bpd of oil and 410,000 bpd of Produced Water treatment. OQEP said this strengthens the maturation of production growth from its flagship Block 60 asset.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards were a central pillar of the project’s delivery. At its peak, Bisat-C hosted 1,200 personnel, achieving three million safe man-hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI). The project also recorded two million kilometres driven without any Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), underscoring OQEP’s commitment to safe operations.

Oman’s localisation agenda also benefited from the development. OQEP reported an In-Country Value (ICV) spend of RO 24.6mn directed to SMEs, Made in Oman goods, and local service providers. In addition, 23 Omani graduates were trained and employed through the project.

On the technical side, the expansion required 486 piles (each 12 metres deep) to support new tanks and processing infrastructure. The Produced Water tank, the largest installed, has a storage capacity of 27,784 cubic metres (174,700 barrels). Other key units include a Gas Flotation Tank (15 metres high), a Gross Inlet Separator weighing 145 tonnes, and a Heater Treater and Desalter package with a combined capacity of 40,400 bpd.

OQEP added that the new water injection pumps, powered by a 4 MW system, will enhance reservoir management by re-injecting 1,130 cubic metres per hour at 90 Barg.

• Topic: ESG
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 25 August 2025
• Year: 2025

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has signed an MoU with Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives in support of Bahrain’s sustainability goals

The MoU covers co-operation to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and balance economic and environmental priorities. Key initiatives include a specialised research study to identify the optimal energy mix for Alba’s operations, and the development of a unified ESG framework. A joint task force of experts from both organisations will lead these efforts. This collaboration, aligned with Bahrain’s net-zero 2060 commitment reinforces the value of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable industrial growth, advancing research, and delivering long-term benefits to the local community.

Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali stated, “This MoU with Derasat is a testament to Alba’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. By combining our industrial expertise with Derasat’s research capabilities, we are laying the groundwork for transformative ESG initiatives that will not only benefit Alba but also contribute to Bahrain’s national goals. Together, we aim to pioneer solutions in renewable energy and carbon reduction that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.”

Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat)’s chief executive officer, Abdulla Mohamed Alahmed, added, "This memorandum reflects our shared vision to strengthen research partnerships in energy and sustainability. Through advanced mathematical modelling and scenario analysis conducted by our Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy Lab (AIRE Lab), we aim to deliver practical, data-driven solutions that support Bahrain’s long-term economic competitiveness and environmental goals.”

Since its inception, Alba has invested in numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on society, launching a comprehensive ESG roadmap with six target areas in 2022. Alba’s recent projects such as the first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the Power Station 5 Block 4 Project, and the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project align with the goals of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 as well as the Kingdom’s Net Zero Carbon targets. In May 2024 Alba launched EternAl, its low carbon aluminium product line with two initial variants: EternAl-30 and EternAl-15 with a 30% and 15% recycled content, respectively. This advances its commitment to a circular economy and secondary aluminium, while addressing the growing global demand for low carbon aluminium.

Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 20 August 2025
• Year: 2025

Compliance rates reached 96% across the Dubai Municipality's 25,000 site inspections in the first half of 2025

That figure represents a 36% increase against H1 2024, with over 18,800 construction sites inspected.

1,669 completion certificates were issued, up 30% on 2024. Those permits represented around two million square metres of residential, commercial and industrial space.

CEO of the Dubai Municipality's buildings regulation and permits agency, Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, said the organisation "places great emphasis on precise engineering oversight of construction activities, considering it a key tool to regulate the sector and elevate its standards, in line with our unwavering commitment to developing it into the world’s smartest and most sustainable.

"Today, Dubai is not just a rapidly developing city — it is a global platform offering a sustainable model for future urban development. We remain committed to pursuing this ambitious vision, working hand in hand with our partners in the construction sector to drive sustainability, excellence, and innovation."