Industry experts to guide discussions at Dubai event

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2025, held in partnership with Britannia Fire, will take place on 8 May 2025 at Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina.

The conference is recognised as a key event for senior fire and safety professionals, providing a platform for decision-makers, technical specialists and industry leaders to discuss challenges and developments in fire safety.

A newly announced advisory panel will help shape the conference’s agenda, ensuring discussions address regulatory compliance, fire engineering, operational safety and technological advancements.

Industry experts to guide discussions at IFSJ Leaders 2025

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2025 will feature an advisory panel of industry professionals to ensure discussions address the most relevant challenges and developments in fire safety.

Panel members bring expertise in fire engineering, regulatory compliance, operational safety and technological advancements.

Returning experts to lead key discussions

Terry Johnson, President of the IFE GCC/UAE Branch, will return as Conference Chair, overseeing discussions and guiding the programme towards strategic insights and practical solutions.

Among the returning panellists are Engineer Salma Al Ali, Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defense, and Steve Apter, Independent Fire & Life Safety Consultant.

Both have played key roles in shaping previous conference discussions.

David Campbell, General Manager of Emirates Safety Laboratory, will contribute insights into fire testing and regulatory compliance.

Mark Buckingham, General Manager of Fire Rescue and Emergency Planning at King Abdulaziz Airport, will offer expertise in large-scale emergency response operations.

Paul Calderwood, retired Deputy Chief of Everett Fire Department, will provide a North American perspective on firefighting strategy, crisis management and operational leadership.

Dana Kamal, Director of International Development (MENA) at NFPA, will discuss compliance, risk reduction and the application of international fire safety standards in the region.

Advisory panel expands with new members

The panel also includes Robert Davies, Operations Director at WSP in the Middle East, and Sawsan Dahham, CEO of SIENA, both recognised for their work in fire risk assessment, consultancy and regulatory compliance.

New additions this year include Mohammed Saeefan, Fire Protection Engineering Specialist at Saudi Aramco and Chief Operations Officer of the World Firefighters Games 2026.

Saeefan has over 20 years of experience in fire protection engineering, firefighting operations and compliance.

Dr.

Reginald D.

Freeman, Executive Director – Fire & EMS for NEOM, also joins the panel.

Freeman is an internationally recognised fire service leader, with expertise in leadership, professional development and organisational effectiveness.

AI and fire prevention policy among key focus areas

Lieutenant Colonel Dr Humaid Al Ali, Deputy Director of Fire Affairs at the UAE General Command of Civil Defense, will bring expertise in fire prevention policy and operational strategy.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr Essa Almutawa, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at Dubai Civil Defense, will contribute insights into AI-driven response systems and emerging fire safety technologies.

The advisory panel will help shape discussions at the conference, ensuring a focus on regulatory challenges, safety strategies and the role of technology in fire prevention and emergency response.

Registration

Secure your place today at IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety 2025.

Join us in Dubai to be part of a transformative experience that will shape the future of fire safety.