Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2026
Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Bahrain’s Minister of Labour and Legal Affairs, chaired the second meeting of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, underlining the importance of strengthening workplace safety standards across the kingdom.
During the meeting, Khalaf highlighted the role of occupational health and safety in protecting workers, improving productivity and supporting sustainable economic growth. He said Bahrain continues to advance legislation and awareness initiatives aimed at creating safer working environments across key industries.
Council members reviewed progress on the implementation of occupational safety and health awareness programmes scheduled for 2026. The initiatives are designed to improve guidance for employers and workers while promoting stronger compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Discussions also focused on preparations for enforcing Decision No. 5 of 2026, which regulates the annual summer midday work ban. The measure restricts outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day in an effort to reduce heat stress and protect labourers working in exposed conditions.
Khalaf stressed the need for continued cooperation between government bodies and the private sector to ensure high safety standards are maintained across Bahrain’s productive sectors.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing occupational health practices and increasing awareness of workplace risks, particularly during the summer period when temperatures across the Gulf region rise significantly.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 14th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Trafco Group has conducted an accredited first aid training programme for employees as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health standards across its operations.
The initiative was organised in line with the Bahraini ministry requirements relating to workplace safety and aimed to improve staff preparedness in responding to emergency situations.
The programme covered a range of topics, including first aid fundamentals, emergency response procedures, and the handling of workplace injuries and critical medical incidents. Employees also received practical training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) based on standards approved by relevant authorities.
According to the company, the training forms part of wider efforts to increase preventive awareness among employees, minimise workplace risks and maintain a safe working environment.
Layla Darwish, human resources manager at Trafco Group, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to investing in workforce development and reinforcing a strong safety culture.
She added that providing workers with practical first aid knowledge can help reduce the impact of accidents and potentially save lives during workplace emergencies.
Trafco Group said it will continue implementing occupational health and safety programmes in line with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 14th May 2026
- Year: 2026
The Bahraini government, along with prominent local organisations celebrated International Labour Day, which is observed on 1 May every year.
The country's Prime Minister and Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, issued a circular on the occasion. Ministries and public institutions closed on 1 May 2026, marking Labour Day. As the official holiday fell on a Friday, it was compensated with a day off on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
Mark Thomas, chief executive officer of Bapco Energies, conveyed congratulations to Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the occasion of Labour Day.
Thomas said the annual event highlights the important role played by the group’s workforce and praised employees for their dedication, resilience and ability to maintain efficient operations amid ongoing regional developments and challenges.
He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to employee welfare, stressing that Bapco Energies continues to prioritise health, safety and wellbeing by providing a secure and supportive working environment for its workforce.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) also showcased its support through social media posts indicating the importance for safe practices.
Similarly, Bahrain Airport Company wished its employees on its social media handles with a heartfelt video thanking them.
Non-governmental organisations such as Bharathi Association celebrated Labour Day by honouring workers across the kingdom through a series of activities, including visits to labour camps where meals and entertainment were organised. The association also hosted screenings of films, bringing together workers, members and their families. The event also included a cake-cutting ceremony and a quiz competition.
Bahrain’s labour federation also congratulated the country’s leadership on the occasion of Labour Day, highlighting the role of workers in supporting national development and economic progress.
In a message to His Majesty King Hamad, Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr) executive council chairman Yaqoob Mohammed praised ongoing efforts to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure safe and fair working conditions across the kingdom.
He also commended the leadership’s handling of recent regional challenges, noting that measures taken helped maintain stability, protect workers and ensure business continuity during a period of heightened tensions.
Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, chairman of the Shura Council, said Bahrain’s continued progress in developing its labour sector reflects the kingdom’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and fostering a fair working environment.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 13th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Maintaining safe and reliable operations, with a focus on employee safety, operational continuity, and the ability to adapt to regional disruptions will be a top priority for Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) in 2026, the company stated in a statement reporting its financial results for Q1 2026
Despite the disruption profits were up by 316% year on year to BD75.3 million (US$200.3 million), with income up at BD76.1 million (US$202.4 million) versus BD16.8 million (US$44.7 million) for the same period in 2025 – up by 353%
The Middle East conflict has introduced increased uncertainty, particularly impacting supply chains and market visibility, the company noted. Sales volume was down 17% year on year to 312,563 MT reflecting the impact of regional disruptions affecting shipping routes, including constraints through the Strait of Hormuz, and net finished production was down 14% year on year to 339,734 MT driven by the controlled & safe shutdown of Lines 1-3 in response to prevailing regional tensions.
Alba responded to the disruption by maintaining its focus on health and safety and business continuity. The controlled and safe shutdown of Reduction Lines 1, 2 and 3 in mid-March,which together represent 19% of Alba’s total production capacity of 1,623,000 metric tonnes per annum, was an operational measure to preserve business continuity amid the supply and transit disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
This targeted action was designed to optimise the utilisation of Alba’s existing raw materials inventory and prioritise operational stability across its other lines, maintain production resilience, preserve smelter stability, maintain overall system integrity and develop alternatives to reduce exposure to near-term supply volatility.
The controlled and safe shutdown was executed in a manner intended to minimise health, safety, environmental, and operational risks, while safeguarding the long-term performance of the affected assets, Alba said. The safety of Alba’s employees and contractors’ personnel, the protection of its assets, and the reliability of supply to customers remain Alba’s highest priorities.
“The Company continues to closely monitor inventory levels and key operating parameters, with a focus on maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable operations while preserving operational flexibility,” Alba said.
“In parallel, Alba is safeguarding operational continuity through diversified sourcing strategies and flexible logistics solutions, including the utilisation of multiple regional ports and multimodal transport routes for both imports and exports.”
Alba’s chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, added, “Alba’s first-quarter performance underscores the resilience and flexibility of our operating model in a challenging external environment. While Net Finished Production and Sales Volumes dropped by 14% and 17% respectively, these movements were driven by constraints across key regional shipping corridors.
“Our focus remains firmly on the safety of our people, maintaining operational efficiency, disciplined cost control, and reliable delivery while actively managing through external developments.”
- Details
- madhurima sengupta
- Middle East
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 8th May 2026
- Year: 2026
In an innovative move for health and safety in the United Arab Emirates, high-technology firefighting robots are now redefining emergency response operations at Sharjah Civil Defence Authority.
These robots are equipped to douse high-risk industrial fires, securing firefighter safety in hazard-prone zones.
According to Brigadier Yousef Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, director general of the authority, the development aligns with the administration's vision of placing human safety first by minimising field risks while tackling challenging situations.
With six robots currently in operation for warehouse and industrial fires, these are capable to handle extreme heat situations and environmental or structural uncertainties. The robots can be directed remotely from up to 1,000 metres away by a team to enter a fire zone and operate promptly, thanks to GPS-supported navigation systems and four hose inlets. Known as FFBOT, these robotic units can seamlessly initiate rapid intervention in industrial zones and warehouse fires. These are designed to release water and foam at the force of of 8,000 litres per minute, with a capacity to reach up to 100 metres and a vertical height of 50 metres.
Individual units feature up to six advanced cameras focused across four directions ensuring exceptional clarity from the danger zone while remote monitoring. Other in-built features include thermal sensors, heavy-duty headlights for smoke-filled environments, audible warning sirens and cooling sprinklers designed to protect the robot from intense heat.
The machines can also climb stairways at angles of up to 30 degrees and use their reinforced front bumpers to break past barriers to reach fire areas.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 6th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Saudi Arabia has intensified preparations for the Hajj season with a series of coordinated operational, safety and regulatory initiatives aimed at improving pilgrim mobility, enhancing public health measures and ensuring smooth crowd management across the holy sites.
In Madinah Region, the Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched a centralised road operations centre designed to strengthen monitoring and response capabilities during the pilgrimage period. The facility brings 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 initiative forms part of wider efforts to enhance road safety standards, improve user experience and support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to rank among the world’s leading countries for road quality by 2030.
The move comes as authorities prepare for the significant influx of pilgrims expected during Hajj, with transport efficiency and safety remaining central priorities.
Alongside transport measures, the Madinah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has activated an extensive Hajj operational plan focused on food safety, environmental compliance and animal welfare.
Round-the-clock field inspections are being carried out at fruit and vegetable markets, livestock markets and slaughterhouses under the supervision of specialists and veterinarians. Inspection teams are conducting laboratory testing on agricultural products to ensure they are free from diseases and pests, while monitoring compliance with licensing and health regulations.
Authorities are also overseeing meat inspections at abattoirs, monitoring livestock enclosures and ensuring environmentally responsible waste disposal practices. According to the ministry, teams are supervising six major slaughterhouses, more than 200 livestock enclosures and 106 feed warehouses during the season.
To improve efficiency, field operations related to inspections, data collection and disease control are being tracked electronically through the Midani application, helping automate workflows and strengthen monitoring procedures.
Officials have additionally introduced temporary designated areas for mobile livestock sellers, displayed slaughtering price lists at abattoirs and enhanced accessibility measures, including dedicated facilities for people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce has intensified its own inspection campaigns across Makkah, Madinah, the miqats and roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. Since the beginning of Dhul-Qi’dah, the ministry has conducted more than 23,000 preventive inspection tours aimed at strengthening consumer protection and ensuring the availability of essential goods and services for pilgrims.
The inspections covered retail outlets and commercial establishments in key pilgrimage areas, including Al-Juhfah, Yalamlam and Qarn Al-Manazil. Officials verified pricing transparency, the validity of commercial offers and compliance with regulations designed to maintain service quality throughout the pilgrimage season.
At the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, authorities have also deployed an advanced crowd management system to regulate the movement of worshippers and visitors, particularly during peak prayer periods.
Operational plans implemented ahead of prayer times involve distributing worshippers across prayer halls and courtyards while directing visitors towards less congested areas to reduce pressure on key access routes and corridors.
Modern monitoring technologies are being used to analyse crowd density in real time, enabling immediate operational adjustments when necessary. Interactive multilingual signage and digital guidance screens are also helping direct worshippers to appropriate entry and exit points, improving movement flows and enhancing safety during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
- Details
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 5th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced the results of its inspections of recruitment offices and companies during the first quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen regulation and protect the rights of service users.
The Ministry said it uncovered several violations, leading to regulatory action against 14 recruitment offices.
Three offices were immediately suspended, while the licences of 11 others were revoked after they failed to correct their violations within the given grace period.
According to the Ministry, the breaches included violations of recruitment and labour service regulations, delays in refunding payments owed to clients and failures to properly respond to customer complaints.
Officials said the measures are part of wider efforts to improve compliance in the country’s labour market and enhance the quality and transparency of recruitment services.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing monitoring and enforcement, urging users to rely on approved services through the ‘Musaned’ platform, which provides electronic contracting, service provider ratings and complaint tracking tools.
It also encouraged the public to report violations via the Musaned mobile app.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 4th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global trade and energy security during a joint press conference involving Gulf Cooperation Council member states and the United States.
Speaking on a proposed resolution concerning freedom of navigation, Alwasil warned that any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for international markets and supply chains.
“The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints,” he said. “Any threat to navigation in this corridor directly impacts the stability of global markets and energy supplies.”
He highlighted the wider humanitarian and economic implications of disruptions to maritime trade, noting that interruptions could affect the movement of essential goods, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance.
Alwasil also called for stronger international cooperation to safeguard maritime security and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade in line with international law.
“We must work collectively to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation,” he said. “Protecting key maritime routes is essential for maintaining regional and international peace and security.”
The Saudi representative emphasised that coordinated global action would be necessary to preserve stability in strategic waterways and reinforce confidence in international trade routes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 1st May 2026
- Year: 2026
Ooredoo Kuwait has secured an “excellent” rating following a large-scale emergency evacuation drill at its headquarters, conducted in coordination with Kuwait Civil Defence. The exercise highlights the company’s ongoing focus on workplace safety and crisis preparedness.
The drill simulated a full-building evacuation scenario, designed to test both employee response and the effectiveness of on-site safety systems. Officials from the Civil Defence authority oversaw the operation, evaluating performance against established health and safety standards while providing hands-on guidance to participants.
Alongside the exercise, the company partnered with the Kuwait Public Fire Force to deliver a safety awareness workshop. The session aimed to reinforce knowledge of fire prevention, emergency procedures and risk mitigation, supporting a broader culture of shared responsibility across the workforce.
Following the assessment, Civil Defence awarded the facility its highest “excellent” rating, citing the efficiency of evacuation procedures, adherence to safety protocols and the overall readiness of both personnel and infrastructure.
Omar Al-Bassam, Chief Human Resources and Administration Service Officer, said the initiative reflects the company’s proactive approach to safety. “Ensuring the wellbeing of our employees and visitors remains a top priority. We continue to enhance our safety systems through close collaboration with government authorities, particularly Civil Defence and the Public Fire Force,” he said.
“Exercises of this nature are essential in strengthening preparedness and ensuring our teams can respond confidently in emergency situations. Achieving an ‘excellent’ rating demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach and the strong coordination between all parties involved,” he added.
Osama Al-Ghanim, Director of Services, noted that the drill was executed under a detailed operational framework developed jointly with Civil Defence. “Employees were guided through structured evacuation procedures and directed to designated safe areas within the building, all of which were evaluated to meet stringent safety requirements,” he said.
He added that advanced safety systems and clearly defined emergency protocols played a critical role in achieving the high rating. “Our commitment to international best practice is ongoing. Through collaboration with the Public Fire Force, we continue to deliver training programmes covering fire response, evacuation and first aid to ensure our teams are fully equipped to manage emergencies.”
The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining robust safety standards and acknowledged the support of national authorities in strengthening workplace resilience across the sector.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 1st May 2026
- Year: 2026
Construction activity at Expo 2030 Riyadh has reached a new stage of development with the award of two additional main utilities and infrastructure packages to Al Yamama Company, strengthening the focus on safety as works scale up across the 6 million sq m site.
The latest contracts follow earlier infrastructure works awarded to Nesma & Partners, and form part of a wider programme to prepare the site for future construction phases. These include internal road networks, smart mobility systems, and the installation of essential utilities such as water, sewage, electricity, telecommunications and EV charging infrastructure.
Beyond enabling development, safety remains a central priority across all operations. Project teams have already recorded more than one million safe working hours without a lost time incident, a milestone highlighted by organisers as evidence of strict adherence to health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards.
Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, said the new awards reflect continued progress across the programme while reinforcing safety expectations. “As construction advances, maintaining the highest levels of health and safety is non-negotiable,” he said. “These new packages build on strong momentum across the project, while ensuring that every phase of delivery is carried out with strict compliance to safety, quality and environmental standards.”
He added that contractor selection is based not only on technical capability but also on a proven commitment to worker welfare. “We are working with partners who share our safety culture and understand that responsible delivery is essential to achieving a world-class Expo,” he said.
From the contractor side, Hamad Mohammad Al Ammar, Board Member and Vice President of Al Yamama Company, emphasised safety as a core operational principle. “We are proud to contribute to Expo 2030 Riyadh through these infrastructure packages,” he said. “Our commitment goes beyond delivery timelines; it is rooted in ensuring safe working environments, strong HSE compliance, and sustainable construction practices at every stage.”
With infrastructure works progressing in phases, organisers say the project continues to prioritise safe execution as a foundation for long-term success.
- Details
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 30th April 2026
- Year: 2026
Growing tensions in the Middle East have placed thousands of seafarers in a difficult and dangerous position, prompting urgent calls for action from global maritime authorities
Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 have raised serious concerns about the safety of around 20,000 seafarers currently stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Representing governments, seafarers and shipowners, the committee has appealed to Member States of the International Labour Organization to act quickly and responsibly. Their message is clear that immediate cooperation is needed to protect lives and ensure the wellbeing of those working at sea under increasingly uncertain conditions. They have also urged flag States and the wider shipping industry to proceed with extreme caution until the situation becomes more stable.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the committee stressed that the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 must continue to be followed without exception. Upholding these standards is seen as even more important during times of conflict, when seafarers face heightened risks and limited support.
The situation has also raised concerns about the supply of essential goods. Many vessels in the region are unable to move freely, making it difficult to access food, water and fuel. The committee has therefore emphasised the need to maintain steady deliveries of these vital supplies. In addition, they have called for practical steps to allow crew changes and safe return of seafarers to their home countries, in line with international regulations.
Another key issue is the recognition of seafarers as essential workers. The committee has asked governments to take clear steps to support their safe movement, including access to shore leave, medical care and communication with their families.
Human rights remain central to the discussion. Seafarers should have the freedom to decide whether to work in high risk areas without fear of losing future job opportunities. The committee also acknowledged ongoing cooperation between global maritime leaders in addressing the situation and working towards safer conditions for all involved.
Saudi Arabia also voiced concerns about the safety of seafarers. The kingdom's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the Netherlands' Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen in Riyadh on 22 April. During the discussion, the ministers reviewed joint efforts to ensure the security and safety of international waterways.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 30th April 2026
- Year: 2026
The State of Qatar joined the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April, reaffirming its focus on strengthening worker protection, improving occupational safety frameworks and promoting a prevention-led culture across all sectors.
The annual occasion is used internationally to highlight workplace risks and encourage measures that help reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job.
As part of its proactive efforts, the Ministry of Public Health’s Occupational Safety and Health Department organised awareness seminars on 16 April in collaboration with partners, including the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel.
The sessions were designed for both employers and employees, with discussions centred on biological hazards in working environments and the importance of preventive practices to limit exposure and improve safety outcomes.
Representatives from the Ministry of Public Health and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund also contributed to the programme, underlining the value of coordinated action between institutions in strengthening workplace protection systems.
Officials stressed that ongoing training and awareness initiatives are essential to building safer workplaces, noting that sustained investment in education and prevention helps reduce accidents, improve productivity and enhance overall organisational performance across sectors.