Saudi Arabia grants AESG licence to shape future fire and life safety standards

Saudi approval for AESG fire and life safety services

AESG has been awarded a licence by the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s Supreme Authority for Industrial Security (SAIS) to provide fire and life safety consultancy services.

AESG has reported that it is among the first international consultancies to receive this accreditation, which applies across industrial and infrastructure sectors.

The company said the approval covers projects governed by SAIS Safety and Fire directives, including nuclear power plants, energy and water facilities, petrochemical plants, chemical and mining operations, railways, telecommunications, and ports.

It added that the accreditation positions AESG to support compliance across flagship Vision 2030 projects.

Eng. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Governor of SAIS, said: “The safety of facilities and their workers, and ensuring the continuity of operations, is an investment in the future and an added value to achieve sustainability and the success of national business systems.

“By establishing strong legislation built on the best local standards, experiences, and forward-looking global practices, we can ensure that security and safety remain central to the Kingdom’s industrial and infrastructure development.”

AESG track record in Saudi Arabia

According to AESG, it has already supported the protection of over SAR 30 billion worth of built assets in Saudi Arabia.

The company said these include NEOM, Red Sea International Airport, and projects within the Diriyah Gate district.

It added that these represent millions of square metres of built facilities.

AESG reported that with the SAIS licence in place, it will be positioned to contribute to more than SAR 262 billion invested annually in Saudi industrial and infrastructure projects.

Scope of consultancy services

AESG explained that its consultancy services will cover the full range of SAIS requirements.

The company said this includes compliance with SAIS Safety and Fire directives and the provision of practical solutions.

It added that its role will be to support both public and private sector clients in achieving compliance with regulatory standards.

The organisation confirmed that this will aim to keep safety and resilience central to the country’s industrial growth.

CEO perspective on the licence

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG, said: “Through commendable vision, SAIS is setting a new benchmark for Fire and Life Safety not just in the Kingdom, but for the wider region.

“We are proud to have worked closely with the authority, meeting every requirement of its rigorous licensing process.

“This achievement reflects AESG’s unique ability to combine the depth of regional understanding from our Middle East roots with the breadth of expertise from our expansive global operations.

“It underscores our commitment to bringing world-class safety standards to Saudi Arabia at a time of unprecedented growth.”

Talent expansion and privatisation links

AESG said its investment in talent is a central part of its growth in Saudi Arabia.

The company reported that it has recently hired Steve Apter, former Deputy Chief of the London Fire Brigade.

It explained that Apter brings more than 30 years of experience in fire safety, including involvement in Saudi Giga projects.

AESG noted that it is expanding its service portfolio to align with new Saudi Civil Defence rules requiring licensed private fire and rescue teams.

The company explained that this move reflects wider privatisation policies and the 2021 Privatisation Law.

It added that with the SAIS licence in place, it intends to expand its Saudi workforce by more than 25 percent this year while pursuing a target of 40 percent growth in the Kingdom.

Director comments on future role

Abdullah Faza, Director – Fire and Life Safety, Middle East at AESG, said: “This licence unlocks significant opportunities to support the Kingdom’s most strategic projects, from power generation to industrial manufacturing sectors.

“At AESG, we take pride in being at the forefront of this transformation by already leading one of Saudi Arabia’s first private fire code guides for a royal commission, a clear example of the specialist and pioneering role we bring to the market.

“Of course, with such governmental trust comes responsibility, and everything we deliver must add value.

“We are committed to making compliance with AHJ requirements more efficient, clear, and simple, so our clients can focus on achieving their targets with confidence.

“Backed by our expanded capabilities, we will continue to deliver solutions that safeguard lives, protect assets, and enable the operational excellence of Saudi Arabia’s most critical developments.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This accreditation shows how Saudi Arabia is formalising regulatory frameworks around fire and life safety within Vision 2030 projects.

For professionals in the fire and safety sector, the approval highlights growing demand for consultancy services tied to compliance with SAIS directives.

It also demonstrates the scale of opportunities linked to privatisation policies and the increased role of the private sector in fire and rescue provision.

The news further illustrates how international firms are positioning to meet regional requirements while integrating global safety practices.

AESG licensed by Saudi Arabia to provide fire and life safety consultancy: Summary

AESG has been licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s Supreme Authority for Industrial Security (SAIS) to provide fire and life safety consultancy services.

AESG has reported that it is among the first international consultancies to achieve this accreditation.

The company said the licence covers sectors including nuclear, petrochemical, energy, transport, and communications.

Eng. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Governor of SAIS, said safety and security are central to the Kingdom’s industrial development.

AESG said it has already safeguarded over SAR 30 billion worth of assets in Saudi Arabia.

The company reported that it is positioned to contribute to the SAR 262 billion annual investment in industrial and infrastructure projects.

It explained that services will include compliance guidance and practical solutions for public and private sector clients.

CEO Saeed Al Abbar said the licence reflects AESG’s ability to combine regional knowledge with international expertise.

AESG reported that it has hired Steve Apter, former Deputy Chief of the London Fire Brigade, as part of its talent expansion.

The company noted that it aims to grow its Saudi team by 25 percent and achieve 40 percent business growth this year.

Director Abdullah Faza said AESG is already leading development of one of Saudi Arabia’s first private fire code guides.

He added that the licence will support projects across power generation, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.