Middle East

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 6 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) celebrated the commitment of RAKEZ-based businesses to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices at the annual HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme.

The awards recognised the significant strides companies have made in enhancing their HS&E protocols, compliance and innovation as well as exemplary adherence to safety standards, reinforcing the economic zone’s position as a leader in promoting a safe and sustainable business environment.

Highlights of the event included the Green Shield Award, which was presented to companies including Al Dobowi, Anchor Allied Factory – RAK Branch, Future Architectural Glass, and Jaleel Essential Food Industries for their dedication to environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the Eversafe Compliance Award recognised businesses that demonstrated exceptional commitment to HS&E compliance and innovation, with awards going to A G M, Auto Bus Laser, Berg Industries, Conmix Ltd Ind., Gumpro Drilling Fluids, Kings Tobacco, Millennium Lubricant Refinery, Peikko Gulf, RAK Petropack, World of Tents Middle East.

Anchor Allied Factory, Jaleel Essential Food Industries, Joroga Worldwide, and Sobha Modular Industries received the FleetSafe Award for their exemplary transportation safety measures, while companies driving innovation in workplace safety, such as Jaleel Essential Food Industries, Kirby Building Systems, and Knauf RAK, were honoured with the Horizon Safety Innovator Award for their groundbreaking approaches to risk management.

RAKEZ also acknowledged newcomers who have made significant progress in their HS&E practices within their first year of operation. Geo Offshore Middle East and Milestones Pro received the HS&E First-Year Achievement Award, reflecting their rapid adoption of best practices. The Consultant Contribution Award was presented to EHS Management Consultants, HSEI Middle East Safety Consultancy and Training, and Lifeline Safety Consultancy for their pivotal role in guiding businesses toward higher safety standards.

A special segment of the event was dedicated to RAKEZ’s Nujoom Al Salama Programme, the UAE’s first star-rating initiative for HS&E performance. Seven companies, including Ace Cranes Engineering, Hira Industries, Huhtamaki Flexible Packaging Middle East, KWC ME, Vertiv Gulf, and Vesuvius Ras Al Khaimah, achieved the prestigious 5-star rating, recognising their industry-leading HS&E standards. Arc Middle East, Guardian RAK, Maico Gulf, Ni Met Recycling, Pioneer Cement Industries, and Unipods received a 4-star rating, while Anchor Allied Factory – RAK Branch and Naturelle earned a 3-star rating.

RAKEZ Health, Safety & Environment director Binu Kalarickan said, “At RAKEZ, we are committed to fostering a culture where health, safety, and environmental responsibility are integral to business success. These awards celebrate the dedication and proactive efforts of our clients in implementing best practices, ensuring safer workplaces, and promoting sustainability. Their achievements reflect the collective commitment of the RAKEZ business community to upholding the highest HS&E standards, which ultimately benefit not just individual companies but the entire economic zone."

RAKEZ also recognised its government partners in fostering a safer work environment, with representatives from RAK Municipality, Environment Protection and Development Authority, RAK Civil Defence, and RAK Public Service Department present at the event.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 5 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

Brady Corporation has opened a new production facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia to manufacture its quality identification and safety solutions

The new facility will produce high performance pipe markers, signs and identification solutions for Middle East construction contractors, oil, petrochemical, food and beverage companies. These are designed for reliability in challenging environmental conditions and can withstand exposure to oil, grease, chemicals, high heat, humidity or UV-radiation.

Brady’s new Dammam facility also includes a large warehouse to provide next day deliveries anywhere in the Middle East. Orders that need additional production, including larger volumes and customised pipe markers, signs and labels, can be produced and delivered within 48 hours.

The new facility will enable Brady to reduce shipping costs, optimise labour expenses and reduce delivery times.

“Thanks to our new local production capability and storage capacity, Brady will be able to respond quickly to emerging facility identification challenges anywhere in the Middle East,” said Christophe Nelissen, Middle-East & Africa senior regional manager at Brady Corporation.

“Leveraging Brady’s worldwide identification technology and know-how, production in Dammam is now ready to start manufacturing at worldwide quality levels, using state-of-the-art print engines.”

It is also envisaged that the new facility will generate additional economy and labour in neighbouring communities as it strengthens and increases its service levels to Middle East companies.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 4 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has rolled out the second phase of its public awareness campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems across the emirate.

Timed to coincide with the start of Ramadan, the initiative, titled Your Safety is Our Priority, emphasises the importance of following safety standards and regulations to protect lives and property.

With cooking activities surging in homes, restaurants, and kitchens during Ramadan, the campaign seeks to remind residents and businesses of the critical need for safe LPG practices.

Protecting a wide range of sectors

It also aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility by engaging government and private sector stakeholders to deliver impactful safety messages and ensure a secure environment in Abu Dhabi.

The campaign targets a wide range of audiences, including domestic workers, labourers, employers, and companies in the food and hospitality sectors. It also focuses on recruitment agencies, urging them to provide adequate training for workers handling LPG systems.

H.E. Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, acting director general of regulatory affairs at the DoE, highlighted the department’s commitment to building a sustainable and efficient energy sector while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all residents.

Al Qubaisi further stated, "We firmly believe that the safety of the community is paramount in all aspects of LPG handling. With this campaign, our goal is to ensure that all organisations and individuals adhere to safety protocols and implement the required standards and conditions. This necessitates ongoing collaboration with all relevant parties to prevent accidents or potential hazards. Our collective commitment to upholding these standards helps build a more secure society and promotes the long-term sustainability of the sector as a whole."

Eng. Ahmed Alsayed Mohamed Alsheebani, the DoE’s acting regulatory affairs petroleum product sector executive director, stated, "The LPG Safety Campaign is a significant step in promoting safety practices within the community, particularly given the heightened gas usage during the holy month of Ramadan. We place considerable emphasis on delivering comprehensive awareness workshops and training programmes for all the campaign's target audiences, as we understand that ongoing education and training are key to mitigating risks associated with gas utilisation."

Alsheebani also pointed out that, "The success of this campaign relies not only on the awareness programmes we provide, but also on the unified efforts of the whole community. Accordingly, we urge restaurants and employment agencies to offer suitable training to workers; in doing so, we can effect a positive change in individual behavior and promote overall public safety."

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 3 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

GE Vernova recently held the 'New Era of Energy' forum at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, where CEO Scott Strazik said his company is "proud to continue our near century of contributions to the Kingdom’s power sector, and today’s announcements underscore our commitment to investing and expanding our work in this important region.”

During the event, GE Vernova signed an MoU with the Saudi Electricity Company, committing to help in Saudi Arabia's digitalisation, modernisation and acceleration of its energy transition goals. The partnership will see the deployment of GE Vernova's GridOS software and will aim to develop a Regional Center of Competency & Excellence in the Saudi capital.

GE Vernova also committed to significant spending on its GE Saudi Advance Turbines facility in Dammam, aligning with its MoU with National Grid. The facility will produce high-voltage gas-insulated switchgears.

Production will also be expanded at its existing GE Manufacturing Technology Center in Dammam.

Scott continued, "With a clear roadmap for Vision 2030 and beyond, Saudi Arabia is well placed to lead a new era of energy, and GE Vernova is honored to play a significant role in these efforts."

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 28 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

As the GCC construction market continues to expand, driven by ambitious sustainability goals and innovative technologies, the International Code Council (ICC), a leading global source provider of building safety solutions, highlights several key trends that are shaping the future of building safety and sustainable construction

The GCC construction market is projected to grow from US$177.77bn in 2025 to US$226.88bn by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period, according to Mordor Intelligence. In 2025, the region is poised to embrace transformative shifts, including the rise of net-zero buildings, sustainable building materials, and the integration of advanced technologies like 3D printing and offsite construction. These emerging trends as critical to ensuring the region’s construction sector remains at the forefront of global sustainability and safety standards, according to the ICC, which emphasises the importance of a holistic, government-driven approach to leveraging opportunities for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Sustainability and green construction

As change of climate becomes an increasingly critical global issue, the GCC region is shifting toward energy-efficient, net-zero buildings. With ambitious emissions reduction targets set by governments, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative, the demand for sustainable buildings is expected to grow exponentially.

The region is experiencing a surge in demand for innovative, eco-friendly building materials such as low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and sustainably sourced materials. These materials are becoming central to modern construction practices, contributing to the overall reduction in environmental impact.

Additive manufacturing technologies, particularly 3D printing, are transforming the construction industry. By enabling rapid prototyping, customised designs, and cost-effective solutions, 3D printing is playing a key role in reducing material waste and improving energy efficiency, thereby reinforcing sustainable construction practices across the region.

Offsite construction methods, such as modular and prefabricated building solutions, are gaining momentum in the MENA region. These innovative approaches improve construction timelines, enhance quality control, and contribute to safer working environments. By shifting construction processes to factory-controlled settings, offsite construction also minimises material waste, making it a highly sustainable choice.

Energy-efficient HVAC systems are becoming a priority. These systems incorporate smart technologies, renewable energy integration, and advanced energy recovery mechanisms, all aimed at reducing carbon footprints while enhancing indoor air quality in buildings.

Addressing workforce challenges

As the GCC construction industry embraces advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and sustainable construction methods, there is an increasing demand for skilled labour. To bridge this skills gap, both governments and private sector stakeholders are investing in comprehensive training programmes, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives. ICC supports the industry with training and certification programmes crucial to elevating skill excellence and meeting this growing demand.

By providing relevant codes, standards, and resources tailored to the region’s unique challenges, the organisation aims to drive progress in creating safer, more sustainable built environments.

Mohamed Ahmed Amer, regional director of operations at ICC MENA, said, “The construction industry in the GCC is set for significant growth as it responds to the demands of global markets and tackles the challenges of environmental sustainability. The 2025 Construction Forecast highlights the need for stakeholders in the region to embrace emerging trends and innovations.”

• Date: 25 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

Weeks after HIMSS recognised its Dammam hospital with Stage 6 certification, Saudi German Health welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health, H.E. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, to its Makkah hospital.

Saudi German Health's vice chairman, Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, said the company was "deeply honoured to welcome... the Saudi Minister of Health to SGH Makkah.

"This visit highlights our long-standing commitment to enhancing the nation’s healthcare services by adopting a holistic approach that combines compassion and innovation.

"At Saudi German Health, we aim to advance the strategic objectives of ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ by delivering personalised care, guided by our guiding ethos of ‘Caring Like Family’. On this occasion, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible team for making this achievement possible."

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 24 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

Encardio Rite, a leader in geotechnical and infrastructure health monitoring, is set to host Safe Dubai 2025 in collaboration with the Society of Engineers – UAE.

The event, taking place on February 27 at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai, will focus on advancing infrastructure resilience and safety amid the city's rapid urban expansion.

Bringing together top industry experts, policymakers, academics, and innovators, Safe Dubai 2025 will provide a platform for exchanging insights and shaping a roadmap for long-term infrastructure sustainability.

The event comes at a time when the global geotechnical engineering market, valued at US$2.57bn in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% through 2030, reflecting the rising demand for advanced engineering solutions in high-risk environments.

Building resilience

Dubai’s skyline, home to iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Metro, stands as a testament to engineering excellence.

However, as urbanisation accelerates, there is an increasing need to prioritise safety, resilience, and sustainability in construction.

Safe Dubai 2025 will address critical topics such as resilient infrastructure development, cost management, risk mitigation, global best practices, AI’s role in construction, and sustainability in urban planning.

With its reputation as a global leader in urban transformation, Dubai has the opportunity to set a new benchmark in infrastructure resilience.

Safe Dubai 2025 aims to drive a multi-disciplinary dialogue, ensuring that innovation, safety, and sustainability remain at the forefront of the city’s development strategy.

“Dubai continues to lead the world in urban innovation, ensuring the safety and longevity of its infrastructure is paramount. Infrastructure safety is about people – reliable roads, buildings, and transportation networks directly impact public safety, economic stability, and quality of life,” said Arushi Bhalla, managing director, Encardio Rite.

“Safe Dubai 2025 is not just about engineering excellence; it is about creating a sustainable future where technology, resilience, and safety work hand in hand to shape the cities of tomorrow.”

Bhalla, who will be present at the event, will discuss topics surrounding the UAE's construction landscape & trends, UAE projects Encardio Rite are currently working on, the need for construction safety monitoring & reducing site uncertainty in urban development, impact of tech on the sector, green construction practices, and industry best practices and the latest innovations. 

Key topics that will be addressed at Safe Dubai 2025 include: building a resilient infrastructure, managing costs, risk management, global best practices, how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the construction sector and sustainability in construction.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 20 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airports Company (DACO) have announced a collaboration to improve fire safety standards

This is designed to advance fire prevention and raise awareness of fire risks, and will entail the delivery of education, training, and certification for fire safety professionals. It will see DACO incorporating global best practices and developing new safety protocols, benefiting from NFPA expertise.

Through this agreement, DACO will gain access to NFPA educational and training resources as well as certification programmes. DACO fire and life safety specialists will also receive NFPA membership, enabling them to participate in relevant industry events and the ability to review standards and codes as needed. The collaboration will also leverage insights from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework designed to reduce risks and prevent injuries, fatalities, and property losses caused by fire, electrical, and other hazards.

Mansour F. Al-Otaibi, chief financial officer at DACO said, “We are delighted to collaborate with NFPA to provide professionals in fire and life safety with access to world-class education and training on safety codes and standards, enabling us to create the safest possible environments. With the aim to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation sector, maintaining the highest fire and life safety standards remains a top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of both our employees and the public.”

Michael Brunzell, vice president of global business development at NFPA, added, “We are excited to team up with DACO to help them further improve fire and life safety standards. As infrastructure development continues to grow in the region, it’s vital for governments, professionals, educational institutions, and industry leaders to work together to maintain the highest safety standards. This partnership will help create a strong network where fire safety professionals can stay informed with the latest resources, enabling them to ensure safer environments for all.”

The US-based NFPA is stepping up its collaboration with Saudi Arabia to advance fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development. It set up an office in Riyadh last year to enhance direct collaboration with Saudi authorities and local stakeholders, as well as to act as a hub for safety initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa. Through it, NFPA is looking to play a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya which are central to the Vision 2030 plan.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 19 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality recognised workers at the Jubail Island project and LEAD Development for completing 12 million man-hours without a lost time injury (LTI).

Engineer Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi accepted the award, saying it "underscores the successful collaboration between our team, our partners at GCC, and all stakeholders. Prioritising the safety and well-being of our workforce is paramount.

"We are committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards, and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved."

The 12 million man-hours were achieved exclusively by the project's infrastructure workforce.

Upon completion, the Jubail Island project will comprise six residential villages centring around sustainable living in luxury.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 17 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has awarded Dammam's Saudi German Hospital with a Stage 6 certification, recognising its role in healthcare innovation.

Specifically, the certification recognises its implementation of electronic medical records and wider digital infrastructure.

Saudi German Health's vice chairman, Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, said the certification "validates our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare by utilising technology for the benefit of our patients and the broader community.

"This achievement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality, tech-enabled healthcare solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and exceptional patient care."

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 14 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The new Operational Skills Development Program for Women aims to empower women, equipping them with the operational skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the water industry.

The training initiative covers all three pillars of HSE awareness, laying the groundwork with foundational technical training on a six-month programme.

Upon completion of the course, participants will have their performance evaluated before formal employment opportunities may be presented at various ACCIONA plants across Qatar, including the Ras Abu Fontas RO desalination plant.

Over 30% of ACCIONA's Qatar operations and maintenance workforce is currently comprised of women, but the organisation nonetheless remains committed to social development through the empowerment of women.

• Date: 11 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The director-general of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, has praised Saudi Arabia's role in shaping the future of the global labour market.

Speaking at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 in Riyadh, Houngbo highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive labour reforms, which can enhance market competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.

Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market, including updates to labour laws, improvements in occupational safety, and initiatives to boost employment for youth and women. 

Speaking on occupational safety, the ILO chief acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance workplace safety through labour market reforms. The adoption of the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health, the establishment of a dedicated national council, and the implementation of modern reporting systems for workplace incidents demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ well-being.

Digital transformation

Houngbo commended Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital technologies and its proactive approach to addressing challenges. He noted that the Kingdom’s focus on digitalisation is not just about improving efficiency but also about creating attractive and sustainable workplaces. These efforts, he said, place Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable economy that balances development with social equity.

The ILO and Saudi Arabia have been working together across multiple areas, including occupational safety, aligning workforce skills with market demands, and enhancing social protection. Houngbo noted that the Kingdom’s experience serves as a valuable model for other nations looking to modernise their labour markets.

The GLMC in Riyadh provided a crucial platform for dialogue on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping today’s global labour landscape. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s priorities, including addressing labour market disparities, promoting social justice, and preparing for the impacts of digitalisation and demographic shifts. He stressed that achieving social justice is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity that fosters stability and inclusion.

Promoting diversity and equality

Houngbo highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle youth unemployment in the Arab world. He emphasised the importance of quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment. While global youth unemployment rates have improved, the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth report indicates a 1% rise in unemployment across Arab nations. Houngbo called for stronger alignment between educational systems and labour market needs to address this issue effectively.

Gender equality remains a core focus for the ILO, and Houngbo underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all workers. He praised Saudi Arabia’s recent legislation mandating maternity insurance for female workers, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in the labour market. He also called for further measures to support work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements and enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies.