Middle East

• Topic: Security
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 13th July 2026
• Year: 2026

ECITB Global has launched a new suite of confined space training courses aimed at improving safety for engineering construction industry (ECI) workers operating in high-risk environments worldwide

The international skills body first introduced the four new courses in Qatar earlier this year, replacing the previous low- and medium-risk confined space programmes. The updated training has since become part of the mandatory ECITB courses required by Ashghal, Qatar's Public Works Authority, for engineering construction projects in the country.

Since their introduction, more than 5,000 learners in Qatar have completed one of the four courses. Following this strong uptake, ECITB Global has expanded the programme, making the full suite available to its network of licensed international training providers.

Three of the courses can each be completed in a single day, lasting between four and six hours, while the fourth is a comprehensive, hands-on rescue course designed for teams responsible for recovering casualties from confined spaces.

"Given the strong uptake in Qatar, we are delighted to be able to extend the opportunity to deliver these four new courses across our wider provider network.Confined space training is vitally important in the ECI given the high-hazard environments many workers operate in across sectors like oil & gas, renewables and process industries. The training standards these new courses are developed against are trusted by industry in covering the appreciation, principles and requirements of working safely in low, medium or high-risk confined spaces," said  Tristan Kemp, ECITB Head of Commercial

"We anticipate a bulk of people will go through the Entrant course, which is equivalent to the old low risk course. Each of the courses comprises assessed knowledge and practical elements."

"Providers will need to have facilities and their equipment approved before they can start delivering these ‘courses in a box’, which include all slides, tutor notes, test papers and supporting materials."

Confined space training standards

ECITB Global is the international division of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), the industry-led skills body for engineering construction in Great Britain and sponsored by the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The four confined space courses have been developed in line with ECITB training standards, which are created in collaboration with subject matter experts from engineering construction employers, professional organisations and training providers. These standards define the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out engineering construction activities safely, including confined space work.

The courses cover key topics such as confined space hazards, control and safety measures, permit requirements, safe working precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), confined space entry equipment, and worker roles and responsibilities.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 10th July 2026
• Year: 2026

ECITB Global, the international division of the ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board), has rolled out new confined space courses globally, following their success in Qatar

The new courses are designed to help workers operating in confined spaces within the engineering construction industry (ECI) across the world.

The international skills body introduced the four new confined space courses in Qatar earlier this year to replace the confined space low and medium-risk courses. These now form part of the ECITB training courses mandated by Ashghal, the government regulatory authority for all public works in Qatar.

More than 5,000 learners in Qatar have completed one of the four new courses since then, following which ECITB Global has decided to make the full suite available to its wider global network of international licensed training providers.

The four confined space courses are developed against ECITB training standards, which are created working with subject matter experts from across engineering construction employers, professional organisations and training providers. Topics covered include knowledge of hazards, control and safety measures; permit requirements; precautions when working in a confined space; PPE and confined space entry equipment; and responsibilities. The four new confined space courses are:
• Confined Space Attendant/Hole Watcher (4 hours)
• Confined Space Entrant (4 hours)
• Confined Space Supervisor (6 hours)
• Confined Space Rescue (16-18 hours)

Tristan Kemp, ECITB head of Commercial said, “Given the strong uptake in Qatar, we are delighted to be able to extend the opportunity to deliver these four new courses across our wider provider network.

“Confined space training is vitally important in the ECI given the high-hazard environments many workers operate in across sectors like oil & gas, renewables and process industries. The training standards these new courses are developed against are trusted by industry in covering the appreciation, principles and requirements of working safely in low, medium or high-risk confined spaces.

“Providers will need to have facilities and their equipment approved before they can start delivering these ‘courses in a box’, which include all slides, tutor notes, test papers and supporting materials.”

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 10th July 2026
• Year: 2026

Middle East companies have a strong showing in this year’s British Safety Council International Safety Awards

The International Safety Awards, sponsored by HSI donesafe, are open to organisations of all types, sizes and sectors in the UK and internationally, both members of the British Safety Council and non-members, and relate to the health and safety management at a specific site or business unit. The awards include a range of auto enter awards as well as free to enter awards.

British Safety Council held its annual Gala Dinner on 19 June in London to celebrate the winners of its International Safety Awards (ISAs) 2026. It was combined with a daytime conference, themed “Designing Safer Workplaces”, which explored practical and strategic approaches to improving health, safety, and wellbeing performance.

851 organisations won an International Safety Award. They span a wide range of sectors with significant representation from the construction, manufacturing, oil, gas, mining, power and utility sectors. Winners were drawn from 51 countries worldwide. 234 organisations were awarded a Distinction, 428 organisations were awarded a Merit and 189 organisations achieved a Pass.

Middle East winners

Country winners In the Middle East included Kuwait National Petroleum Company – Projects Directorate; China State Construction Engineering Corp Ltd (EGYPT) and China State Construction Overseas Development Co Ltd – The Cairo New Administrative Central Business District Project (Package 8&11); Qatar Free Zone Authority; ENGIE (Fadhili Operations & Maintenance Company), Saudi Arabia; and Roads and Transport Authority – Dubai.

Sector winners in the Middle East included Roads & Transport Authority Dubai (local government); ENGIE (Fadhili Operations & Maintenance Company) (power and utilities); Ecolog International, Dubai (hospitality & catering); and Dubai Duty Free (retail).

Health Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award went to Mayasa, Dubai Municipality - Health & Safety Department, while Rising Female Star Award in collaboration with SOWSHE was won by Dr. Hessa Al Jawi, Dubai Municipality - Health & Safety Department. Bashar Al Malik, Saudi Arabia Railways won the CEO Award, while Wellbeing Initiative Award went to WSP Middle East.

Speaking at the event, chief executive of the British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said, “The nature of our profession is such that success is often invisible. When safety systems work, nothing happens. When cultures are healthy, incidents do not occur. When leadership is strong, risks are identified and addressed before they become tragedies.

“That invisibility is, in one sense, the highest form of achievement. But it can also mean that the people responsible for it go unrecognised, their contribution unacknowledged by those around them.

“But our International Safety Awards have always striven to reward the unseen, to celebrate the invisible, and to shine a light on success; because success in safety is measured in lives unchanged by tragedy. That is worth celebrating, even when no one sees it.”

Chairman of the British Safety Council, Peter McGettrick said, “Last year alone, over 13,000 people in more than 100 countries came through our training programmes. But for me, it’s not really about the numbers.

“It’s about the fact that every one of those people leaves better equipped to look after the person working next to them. And that’s how change really happens. One decision, one action, one workplace at a time.”

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 10th July 2026
• Year: 2026

The global governing body for motor sport, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has initiated the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme for Member Clubs of the FIA Region I MENA Mobility Council (Middle East & North Africa - MENA)

With 17 Member Clubs attending from 15 countries, the first seminar in Cairo introduced the current road safety outlook in the MENA region, the UN Vision for Road Safety, and the Safe System Approach, while inviting Clubs to share knowledge and takeaways from their own initiatives.

The FIA University programme has been designed with inputs from international experts helping FIA Member Clubs and government authorities to develop road safety projects. It will be delivered through in-person sessions as well as online learning. It has been developed in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and with the support of the FIA Foundation.

The launch of the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme in the MENA region precedes the Graduation Ceremony for 17 FIA Members from Asia-Pacific (FIA Region II) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, following their successful completion of the programme.

President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “The launch of the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa showcases the commitment of our FIA community to advancing road safety across the region at scale, bringing together 17 Member Clubs at this inaugural seminar in Cairo.

“At the FIA, we are committed to supporting our Members in their delivery of life saving initiatives, and through this programme we’re giving them and government authorities the tools and support to create safer roads for everyone.”

FIA MENA President, Essa Hamza Al Failakawi said, “Member Clubs across our region face unique road safety challenges, and by bringing them together to collaborate and share expertise, we can help them find the solutions they need.

"Launching the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme across the Middle East and North Africa is the crucial first step in turning the local knowledge of Member Clubs into meaningful action.”

Director of UNITAR’s Division for People and Social Development, Alex Mejía said, “Effective road safety policies only work when organisations work together towards a common goal. Through this programme, participants gain the practical tools and insights to make a difference on the ground.

"We’re proud to partner with the FIA as we work together to make roads safer for everyone across the Middle East and North Africa.” 

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 10th July 2026
• Year: 2026

More than 400 representatives of construction companies attended an awareness workshop held by Abu Dhabi City Municipality on heat safety regulations and heat stress prevention

The workshop aimed to familiarise employers and site supervisors with the importance of implementing heat stress management programmes and adopting the necessary preventive measures to minimise the impact of working in hot weather conditions, thereby ensuring a safe and healthy working environment at construction sites.

It included a presentation on the mechanisms for implementing the Midday Work Ban during the summer period, heat safety requirements, and the key measures that must be followed to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.

The Midday Work Ban applies to workers carrying out duties in open areas and under direct sunlight. It applies from 12-30pm to 3.00 pm from 15 June to 15 September. Key categories include construction workers, road and infrastructure workers, excavation and utility workers, external maintenance personnel, landscaping, agriculture and park workers, as well as cleaning and waste collection workers operating outdoors. The ban does not apply to employees working inside enclosed buildings or air-conditioned facilities equipped with appropriate protective measures, provided that occupational health and safety requirements are fully observed.

The Municipality emphasised the importance of compliance with the resolution by contractors and workers in the construction sector in order to safeguard workers’ health and safety. The session highlighted the risks associated with working during periods of high temperatures, methods of preventing heat stress, emergency response procedures, and the importance of providing appropriate cooling facilities, rest breaks and hydration solutions at work sites.

Omar Mohammed Al Shahi, acting director of the Municipal Services Sector at Abu Dhabi City Municipality, stated that the workshop reflects the Municipality’s commitment to promoting a culture of prevention across work sites and supporting companies operating in the construction sector in implementing best practices in occupational health and safety. He noted that these efforts contribute to protecting workers from heat stress risks and fostering a safe and sustainable working environment throughout the summer season.

Abu Dhabi City Municipality urged members of the public and workers at construction sites to report any violations relating to non-compliance with the Midday Work Ban or heat safety requirements through the approved official channels or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Municipality said it intends to continue implementing awareness programmes and inspection campaigns throughout the Midday Work Ban period to enhance companies’ preparedness for summer working conditions and further strengthen the culture of safety and prevention within the construction sector.

These efforts contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable working environment that protects workers’ health and wellbeing while supporting quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

Other Gulf states also implement midday work bans and have implemented initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of heat stress. International Labour Organization (ILO) reports highlight that more than 2.4bn workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, resulting in more than 22.85mn occupational injuries each year.

See also https://hsereview.com/regional-coverage/middle-east/bahrain-enforces-midday-work-ban-to-protect-workers

https://hsereview.com/regional-coverage/middle-east/qatar-strengthens-heat-safety-measures

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 7th July 2026
• Year: 2026

Improving the way cities are planned and connected could help create more inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa region, according to a new World Bank report.

The report, Cities that Work: Realising the Jobs Potential of MENA’s Cities, examines how urban environments influence access to jobs, productivity and economic opportunity across the region.

While focused on employment creation, its findings highlight the wider conditions that shape workers’ experiences — including transport, housing, infrastructure and access to essential services.

In terms of occupational health and safety, the report highlights the importance of considering the wider work environment — a worker’s ability to reach employment, live close to opportunities and access reliable services can influence the sustainability and inclusiveness of work, it notes.

“Urban policy is not only about buildings, roads, or land use,” said Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure at the World Bank.

“It is also about creating the conditions for firms to grow and innovate, and for women and young people to access jobs. When cities are well planned, well connected, and supported by reliable and affordable services, they can expand opportunities for workers and become engines of growth and resilience.”

The report analyses 615 cities across MENA and compares them with more than 8,000 cities worldwide.

It identifies four areas that can help cities become stronger engines of job creation: improving productive density, strengthening connections to markets, attracting investment and talent and building stronger cooperation between public and private sectors.

The World Bank says cities in the region face challenges including limited access to infrastructure, transport barriers and housing constraints that can affect workers’ ability to access employment opportunities.

Improving these urban systems, the report states, will be essential as MENA’s cities continue to grow and more people enter the labour market.

For the occupational health and safety community, the report offers a reminder that worker wellbeing is influenced not only by workplace practices, but also by the broader conditions that determine how people live, travel and participate in employment.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 3rd July 2026
• Year: 2026

Saudi Arabia’s National Council for Occupational Safety & Health (NCOSH) has launched an Occupational Safety & Health Bulletin, Mesbar

The first issue focuses on preventing heat stress in the workplace, covering risks and prevention, the legislative and regulatory framework, smart tools for monitoring heat stress, and local and international practice in heat stress management.

The periodic publication aims to reflect professional activity in the field of occupational safety and health, contribute to the continuous transfer of knowledge, and keep pace with the regulatory and professional developments taking place in the sector, while ensuring that the content remains close to the needs of readers and target audience. It seeks to highlight priority topics, review recent developments, and present professional knowledge in a way that contributes to supporting occupational awareness and reaching a wider audience.

In a leadership article to mark the first issue, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi H.E. the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health notes that the occupational safety and health sector in the Kingdom is undergoing continuous development, reflecting the growing attention given to building safer and more sustainable work environments.

“This comes amid the expansion and diversification of work activities across various sectors, accompanied by a continuous need to develop preventive practices, raise compliance levels, and enhance awareness of occupational risks and ways to mitigate them,”he says. He adds that investment in prevention strengthens protection, improves performance, and reduces risks.

The Minister underlines the Kingdom’s progress in updating regulations, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and developing initiatives to support compliance across workplaces, aligned with national priorities to improve quality of life and promote safe work environments. He highlights the role of the Council in advancing regulation and building a clear regulatory framework to strengthen safety and health. He discusses its work with relevant entities in the Kingdom and the development of joint programmes and initiatives, emphasising the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

He also outlines the Council’s activities in raising awareness and promoting knowledge-sharing.

“As this field continues to develop, the need remains to continue strengthening knowledge, expanding participation, and supporting initiatives that make occupational safety and health a renewed culture and a constant presence across all workplaces,” the Minister concludes.

The issue can be accessed here https://www.ncosh.gov.sa/en/media-center/reports/

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 3rd July 2026
• Year: 2026

A new regulation tightening up the requirements for workers in high-risk occupations such as construction comes into effect on 3 July in Saudi Arabia

The regulation on Organising Work in High-risk Professions establishes an integrated system for licensing and accreditation for individuals and establishments working in occupational safety and health, defining the standards that need to be met, with the aim of ensuring the quality of services, and raising the competence of practitioners and specialised establishments.

In an insight article posted on law firm Pinsent Masons website, it noted that the regulation is highly relevant to employers operating in sectors where work involves elevated safety risks – such as construction, heavy equipment operations, welding, cutting, and mechanical work. (According to General Authority for Statistics Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics 2025, the leading cause of occupational injury in the Kingdom is exposure to mechanical forces).  It raises the bar for workplace safety and compliance, the law firm commented.

The regulation provides a framework for the classification of certain occupations as ‘high-risk’, and associated obligations on both employers where employees and workers fall into that category, the article noted. Obligations also fall on individual employees and workers where they are considered to perform a high-risk role.

Employer obligations

Each employer is responsible for determining whether their employees or workers are undertaking “high-risk profession activities”, which is a broad concept, the paper added. For example it could include work at height or in confined spaces; working under high temperatures or sunlight; involved in manual lifting and transportation of loads; moving vehicles or equipment; dealing with noise, heat or vibrations; involved in welding or cutting; dealing with chemicals, radiation or medical waste; or working in remote isolation from other people and “vital” facilities. Other factors also need to be taken into account, ranging from the type, method and duration of their exposure to materials or factors to the number of fatalities and accidents associated with the role.

The regulation also covers medical fitness for those employees in high-risk occupations, with employers required to ensure that both existing and new employees undergo medical training and examinations. Employees and workers will be required to pass medical fitness examinations to obtain a licence enabling them to perform a high-risk role, and employers have a duty to avoid tasks in high-risk professions being assigned to individuals where they do not have the necessary licence in place. In some cases specialist training will need to be undertaken to perform certain roles.

Other obligations on employers include the requirements to notify hazards that may affect the safety and health of workers or employee during the performance of their work, and to investigate and report workplace accidents.

“The introduction of the new regulation marks a decisive shift in how employers must manage safety critical roles,” said Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim of Pinsent Masons. “It represents a structural change in the labour market that will require organisations to rethink how they recruit, train, and supervise workers in high risk environments.”

Sadia Farooq, also of Pinsent Masons, added that the regulation raises expectations for both employers and service providers, and it will quickly expose gaps in existing workforce capabilities.

Also this year, the Regulation for Occupational Fitness Examinations and Non-Communicable Diseases Examinations came into effect, requiring employers to implement mandatory fitness examinations for workers to ensure they can safety perform their roles. Covering physical, mental and psychological fitness, they go beyond traditional pre-employment medical checks by incorporating a holistic approach that includes mental and psychological wellbeing.

The new regulations reflect the onward drive to raise standards and strengthen the culture of occupational safety and health, supporting the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve workforce wellbeing, modernise labour practices, raise productivity and protect lives and property.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 1st July 2026
• Year: 2026

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR)’s commitment to safety and risk management has been recognised with recent awards

SAR received the excellence in digital transformation of safety systems award from digital health and safety system Safe365 in recognition of its efforts to develop an advanced digital framework for measuring and improving institutional safety culture. It was awarded the Risk Team of the Year Award from IIRSM for excellence in implementing risk management practices and enhancing operational safety through an integrated institutional approach.

As reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), these awards reflect a strategic path pursued by SAR in recent years to establish safety as a core pillar of its operational and governance framework by adopting an integrated institutional model that links executive leadership, data-driven analysis, operational intelligence, predictive analytics, and continuous improvement, contributing to enhanced operational readiness and strengthening the reliability of the railway network in accordance with global best practices.

SAR has evolved its approach to safety, moving from a focus on procedures and compliance to an embedded safety culture built on employee empowerment, shared responsibility, and linking safety to performance, sustainability, and operational quality. In line with this approach, it has developed the operational governance framework, enhancing executive leadership's role in risk reviews and field visits, adopting advanced tools to measure safety culture and operational behaviour, and leveraging data and operational intelligence to support decision-making and improve risk management efficiency.

This has been facilitated by joining the Rail Safety and Standards Board earlier this year, enabling SAR to adopt best international practices in governance, operational safety, and intelligence. It enables SAR to access advanced research and technical programmes including risk management, predictive analysis, and operational intelligence models that enhance performance quality and operational efficiency, in the drive to develop a safer and more efficient railway network.

Further reflecting the company’s proactive approach to safety, CEO of SAR Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik has received the CEO Award 2026 from the British Safety Council as part of its International Safety Awards. The award recognises the leadership and strategic vision of CEOs who have made a vital contribution to the health and safety of their business and to the wider society during 2025.

SAR has implemented a range of initiatives and programmes to strengthen its safety culture, as reported by the SPA. These include awareness campaigns to reduce violations and unsafe behaviours across the railway network, the adoption of internationally recognised models to measure safety culture and analyse operational behaviours, specialised training and awareness programmes for leaders and employees, and the use of advanced technologies, data, and operational intelligence to support decision-making and enhance risk management. These initiatives are reported to have led to a 75% reduction in level-crossing accidents, a 62.5% decrease in injuries, a 63% reduction in near-miss incidents, and a 68% decline in collisions within rail yards and workshops.

• Topic: Security
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 29th June 2026
• Year: 2026

The Ministry of Public Health has conducted an awareness workshop on heat stress, bringing together approximately 160 occupational health and safety officials representing various companies.

The initiative was designed to strengthen awareness among occupational health and safety professionals and employers about the dangers associated with heat stress, while improving understanding of effective prevention strategies. The workshop focused on supporting worker health protection and reducing heat-related injuries, particularly among those engaged in outdoor activities during the summer months.

Dr Salah Abdulla Alyafei, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said the workshop formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to create safer and healthier workplaces that are better prepared to manage challenges caused by extreme temperatures. He highlighted the importance of coordinated awareness initiatives between the Ministries of Public Health and Labour, aimed at reaching private-sector workers and improving health and safety awareness across the workforce.

Dr Mohammed Ali Al Hajjaj, Head of the Occupational Health Section at the Ministry of Public Health, said the programme covered several essential areas, including the meaning of heat stress, contributing factors, warning signs, symptoms and prevention techniques. He added that discussions also focused on workplace best practices for tracking heat stress levels and monitoring heat-related indicators to improve employee safety and minimise health risks linked to prolonged heat exposure.

Representatives from the Emergency Department at Hamad Medical Corporation delivered sessions on the immediate first-aid measures required at worksites when employees experience heat stress. They also shared statistics on heat stress cases treated in emergency departments during 2025, which indicated a reduction compared with previous years. However, they stressed the importance of continued vigilance, especially during August, when temperatures typically create greater risks.

Experts from the Occupational Health and Safety Department at the Ministry of Labour outlined key approved measures and workplace requirements designed to safeguard employees. These included the prohibition of outdoor work in exposed areas between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from 1 June to 15 September each year, alongside requirements for providing adequate drinking water and shaded rest facilities at worksites.

The workshop also included practical guidance on measuring workplace temperature and humidity through different monitoring devices. Participants were informed about early warning signs of heat-related illnesses and effective prevention approaches, including gradual acclimatisation to high temperatures, maintaining proper hydration, managing work and rest schedules, and using suitable personal protective equipment.

The event concluded with the distribution of printed and digital awareness resources highlighting heat stress symptoms, preventive actions and recommended workplace practices to help reduce risks associated with heat exposure.

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 25th June 2026
• Year: 2026

Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) has held a workshop at the Grand Hyatt Dubai with the aim of enhancing safety, governance and compliance standards across Dubai’s petroleum products and trading system

The workshop for companies and institutions operating in the energy sector furnished participants with comprehensive information and understanding about the provisions of Executive Council Resolution No. (85) of 2025 Regulating Dealing in Petroleum Products in the Emirate of Dubai, which provides a comprehensive legislative framework governing the activities of companies operating within the petroleum products sector.

The Resolution further strengthens Dubai’s ability to combat the illegal trade of petroleum products while safeguarding lives and property, supporting the Emirate’s economic and environmental objectives, and enhancing the efficiency and resilience of its energy ecosystem.

The workshop was attended by specialised teams and petroleum products experts from relevant UAE entities including ADNOC, ENOC, Emarat, Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Supreme Legislation Committee.

H.E. Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, secretary general of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) and chairman of Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products, gave a keynote address, underlining that the Resolution regulating petroleum products trading marks a significant milestone in enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and competitiveness of Dubai’s market. By establishing a clear and robust regulatory framework, the resolution ensures the highest standards of safety, compliance, and transparency, while enabling companies to operate within a structured environment.

His Excellency added that these efforts help maintain a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem in Dubai, while enhancing the sector’s continued growth and capacity to adapt to future developments.

The workshop  featured interactive discussions with key stakeholders on licensing requirements for activities related to petroleum products trading, including import, distribution, transport, sales and purchase, manufacturing, marketing, and storage. Additionally, participants were briefed on the regulatory framework governing petroleum products transport within the Emirate of Dubai. The workshop further raised awareness among establishments regarding the necessity of obtaining both a commercial licence and a permit issued by the Council before undertaking any relevant activity. It also highlighted the importance of complying with requirements related to identifying the source of materials, providing proof of procurement from approved companies, and ensuring that storage, transportation, and manufacturing facilities meet all security, safety, and environmental standards approved by the relevant authorities.

This regulatory framework reflects the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy’s commitment to developing an integrated petroleum products trading system founded on governance, transparency and effective oversight, supporting Dubai’s vision of building a safe, sustainable, and future-ready energy sector.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: Middle East
• Date: 24th June 2026
• Year: 2026

Road safety in Saudi Arabia has improved significantly in recent years, according to the 2025 annual report of Saudi Arabia’s Ministerial Committee of Traffic Safety

The report highlighted a significant improvement in road safety indicators across the Kingdom, recording a dramatic reduction of more than 60% in traffic fatalities between 2016 and 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Traffic fatalities fell from 8,632 deaths in 2016 to 4,438 in 2025, while the number of injuries decreased from 36,787 to 24,290, a reduction of around 34%. From 23,263 serious accidents in 2019, the figure declined to 17,805 in 2025, representing a decrease of almost 23%.

The main causes of accidents were insufficient safe following distance (29.2%), sudden swerving (27.9%), failure to give right of way (10.3%), distracted driving (5.6%), and driving against traffic flow (0.7%), highlighting the need to further promote safe driving behaviour.

In 2025, the Kingdom’s traffic fatality rate fell to 12.05 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 28.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016, a drop of around 58%.

This progress is attributed to coordinated multi-sector efforts, expanded use of technology to reduce violations, improved infrastructure efficiency, and enhanced emergency response systems.

The combined efforts of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministerial Committee of Traffic Safety, regional traffic safety committees and other authorities, have seen measures implemented ranging from improving the road infrastructure and signage to traffic law enforcement and instilling safe driver behaviour.

The report noted key developments in 2025, including updates to the traffic system with stricter measures for serious violations by foreign drivers, improved emergency response times, and the introduction of Saudi Road Code standards in new projects, supporting infrastructure safety and sustainability.

The Roads General Authority (RGA), the national regulator of Saudi Arabia’s road sector, aims to raise the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people.

Road network upgrade

In 2026, Saudi Arabia pushed ahead with a major upgrade of its national road network to support safer pilgrim movement during Hajj, as part of a broader, multi-sector transport readiness plan, according to Saudi Press Agency reports.

The RGA deployed what it described as the world’s largest fleet of advanced road surveying and assessment equipment to enhance safety and efficiency across the Kingdom’s roads. According to the SPA, the fleet uses high-resolution cameras and laser sensors capable of detecting surface defects such as cracks and rutting with precision of up to 0.05 millimeters, alongside systems measuring pavement thickness, road alignment and skid resistance.

In the Madinah Region, the RGA launched a centralised road operations centre designed to strengthen monitoring and response capabilities during the pilgrimage period, bringing contractors and reporting teams together in one location to streamline communication, improve coordination and accelerate responses to incidents and emergencies.

The authority said the centre enables direct monitoring of weather developments and emergency situations, allowing officials to make faster operational decisions and improve traffic management.

The RGA is also promoting the use of new materials and road cooling technology as part of long-term efforts to improve road quality, boost safety standards and improve the efficiency of the road network  in the drive to rank among the world’s leading countries for road quality by 2030.

See also: https://hsereview.com/industry-insights/saudi-arabia-deploys-ai-powered-road-inspection-fleet