International Fire & Safety Journal (IFSJ) is honoured to welcome Mark Buckingham, Head of Emergency Preparedness at Abu Dhabi Airports, as a distinguished member of the advisory panel for the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024.

Mark Buckingham is a seasoned professional with an impressive 27-year journey in fire safety and emergency response. Starting his career with the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, Buckingham climbed the ranks to Station Officer before venturing into diverse roles in emergency preparedness. His vast experience includes establishing a Civil Aviation Fire Training College in the UK, managing emergency response for industrial mega-projects in the UAE, and engaging in critical oil spill and hazardous waste cleanup operations with the US Navy’s 5th Fleet.

Mark Buckingham: A Trailblazer in Emergency Preparedness

Buckingham’s expertise extends to crisis management, where he has significantly contributed through training, technical authoring, and coaching in the Oil & Gas industry, particularly with BP in their Petrochemicals division. His passion for aviation led him back to this sector at Birmingham Airport in the UK, where he was instrumental in implementing crisis and continuity systems.

Under his leadership, these systems were put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic, the repatriation from the Grand Princess cruise ship, and the handling of 9,000 refugees from Afghanistan in 2021. In July 2022, he embarked on a new chapter as he took on the role of developing the Emergency Planning function for Abu Dhabi Airport Company’s five airports.

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024

Scheduled for May 9, 2024, at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel Dubai Marina, the conference aims to build upon its successful inaugural year as a pivotal forum for addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in fire safety and emergency response. Buckingham’s involvement in the conference promises to bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in handling complex emergency situations and crisis management.

Buckingham’s role on the advisory panel is anticipated to bring a unique perspective, particularly in the realm of airport emergency preparedness and crisis management. His diverse experience in various high-stakes environments, from industrial mega-projects to managing major airport emergencies, provides him with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in emergency planning and response.

His input will be invaluable in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the conference, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation and strategic planning in the fire safety and emergency response sectors.

Mark Buckingham’s comprehensive background and proven track record in emergency preparedness and crisis management will be instrumental in guiding the content and direction of the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024.

Advisory panel shaping the conference

The panel for the 2024 conference is composed of distinguished professionals from various sectors related to fire safety and emergency preparedness, including:

• Terry Johnson, Conference Chair
• Engineer Salma Al Ali, Head of Engineering Section at Dubai Civil Defence;
• Mark Buckingham, Head of Emergency Preparedness at Abu Dhabi Airports;
• David Campbell, General Manager at Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory;
• Sinclair Duffie, Chief Fire Officer at Nawah Energy Company;
• Sawsan Dahham, CEO of SIENA;
• Dana Kamal, NFPA Director of International Development (MENA);
• Ghaith Bakir, Senior Regulatory Engineer at UL Solutions;
• Robert Davies, Operations Director at WSP in the Middle East;
• Peter Stephenson, Director at Hydrock Fire Safety Division;
• Saif Essa Al Maskiri, Senior GHSE Manager at Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC);
• Steve Apter, Director for response at the Red Sea Fire and Rescue Service;
• Tarek Al Assil, Executive Director at IFM Facilities Management LLC;
• Sajid Raza, BEng (Hons), MBA, is the CEO of BUTLER ENGINEERING (ME) – The Fire Consultants.

This esteemed panel plays a crucial role in directing the content and focus of the conference, ensuring it tackles the most pressing issues facing the fire safety industry today.

Register to attend the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024 promises to be an essential event for professionals in the fire safety and emergency services sectors.

Attendees can look forward to insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and the latest developments in fire safety strategies and technologies.