International Fire & Safety Journal (IFSJ) is honoured to welcome Robert Davies BSc (Hons) MSc CEng MIFireE CFPS, Operations Director at WSP in the Middle East, as a distinguished member of the advisory panel for the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024.

Robert Davies boasts over two decades of experience in fire safety engineering, underscoring his expertise in areas such as fire engineering solutions, fire safety strategies, and liaison with local authorities. His proficiency extends to fire risk assessments, fire safety management, fire testing, and developing fire safety approaches for large mixed-use/high-rise developments and industrial projects.

Davies’ impressive career is further highlighted by his extensive experience in the Middle East, where he has spent over 15 years working and collaborating with local authorities. His deep understanding of the region’s unique fire safety challenges and regulations is invaluable.

Robert Davies: A Pioneering Figure in Fire Safety Engineering

Davies’ career trajectory in the Middle East began in earnest when he returned to the UAE in October 2010 to join WSP as the Head of Fire & Life Safety. Now, as the Operations Director for Advisory Services at WSP, he continues to lead and innovate in the field.

His status as a Chartered Fire Engineer with the Engineering Council UK and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist by NFPA underlines his commitment to excellence and adherence to international standards. Davies’ influence in fire safety engineering extends beyond practical applications; he is known for his skill in navigating complex regulatory environments and developing holistic fire safety strategies that address both immediate and long-term safety concerns.

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference 2024

Scheduled for May 9, 2024, at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel Dubai Marina, this conference is set to build on the success of its inaugural year. It serves as a pivotal forum for discussing the evolving challenges and opportunities in fire safety and emergency response.

With Davies’ participation, the conference is set to gain immensely from his extensive experience and strategic insights in fire safety engineering. His comprehensive understanding of both the technical and regulatory aspects of fire safety will be instrumental in guiding discussions on innovative solutions, strategic development, and fostering collaboration in the industry. His international perspective, especially his deep understanding of Middle Eastern fire safety challenges, will be a cornerstone in shaping the conference’s agenda.

Robert Davies’ Role on the Advisory Panel

As a member of the advisory panel, Davies’ wealth of experience and strategic foresight in fire safety will significantly shape the conference’s direction and content. His expertise in managing large-scale projects and his commitment to international standards in fire safety will offer invaluable insights into the development of effective and comprehensive fire safety strategies.

His leadership roles and extensive contributions to the field of fire safety engineering will ensure that the conference not only showcases the latest trends and technologies but also builds upon a foundation of deep expertise, fostering innovation and progress in fire safety practices globally.

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.