Abu Dhabi authority receives 2025 NFPA award for safety strategy

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA) has received the 2025 NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award.

The award was presented during the NFPA Stars at Night gala on 15 June 2025, held as part of the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

According to the NFPA, the award recognises individuals and organisations who support public safety through sustained use of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem framework.

The NFPA explained that ADCDA was selected for its long-term investment in capacity-building, training, and risk management across the United Arab Emirates.

The award follows a three-year programme between ADCDA and NFPA which supports engineers, inspectors, and hazardous materials specialists through advanced certification training.

Certification programme builds specialist capacity

The NFPA stated that the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority was recognised in part for its partnership with NFPA to develop a three-year certification initiative.

The programme trains engineers, inspectors, and hazardous materials professionals using NFPA technical guidance.

The initiative is intended to improve operational knowledge and ensure technical expertise across a range of roles in the UAE fire safety sector.

NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said: “Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority has a forward-thinking leadership that is building a strategy around all elements of the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem to achieve real-world results.

“”Their commitment to innovation, training, and outreach has contributed to measurable gains in public safety, including a reported 64 percent reduction in fire deaths per 100,000 people since 2021.”

ADCDA’s approach, the NFPA added, demonstrates a coordinated safety model that extends beyond reactive measures into proactive workforce development.

Leadership approach praised by NFPA

NFPA stated that ADCDA was selected based on its system-level approach to implementing the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem.

The framework consists of eight connected areas that must function together to prevent harm and protect communities.

These include policy development, risk awareness, education, emergency response, investment in safety infrastructure, and enforcement.

NFPA highlighted that ADCDA’s efforts span these areas and extend beyond individual projects or campaigns.

The authority was noted as a model of how public organisations can integrate ecosystem principles into day-to-day fire safety operations.

NFPA explained that this model of implementation has led to quantifiable outcomes, including reductions in incident severity and improved emergency preparedness.

Abu Dhabi’s national and international impact

According to the NFPA, ADCDA’s recognition reflects its efforts not only within Abu Dhabi but across the UAE.

The NFPA stated that the authority’s influence on civil protection practice includes regional knowledge-sharing, training engagement, and regulation development.

Brigadier General Salem Abdulla Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, said: “We are deeply honored to receive the 2025 NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award.

“Our strategic collaboration with NFPA has been vital in elevating our workforce capabilities and fostering a holistic safety ecosystem ‏across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

“As we continue to lead with innovation and resilience, we reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding our communities and positioning the UAE as a global benchmark for excellence in safety and emergency response.”

NFPA noted that ADCDA’s reach extends across multiple government and operational tiers, including inspection, certification, and emergency coordination.

Future collaboration and industry recognition

The NFPA stated that ADCDA’s approach offers a working example of how international partnerships can reinforce national safety strategies.

This includes joint training, standard development, and practical guidance for civil protection teams.

The NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award was established in 2024 to recognise those who actively advance safety through the application of ecosystem principles.

The NFPA explained that the award is intended to encourage system-wide thinking and practical action in support of public safety.

The 2025 edition was presented at the NFPA’s main industry event, attended by international delegates and hosted in Las Vegas.

ADCDA’s selection marks the first Middle East recipient of the annual award.

Abu Dhabi Civil Defense wins NFPA global safety award: Summary

The NFPA has awarded the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority the 2025 Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award.

The award was presented on 15 June during the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

ADCDA was recognised for its collaboration with NFPA on a three-year certification programme.

The programme provides advanced training to engineers, inspectors, and hazardous materials specialists.

NFPA stated that ADCDA’s leadership has implemented a comprehensive safety strategy aligned with its eight-part ecosystem framework.

NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said the authority’s approach contributed to a 64 percent drop in fire deaths per 100,000 people since 2021.

Brigadier General Salem Abdulla Al Dhaheri accepted the award on behalf of ADCDA.

The Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award was created in 2024.

ADCDA is the first Middle East organisation to receive the award.

The award recognises long-term contributions to fire and life safety through strategic implementation.