Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- 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."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Oman-based Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC) has appointed Sam Alcock as chief executive officer, as it targets 30% growth this year
Alcock joined the specialist fire and life safety consultancy in 2011 as a fire consultant and was appointed Dubai director in 2016. He has been instrumental in positioning Tenable FEC as a trusted fire engineering partner across the GCC and internationally, expanding the consultancy’s footprint in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Africa and India while maintaining strong profitability and client relationships. In his new role he will have a strong focus on scaling operations in existing markets and developing new regional and international opportunities.
In 2024, Tenable FEC recorded a 25% increase in revenue, delivering over 540 projects valued at US$6mn, spanning mixed-use and hospitality developments and pre- and post-contract fire engineering services for high-end projects such as those along the Dubai Water Canal. So far in 2025, the consultancy has been awarded projects worth US$4.2mn. With Tenable FEC now Salamah-approved in Saudi Arabia and the local office fully operational, the consultancy is targeting 30% growth this year, driven by large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects.
Alcock said, “It’s a privilege to be awarded the role of CEO at such a pivotal time for the business. Our team has built a strong foundation for growth and I look forward to continuing this momentum. My focus will be on expanding our capabilities, enhancing service delivery and strengthening our reputation as a leader in fire and life safety consultancy.”
Founded in Oman in 2010, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy provides a comprehensive range of high-quality, fire and life safety services, including code consulting, fire system design, performance-based fire design and third-party verification within the built environment. With offices in Muscat, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and London, the company executes regional and international projects of any size in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. The team approach projects with leading talent and innovative technologies while adhering to international best practices, design codes and standards.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Europe
- Date: 19 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The six-month consultation seeks industry feedback on proposed restrictions on PFAS in firefighting foams
Proposed restrictions hope to combat the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances currently used in foams.
The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted the risks associated with PFAS, including toxicity, with evidence suggesting PFAS can cause child developmental issues; cancer; and organ damage, mobility, as they easily travel through soil, water and air (with samples found in the Arctic); and persistence, with the chemicals known as 'forever chemicals'.
A six-month public consultation period, running until 18th February, 2026, hopes to establish stakeholder perspectives before introducing restrictions.
The director of the HSE's chemicals regulation division, Dr Richard Daniels, elaborated, "HSE’s proposals have been developed through robust scientific methodology and where possible we have spoken with interested parties from across Great Britain. Now we are looking for more information from our stakeholders.
"We’re seeking evidence-based feedback on our analysis to ensure any future restrictions are proportionate, effective and tailored to Great Britain’s specific needs."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: August 18th
- Year: 2025
The Saudi Gazette has reported several health and safety regulation changes to group housing height, space, location, and noise levels amongst other criteria
Saudi's Ministry of Municipalities and Housing deems housing units with capacity between 500 and 10,000 people as 'group housing', with residential buildings capped at 500.
Reports suggest the new regulation will require a dedicated operational supervisor at each group residential facility, bedrooms constructed at least four square meters per person occupying it, and two kitchens, toilets and bathrooms per eight residents.
One parking space must now be included per 100 residents at each residential project.
No more than 40% of the site's land plot can be developed moving forward.
Boundary walls on commercial streets, barriers above fences, and air-conditioning units or satellite dishes on balconies have reportedly all been prohibited under the new regulation.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 18 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
Expro has completed the world’s first fully remote five-plug cementing operation in Saudi Arabia, a breakthrough that places safety at the forefront of well construction practices.
The operation used Expro’s Generation-X Remote Plug Launcher (RPL) and SkyHook cement-line make-up device, allowing a multi-stage cementing job to be carried out with no red-zone entry or man-riding activities. By removing workers from high-risk areas, the system significantly reduced exposure to hazards while maintaining precise operational control.
The achievement builds on Expro’s first cementing job in the Kingdom earlier this year, highlighting a fast ramp-up in regional capability. In May, the company applied the technology on a high-pressure gas well with a 9-5/8” casing run, which is the longest of its type in the field. All five plugs were loaded in a controlled environment and remotely launched at the well site, streamlining the process and improving well integrity.
Expro reports that the technology not only reduces rig time but also enhances safety and consistency. In another deployment, it enabled cement displacement through the top drive at up to 13 bpm, producing cleaner wellbores and cutting static wellbore time.
With these results, Expro is reinforcing its commitment to safer and more efficient operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The company sees its remote cementing systems as a step towards industry-wide adoption of automated solutions designed to protect people while improving performance in challenging environments.
Jeremy Angelle, vice president of well construction at Expro, said, “Our entry into Saudi Arabia is more than just geographic expansion - it’s about transforming cementing operations through advanced engineering. This breakthrough showcases our Generation-X and SkyHook technologies as world-class innovations that drive measurable safety and efficiency gains.
“Both the Generation-X™ launcher and SkyHook™ system were designed with safety, control, and field adaptability in mind,” added Angelle. “To see them deliver such strong results in a new region is a proud moment, and a signal of what’s possible as we grow our well construction capabilities globally.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 15 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Dubai Municipality has carried out more than 25,000 field inspections relating to construction activity in the first half of 2025 – a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024
The inspections covered over 18,800 buildings under construction, with a total built-up area exceeding 36mn square metres
Compliance rates reached 96%, reflecting the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to safeguard building standards and maintain sustainable urban planning practices, ensuring safety and quality throughout all stages of construction. The approach supports Dubai’s vision to be the world’s smartest and most sustainable city in the construction sector, while reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as an investment-friendly hub with advanced infrastructure and flexible, integrated regulations.
Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, “Dubai Municipality 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. We aim to provide a safe and sustainable construction environment, applying the highest quality and safety standards at all stages, which contribute to enhancing residents’ quality of life and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub in construction and building.”
The Municipality oversaw the use of more than 1.5 million cubic metres of green concrete, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, 16.4 million cubic metres of soil were recycled and transported. The Municipality issued 4,222 permits for sand transport and supply, ensuring optimal resource use, and approved over 1,126 requests for free sand to support Emirati citizens building private villas.
These initiatives form part of Dubai’s broader vision for an innovative and sustainable construction sector, streamlining building procedures, enhancing governance, and ensuring legislative and regulatory flexibility.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 13 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping companies enhance workplace safety and health performance.
Named the “Journey Toward Safety Excellence,” the programme was announced at the 2025 Safety+ Symposium in St. Louis in Missouri and provides organisations with a structured improvement plan.
The initiative offers a combination of self-assessments, mentoring, and customised guidance to support companies in strengthening their safety management systems. The programme is set to officially launch on 1 September.
Terry J. Schulte, Chairperson of VPPPA, explained that the initiative is designed to help employers achieve the performance standards seen at top-tier OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) sites.
To support this, the association has developed a free gap analysis tool that enables organisations to identify strengths and weaknesses within their existing safety and health practices. Participating companies can sign a letter of commitment and work alongside experienced mentors to create tailored improvement plans.
The launch of “Journey Toward Safety Excellence” follows OSHA’s announcement of its new “Pathways to Safety and Health Success” programme, which expands the core elements of VPP from four to seven and aligns them with OSHA’s recommended best practices.
Schulte noted that the VPPPA initiative is intended to complement OSHA’s programme, offering additional resources and support for companies striving to achieve excellence in workplace safety.
Established in 1985, VPPPA represents over 1,400 companies and worksites across the United States. The association promotes workplace health and safety through collaboration, mentorship, and educational programmes.
Further details about the “Journey Toward Safety Excellence” initiative are available on the official VPPPA website.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: August 12th
- Year: 2025
The inaugural EMotional Aid workshop saw Burgan Bank partner with Anara and Dr. Kim Dillen, PhD, a neuropsychologist, to empower senior staff with the skills to turn them into emotional wellness champions in the workplace.
Zahra Boarki, the bank's senior manager of internal communication, said the workshop "extends [the bank's] ongoing commitment to instilling mental health as a fundamental pillar of its corporate work culture". Prioritizing our employees’ health and safety stems from our belief that a balanced environment is a catalyst for growth and creativity.
"We are committed to maintaining a robust series of internal events and activities that seek to enrich all aspects of our employees’ lives, bolstering their physical and mental wellbeing at all times."
Graduates from the workshop become emotional wellness champions, allowing them to better cater to their team's personal wellness needs and professional support requests.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 8 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is joining forces with businesses nationwide to celebrate Safe + Sound Week from 11-17 August 2025.
This annual campaign highlights the achievements of workplace safety and health programmes and provides valuable information to help keep workers safe across the country.
Safe + Sound Week encourages organisations to adopt effective safety measures that enable them to identify and manage workplace hazards proactively. By doing so, businesses can prevent injuries and illnesses, enhance overall sustainability, and improve their financial performance.
The 2025 event will focus particularly on emergency preparedness and response. Emergencies can occur unexpectedly anywhere and at any time, posing risks not only to workers but also to customers and the public.
Such incidents can disrupt operations, cause physical harm, or result in environmental damage.
During the week, OSHA will offer resources aimed at helping businesses stay informed about potential risks, develop robust emergency action plans, and prepare employees to respond quickly and effectively if an emergency arises.
These tools are designed to support organisations in building resilience and protecting their workforce.
Safe + Sound Week is open to all organisations regardless of their size or industry sector. Participation demonstrates a company’s dedication to workplace safety and provides an opportunity to strengthen existing safety and health programmes.
Last year, over 5,000 businesses took part in Safe + Sound Week, working together to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace.
The initiative continues to grow each year, reflecting a shared commitment to creating safer and healthier work environments across the United States.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: August 7th
- Year: 2025
A two-day workshop launched the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)'s new 'Dominance by Design' initiative, which unites experts and government representatives to develop future offshore resource strategy.
The workshop was held at the BSEE's Gulf of America regional office, and was described as "a unique opportunity to engage directly with the experts who operate in the field every day... this engagement has provided BSEE with invaluable insights to ensure our oversight is not just robust, but also agile and efficient," by the bureau's assistant director Seong Kim.
Evan Zimmerman, the Offshore Operators Committee's executive director, praised the new initiative.
"This session was highly valuable, providing a constructive platform to identify and address challenges in our offshore energy permitting processes.
"By focusing on the permit-related data, we can take a practical approach to improving efficiency and streamlining pathways for important offshore energy projects, supporting American energy goals."
The BSEE has confirmed plans to hold additional 'Dominance by Design' sessions to ensure a smart and strategic approach to developing the offshore energy sector.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 6 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Aqil Abdul Ali Bu Hussain, Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Relations at Bahrain’s Ministry of Labor, has confirmed 99.96% compliance to date with the midday work ban
In common with its Gulf neighbours, Bahrain prohibits outdoor work at the hottest time of day in the summer months – in Bahrain’s case from 12 to 4pm from 15 June to 15 September – to protect workers from the dangers of heat stress. Violators are subject to imprisonment for up to three months and fines ranging from BD500 to BD1,000, or either penalty. The ministry has also opened a hotline for members of the public to report any violations observed during the midday work ban period.
The Assistant Undersecretary attributed the high level of compliance to the effective partnership between the Ministry and employers in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, and embodies the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to international labour standards ensuring the rights and safety of workers. Prior to the ban taking effect, the Ministry held awareness workshops with occupational safety officers and supervisors from private sector establishments, and published educational materials through its online platforms to inform workers about the risks of heat stress and midday sun exposure.
The Assistant Undersecretary said that the Ministry’s inspection team identified just six violations during the two months following the midday work ban taking effect, affecting 12 workers, after the team carried out 17,605 inspection visits. He praised the level of awareness among employers and workers of the importance of adhering to the decision, which contributes to protecting workers from summer risks and diseases, and raising work efficiency and productivity. He also stressed that the Ministry continues to enhance its advice through its electronic platforms regarding the danger of heat stress and exposure to direct sunlight at noon, to improve occupational health and safety in workplaces.
The Assistant Undersecretary pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to implement best practices and occupational health and safety requirements to protect workers from occupational injuries during this time of high temperatures and humidity.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 6 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
From the meeting room to the factory floor – and from the office to the construction site – the uvex 1 x-cite women’s safety footwear range offers the ideal blend of style, comfort, and protection.
Designed for professionals who move between multiple environments without wanting to sacrifice fashion or safety, the new S3L models come in three sleek options: a low-cut shoe, a Chelsea boot, and a lace-up boot. Each is designed to complement business wear while meeting the demands of more hazardous settings.
Engineered for performance, the shoes feature a slip-resistant PU outsole, a lightweight carbon toe cap for a slim silhouette, and a clean design with minimal seams to reduce pressure points.
Hydrophobic leather and breathable textile lining ensure all-day comfort, while the ESD-certified, metal-free build includes a removable, antistatic comfort insole.
Sustainability is also central to the design, with recycled materials incorporated into the penetration-resistant midsole and insole.
Having already won the German Design Award in the “Workshop and Tools” category earlier this year, the footwear line has now been honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025.”
The award was handed out to uvex in July this year.
A uvex delegation accepted the accolade at the Designers’ Night in Essen, where the jury commended the product for its innovative blend of function and form.
Safe and comfortable
The jury of the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award praised the product with the following statement: “The uvex 1 x-cite provides an elegant solution for women’s safety shoes, combining adequate protection with a stylish appearance.”
Benjamin Kirsch, product manager footwear, who played a key role in the design of the shoes, is delighted with the award on behalf of his team. He said, "With our uvex 1 x-cite, we make no compromises, neither in terms of safety nor style. Safety shoes are getting closer and closer to looking like modern trainers. However, genuine design statements that combine the latest fashion trends with elegant functionality are still a rarity. This is exactly where we come in - with a look that not only protects, but is also stylish.”
The uvex group brings together four companies under one umbrella: the uvex safety group, the uvex sports group (comprising uvex sports and ALPINA), the Filtral group (Filtral and Primetta), and Protecting People GmbH, which handles the B2C segment. Headquartered in Germany, uvex maintains a strong manufacturing presence in the country, with around 60% of its nearly 3,000 employees (as of FY 2020/21) based there. Across the globe, the group operates through 49 branches in 22 countries.
In the Middle East, uvex has built a solid reputation as a trusted provider of personal protective equipment (PPE) across diverse sectors including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Its safety eyewear, helmets, gloves, and footwear are widely used on worksites across the GCC. With regional partners and distributors in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other key markets, uvex supports local compliance standards while offering German-engineered safety products designed for high performance in harsh environments. The company regularly participates in regional trade shows and industry events, reaffirming its commitment to workplace safety in the Middle East.