Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
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- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
Middle East-based HITEK AI, part of the Farnek group of companies, has signed a three-year SAFETEK Services Agreement with Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading Co., the operator of IKEA stores in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Under the deal, HITEK AI will deploy its flagship SAFETEK platform, alongside implementation, support and capability-building services designed to improve safety performance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.
As part of the contract, HITEK AI will deliver its cloud-based SAFETEK web platform and mobile application, available on both iOS and Android. The system will enable real-time reporting, data analysis and compliance management across IKEA’s regional network, supporting more consistent oversight of HSSE activities.
The SAFETEK deployment includes a comprehensive suite of integrated modules covering incident reporting and investigation, audits and inspections, corrective actions, risk assessment and management, safety policies and procedures, training and education, safety equipment and resource management, monitoring and compliance, communication and reporting, documentation and record-keeping, safety observations and emergency preparedness, as well as dashboards and reporting tools.
Beyond technology deployment, the agreement also includes a full diagnosis, development and delivery of IKEA’s HSSE policies and standard operating procedures. These will address a wide range of operational areas, including employee wellbeing, workplace safety, food safety, emergency preparedness and response, physical security and environmental sustainability.
According to the companies, the result will be a structured and compliant HSSE framework aligned with IKEA’s internal governance standards and relevant regulatory requirements in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The approach is intended to support consistent implementation across multiple sites while allowing for local compliance obligations.
SAFETEK’s document management capabilities will play a central role in IKEA’s HSSE modernisation programme. The module is expected to improve incident tracking, strengthen training and compliance monitoring, enhance risk assessment processes and increase employee engagement with HSSE practices. The system will be rolled out across IKEA outlets in Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Manama.
Commenting on the collaboration, Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK AI, said, “IKEA’s trust in SAFETEK reflects their commitment to embedding world-class HSSE standards across their operations. In partnership with IKEA we will deliver a unified safety, compliance, and governance ecosystem built for scale, transparency, and continuous improvement.”
The agreement reinforces the growing adoption of digital HSSE platforms across the retail and facilities management sectors in the Middle East, as organisations seek to strengthen governance, improve risk visibility and align with evolving regulatory expectations.
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- Louise Waters
- Middle East
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and ASPIRE have launched a new Proof of Concept (PoC) project to develop and validate autonomous aerial patrolling and monitoring capabilities for critical infrastructure
Under the agreement, ENEC, working in partnership with TII and supported by ASPIRE, will develop and test advanced drone and aerial robotics systems for perimeter patrolling in a live operational environment. The project will assess system performance, operational reliability, and readiness for scale-up, while establishing a clear pathway toward future commercial deployment.
By validating these capabilities in an operational setting, the project, which is being conducted within ENEC’s established safety and security frameworks, aims to support ENEC in enhancing security and overall resilience. It also highlights Abu Dhabi’s leadership in applying advanced autonomy and robotics to enhance the security, resilience, and safety of nationally strategic assets.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and group chief executive officer of ENEC, said, “Safeguarding critical infrastructure requires solutions that are not only innovative, but proven, resilient, and aligned with the highest global standards of safety and security. This Proof of Concept enables us to assess how advanced autonomous aerial and robotic systems can enhance situational awareness and support faster, more effective responses in a live operational environment. In collaboration with TII and ASPIRE, we are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to maintain the highest levels of safety and operational excellence.”
“Autonomous aerial systems have reached a level of maturity where they can meaningfully enhance the safety of complex environments,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, chief executive officer of TII. “Through this project, we are validating drone-based patrolling technologies under real operational conditions, ensuring they meet the highest standards of robustness, reliability, and security. These insights are essential for scaling such systems across critical infrastructure where performance and trust are paramount.”
Stephane Timpano, chief executive officer of ASPIRE further commented that the POC is not just about testing technology, but also creates a clear bridge from R&D to deployment and commercialisation.
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- Sania Aziz
- North America
New York City has introduced new construction safety requirements that expand mandatory training to include mental health and wellbeing, highlighting how local regulations can go beyond federal workplace safety standards.
While the US Occupational Safety and Health Act establishes baseline requirements for workplace safety nationwide, employers are required to comply with additional state and municipal rules where they apply. From 1 January 2026, amendments to the New York City Building Code have come into force, adding compulsory training on mental health and wellness, suicide risk and prevention, and alcohol and substance misuse to the city’s Site Safety Training (SST) framework.
Under the New York City Building Code, most workers and supervisors operating on certain construction and demolition sites must hold a valid SST card. The requirement applies specifically to projects that require a Site Safety Plan or the appointment of a Site Safety Professional. To obtain an SST card, individuals must complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training covering a range of safety-related subjects.
The latest amendment expands those minimum training requirements by formally incorporating mental health education. The change reflects growing recognition of the role mental health plays in construction site safety, particularly in a sector associated with high stress, long working hours and elevated injury and fatality risks.
Alongside broadening training content, the revised rules also introduce greater flexibility around SST card renewals. Previously, expired cards required workers to complete the full training process again. Under the updated framework, SST cards can now be renewed up to one year after expiry, provided that the required SST credits were completed within the 12 months preceding the expiration date and that the renewal application is submitted within the permitted timeframe.
For employers operating in New York City, the changes carry immediate compliance implications. Companies are expected to review existing training programmes and confirm that their approved SST providers offer mental health courses that meet the updated city requirements. Failure to comply could expose employers to enforcement action or civil penalties under the building code.
The amendment also serves as a broader reminder for employers beyond New York City. While federal safety legislation provides a common foundation, state and local authorities retain the power to impose more stringent obligations. Regular reviews of regional regulatory requirements are therefore essential, particularly for organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
As mental health becomes an increasingly prominent component of occupational safety strategies, New York City’s approach may influence other cities and states considering similar updates to construction safety regulations.
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- Sania Aziz
- Europe
Understanding when fires occur is as critical as knowing where they happen, with timing data revealing clear patterns linked to daily routines, seasonal behaviour and environmental conditions. New analysis by UK-based passive fire protection specialist System Building Services Limited (SBS Limited) highlights specific hours, months and locations where fire risk is significantly higher.
SBS Limited analysed national Fire and Rescue Service incident data from 2024/2025 across England to identify temporal and seasonal trends. The study examined three key variables: time of day, month of the year and type of location, aggregating incidents and calculating their proportion of total fires to support more targeted fire prevention strategies.
The analysis shows that fire incidents peak during the early evening. The single highest-risk hour is between 19:00 and 20:00, accounting for 8.99% of all incidents, closely followed by 18:00–19:00 at 8.95% and 17:00–18:00 at 8.40%. Combined, the three-hour window between 17:00 and 20:00 represents more than a quarter of all fires recorded nationally.
Fire risk continues to remain elevated until late evening, with the period from 16:00 to 22:00 accounting for the majority of daily incidents. In contrast, early afternoon hours see significantly fewer fires, with incidents between 13:00 and 14:00 accounting for just 4.47% of the total.
“The evening spike in fire incidents aligns closely with when most people return home from work and begin cooking, using heating systems, and engaging in other routine activities,” said Brian Michie, Managing Director at SBS Limited.
“This time period combines multiple risk factors: increased use of cooking equipment, heating appliances being switched on as temperatures drop, and more people present in buildings. Understanding these patterns allows both individuals and organisations to heighten their awareness during peak risk hours.”
Seasonal analysis reveals that August records the highest number of fires of any month, with 16,679 incidents, representing 11.71% of the annual total. Other summer months also feature prominently, with June and July together contributing nearly 20% of incidents. Overall, the three summer months account for more than 31% of all fires recorded during the year.
March ranks as the second-highest month for fire incidents, while November also shows elevated figures, creating secondary peaks during seasonal transitions. Winter months record the lowest incident rates overall, despite increased use of heating systems.
“The summer spike can be attributed to several factors: dry weather conditions increasing outdoor fire risk, more people using barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment, and longer daylight hours meaning more outdoor activity,” Michie explained.
“The March peak likely reflects the transition from winter heating systems, combined with spring weather patterns that can create dry conditions. November's elevated numbers coincide with Bonfire Night and the start of increased heating use as temperatures drop.”
Location data highlights that refuse-related fires dominate national statistics. Fires involving refuse containers, refuse sites and waste storage account for more than 31% of all incidents, significantly exceeding any other single category. Dwellings account for 17.78% of fires, while grassland, woodland and crop fires represent 15.32%.
When combined, outdoor and secondary fires account for nearly 59% of all incidents, compared with just over 18% occurring in residential properties.
“The high incidence of refuse-related fires highlights a significant but often overlooked risk area,” said Michie. “Many of these fires are preventable through proper waste management, secure storage of flammable materials, and regular clearance of combustible waste.”
Summarising the findings, Michie said the data provides clear guidance for targeted prevention efforts.
“These patterns reveal that fire risk follows predictable rhythms tied to how we live and interact with our environment. What this data provides is actionable intelligence for fire prevention, allowing awareness and resources to be focused where they can have the greatest impact.”
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- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in collaboration with local and federal government partners, has launched the ‘Emirati Work Bundle in Private Sector’, a new initiative designed to deliver integrated, proactive digital employment services for Emirati citizens working in the private sector, as well as for employers
The work bundle provides a comprehensive, end-to-end service journey, covering everything from registration on the Nafis platform and job placement through to enrolment in pension and social security systems. The initiative supports the UAE’s broader Emiratisation strategy, while advancing digital transformation and reinforcing leadership in government service delivery, in line with the objectives of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.
Built on high levels of intergovernmental integration, the Emirati Work Bundle leverages real-time data sharing between MoHRE and a wide range of federal and local entities. These include the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP); General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA); Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council; Abu Dhabi Pension Fund; Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Emirates Health Services; Dubai Health; and the Digital Dubai Authority. The integration aims to reduce duplication, improve compliance, and accelerate service delivery across employment, health, and social protection systems.
His Excellency Khalil Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said, “The new launch enhances the customer journey by streamlining procedures and reducing employment requirements for UAE citizens and employers. It covers the full process from the moment an Emirati citizen registers on the Nafis platform and begins their job search, until their appointment in a private-sector job, along with their registration in the UAE’s pension and social security systems.”
From a governance and security perspective, His Excellency Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs at ICP, highlighted the role of data integration in service resilience, stating, “The new work bundle for citizens strengthens the UAE’s model for secure digital solutions, ensuring service efficiency and advancing Zero Government Bureaucracy by integrating data among all partners, which contributes to providing an excellent and swift service for both the Emirati citizen and the employer.”
Similarly, His Excellency Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, emphasised the importance of early and accurate registration to strengthen social protection mechanisms. “Launching the new Emirati Work Bundle highlights the advanced model of integrated government operations implemented at both the local and federal levels. It embodies the UAE’s vision in aligning efforts and enhancing data integration among relevant entities, which allows for providing an outstanding experience for customers. This integration underscores the importance of early and accurate registration in pension systems, which strengthens the social protection system and guarantees pension rights for Emirati citizens.”
For private-sector organisations, including those operating in high-compliance and safety-critical industries, the initiative represents a significant step towards simplified onboarding, improved regulatory alignment, and more efficient workforce management.
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- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah, Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the 400 kV Al Jasra power station on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The facility represents the largest electricity transmission station in the Kingdom
The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed his congratulations to His Majesty the King and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister on the successful completion of this strategic national infrastructure project, which contributes to Bahrain’s long-term development and energy security objectives.
He stated that the commissioning of Al Jasra power station marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the national electricity transmission network, which dates back to 1930 when Manama became the first capital in the Gulf region to be electrified. This continuous development, initiated during the era of His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, reflects a sustained commitment to institutional growth, infrastructure resilience, and service reliability.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah emphasised that the project supports Bahrain's ongoing modernisation efforts, strengthening critical infrastructure while aligning with sustainable development and long-term planning frameworks.
He noted that the Al Jasra station plays a vital role in enhancing the stability, capacity, and operational reliability of the national electricity grid. The project supports increased urban development and investment activity, improves service quality, and ensures the safe and efficient management of current and future electricity demand.
The Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted that the project was delivered in accordance with international technical and safety standards, in collaboration with leading global companies. This reflects Bahrain’s strong capability in managing complex, high-risk energy infrastructure projects while maintaining stringent health, safety, and environmental requirements.
He commended the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), led by its President Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, along with project teams and relevant stakeholders, for completing the project on schedule and to high technical standards, recognising the effectiveness of national expertise, inter-agency coordination, and robust project governance.
In his remarks, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed expressed his appreciation to Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah for inaugurating the project and for the close oversight provided through the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects, which ensured timely decision-making, effective risk mitigation, and the resolution of technical and logistical challenges.
The EWA President explained that the project involved the construction of a 400/220 kV transmission station in Al Jasra, the installation of more than 120 km of 400 kV high-voltage cables and approximately 96 km of 220 kV cables, and their full integration into the national transmission network in accordance with international grid safety and performance requirements.
He added that the project upgraded the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) interconnection from 200 kV to 400 kV, increasing interconnection capacity from 926 MW to 1,359 MW, thereby improving cross-border energy exchange efficiency, system resilience, and regional grid stability.
The project also increased total transformer capacity from 975 MVA to 2,000 MVA, reducing electrical loading in the Riffa area by up to 25% and significantly enhancing the reliability, redundancy, and operational safety of the transmission network.
He concluded that the Al Jasra power station is among Bahrain’s most significant national energy infrastructure projects, delivered through integrated packages covering substations, switchgear, transformers, reactors, high-voltage cabling, consultancy services, and engineering supervision, in full alignment with international technical, safety, and environmental standards.
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- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
ACCIONA has been recognised as a Top Employer in Qatar for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its position as the only Spanish company to renew the certification in the Middle East and underlining its continued growth and consolidation in the region.
The Top Employer 2026 certification is awarded by the Top Employers Institute, one of the most demanding and prestigious global bodies assessing excellence in people management. The recognition acknowledges ACCIONA’s performance across a wide range of human resources practices, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning and development, employee well-being, and diversity and inclusion.
ACCIONA’s renewed certification in Qatar reflects the company’s long-term commitment to embedding strong people-focused practices across its operations, particularly as it expands its services and project portfolio in the country. The company said its approach is centred on creating an inclusive, supportive and development-oriented workplace that aligns with both global standards and local priorities.
Beyond the Middle East, ACCIONA has also retained its Top Employer certification across several European and international markets, including Spain and Portugal, alongside Brazil, Mexico, Australia, the United States, Canada, Chile, South Africa, Peru and the Philippines. This broad geographical recognition highlights the company’s consistent global approach to human resources management and its ability to apply the same high standards across diverse operating environments.
These individual country certifications have contributed to ACCIONA receiving the Top Employers North America Seal, which identifies the company as one of the leading employers on the continent. In addition, ACCIONA has been awarded the Enterprise Seal for the second time, a distinction reserved for companies certified in at least 10 countries representing more than 95% of their global workforce. According to the Top Employers Institute, only 12 companies worldwide have achieved this level of recognition.
ACCIONA’s people management strategy is driven by its global PEOPLE plan, which places employees at the centre of the company’s business model. The plan guides the management of more than 68,000 professionals worldwide and focuses on fostering talent development, promoting sustainability, and ensuring inclusive and accessible workplaces.
In Qatar, the PEOPLE plan translates into a strong emphasis on internal talent development, sustainability initiatives, inclusion and accessibility. These pillars support the growth of ACCIONA Service in the country and reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to contributing to Qatar’s economic and social development through a stable and engaged workforce.
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- Louise Waters
- Middle East
Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), in collaboration with Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs, has announced the successful completion of a partial evacuation exercise
The drill was designed to rigorously test the effectiveness of the airport's emergency evacuation plans and ensure the highest level of readiness among all emergency response teams. It involved coordinated efforts among personnel from BAC, Gulf Air Group, Airport Police, the Executive Office of National Disaster Committee, Bahrain Customs Affairs, Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, and Bahrain Airport Services.
The simulation provided invaluable insights into operational procedures, communication protocols, and coordination mechanisms during a simulated emergency scenario. The seamless cooperation and collaboration among all entities involved was pivotal to the drill's success, according to BAC.
Mohamed Yousif Alsayed, vice president, Airport Emergency Services, Health, Safety and Environment at BAC, said, "The safety of our passengers, personnel, and stakeholders remains our utmost priority. Conducting such comprehensive exercises is fundamental to our commitment to operational excellence and emergency preparedness. This drill not only tested our plans under pressure but also strengthened the invaluable partnerships that are crucial for ensuring a swift and effective response to any potential incident at Bahrain International Airport."
This initiative is a core component of BAC’s ongoing strategy to continually evaluate, refine, and enhance its safety and security protocols, with a commitment to maintaining the highest international standards.
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- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) of the Kingdom of Bahrain and SandboxAQ, a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity and cryptographic management, have announced a landmark partnership to establish a nationwide cybersecurity modernisation framework. The collaboration represents one of the world’s first large-scale initiatives to transition towards a quantum-safe economy, addressing emerging threats from quantum computing and advanced cyber attacks.
As a founding member of the UNICC AI Hub on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), SandboxAQ will assist Bahrain in securing sovereign data, critical infrastructure, and sensitive government and private-sector systems. The partnership aims to protect against rapidly evolving cyber, cryptographic, and quantum computing threats, ensuring Bahrain’s digital assets remain resilient in the face of future technological developments.
The announcement comes amid growing global concerns about “Q-Day,” the point at which cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) will be capable of breaking today’s widely used encryption. While experts project that CRQCs could be viable as early as 2029, the risk is already present through “harvest-now, decrypt-later” attacks. Such attacks involve stealing encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it once quantum capabilities advance. For governments, this threat encompasses classified communications, diplomatic cables, defence information, national identity records, and decades of sensitive archives.
Under the partnership, Bahrain will deploy SandboxAQ’s AQtive Guard platform, an AI-powered cybersecurity solution designed to enable the safe, large-scale deployment of AI agents while modernising defences for the post-quantum era. The platform provides comprehensive visibility, assessment, and remediation of critical vulnerabilities resulting from weak encryption and the proliferation of AI agents and non-human identities (NHIs). The deployment will cover more than 60 ministry environments across the Kingdom, requiring the platform to manage cryptographic security on a national scale.
His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the NCSC, said, “This partnership with SandboxAQ marks a significant milestone in our mission to secure our sovereign data, intellectual property, and other digital assets from both internal and external cyber threats. SandboxAQ’s world-class technologies and expertise in AI-driven cybersecurity will help Bahrain protect its citizens, businesses, and government agencies and lay the foundation for a new era of security and economic growth in the Kingdom.”
Mohammed Aboul-Magd, Vice President of Product, Cybersecurity at SandboxAQ, added, “Bahrain is taking a bold and much-needed step by not only setting policy, but by operationalising the technology required to secure the Kingdom against rapidly advancing threats. Our partnership establishes a dynamic framework that allows the country to adapt quickly as new vulnerabilities emerge, ensuring the nation stays ahead of attackers in a world where cryptographic risks evolve by the day. We are honoured to support Shaikh Salman and the Government of Bahrain in implementing this forward-looking programme, which sets a new benchmark for cyber resilience across the region.”
The initiative forms a central pillar of Bahrain’s long-term cybersecurity strategy, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding national data, promoting economic resilience, and advancing secure digital transformation.
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- Louise Waters
- Middle East
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has set safety and upskilling as top priorities for 2026
At its Annual Majlis 2026 sessions held on 12 January, Alba’s CEO Ali Baqali unveiled Alba’s objectives for 2026: Safety 5 Star, Think Global, e-F Al Hassalah, and Skill Level Up. These priorities aim to drive Alba’s operational excellence, strengthen financial discipline and position the company for sustained growth, according to a company statement.
CEO Ali Al Baqali said, “As we step into 2026, our focus is clear: driving world class safety excellence and best-in-class behaviours across all our operations; expanding beyond our comfort zone to explore new markets and opportunities; accelerating efficiencies and financial discipline through the last phase of e-Al Hasalah; and investing in our people with Skill Level Up for the future. These priorities will guide us as we continue to lead, inspire and transform.”
The inaugural session, attended by Alba’s executives, directors, managers and supervisory staff highlighted key performance milestones from 2025 and outlined the strategic direction for the year ahead.
Two more sessions of Alba’s Annual Majlis – which stands for “yearly gathering or forum” in Arabic – will be held throughout the week in a hybrid format, ensuring accessibility for employees across all sites and shifts. This initiative is designed to foster open dialogue between the company’s management and employees, promoting transparency, collaboration, and alignment on shared goals.
Alba has a longstanding commitment to health and safety and an outstanding safety record. This is reflected in a number of safety achievements this year, including the milestone of over 42 million work hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) in December 2025, marking an unprecedented two consecutive years of LTI-free operations - a first in the company’s five-decade history. The company’s commitment to cultivating a world-class safety culture for its workforce has been recognised this year with the award of the ‘Excellence in Safety’ Award from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA’s) President’s award for the third consecutive year, British Safety Council 2025 International Safety Award and several major awards from the USA’s National Safety Council (NSC).
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- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) hosted a Health Day for its employees at the Bank’s headquarters, in partnership with Qatar Red Crescent, reinforcing an ongoing collaboration between the two organisations.
Held at the end of December 2025, the initiative aimed to raise awareness about common health issues, promote daily wellness practices, and encourage employees to adopt a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. The event also formed part of QIIB’s broader commitment to enhancing occupational safety standards well into 2026.
Employees from across the Bank’s departments and divisions actively participated in the Health Day, reflecting QIIB’s dedication to fostering a workplace that prioritises public health, prevention, and self-care. The programme included a series of interactive medical screenings designed to increase health awareness and enable employees to take proactive steps towards well-being. Screenings offered during the event included blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, body mass index (BMI) measurements, and vision assessments, along with specialised health consultations tailored to individual needs. These activities provided employees with a clear understanding of their current health status and practical guidance on improving their lifestyle habits.
Commenting on the initiative, Ali Hamad Al-Mesaifri, Chief of Human Resources and Administration at QIIB, said, “We organised this Health Day because we believe that good health is essential to building a stable and sustainable institution. A healthy employee is better equipped to contribute, innovate, and perform, which in turn enhances overall work quality and the work environment. Our focus on the health and well being of all employees also supports Qatar National Vision 2030, which highlights the importance of health as a key pillar of human development.”
He added, “At QIIB, we are keen to adopt impactful initiatives that raise health awareness and encourage our employees to take care of their daily well-being, not only through medical check-ups, but also by promoting a culture of prevention and supporting a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”
Al-Mesaifri emphasised the significance of the partnership with Qatar Red Crescent, noting, “Our collaboration with Qatar Red Crescent reflects the Bank’s commitment to partnering with leading national institutions known for their extensive expertise. Initiatives like this demonstrate QIIB’s dedication to its social responsibility toward its employees and its ongoing efforts to provide a work environment that supports both physical and mental well-being.”
Concluding his remarks, he said, “We hope this initiative will encourage our employees to take full advantage of the screenings and consultations offered, and to continue prioritizing their health. QIIB remains committed to organizing similar health-focused initiatives that align with our institutional vision.”
Through events such as this Health Day, QIIB continues to reinforce a culture of health, prevention, and employee well-being, integrating these values into its organisational ethos.
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- Middle East
A new research report explores the implications of Saudi Arabia’s artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions and its intersection with the workforce.
The report, by Alexander Ash Consulting and the Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC), highlights how the kingdom is investing over US$100bn to become a global AI leader.
As part of this, Riyadh has secured access to advanced US semiconductors, signed landmark partnerships with the likes of xAI, AMD, Cisco and Qualcomm, and is building 6.6 gigawatts (GW) of data centre capacity.
“Yet the binding constraint on these ambitions is not capital or infrastructure,” the report notes. “It is people.”
As part of the nation’s AI blueprint, this means integrating workforce into long-term planning.
The report examines how the kingdom is now nurturing the workforce required to operate, manage and innovate such AI systems at scale.
It also analyses Saudisation requirements, training programme outcomes, Arabic language AI development, retention challenges and the layered workforce structure needed to translate infrastructure investment into sustainable competitive advantage.
Crucially, the next few years through to 2030 mark a “critical window” ahead, the report suggests.
“The workforce of the future in Saudi Arabia will reflect choices made in the present,” it states.
“Investment in broad-based digital literacy creates a population comfortable with technology. Development of advanced technical specialists enables indigenous innovation. Training of business translators ensures technical capabilities serve commercial and social objectives. Building robust governance frameworks protects against risks whilst enabling experimentation.”
Each of these components contributes to an ecosystem where AI serves national development goals rather than simply generating returns for foreign technology companies, the report adds.
According to World Economic Forum research, AI augmentation increases productivity substantially when implemented thoughtfully, but can reduce quality and employee
satisfaction when poorly executed.
“The difference often lies in how organisations, government and academia manage the human side of implementation rather than technical system design.”