NFPA to establish office in Riyadh to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 developments
Iain Hoey
Share this content
New NFPA office to bolster safety standards in Saudi Arabia
As reported by Arab News, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will open a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This move aims to support the Kingdom’s extensive infrastructure and urban development projects, which are central to its Vision 2030 initiative.
Jim Pauley, CEO of NFPA, highlighted the significance of the new office, noting that it reflects the rapid pace of urban growth in Saudi Arabia and the associated safety challenges.
“What is different (about Saudi) is the speed of the development that’s happening.
“And so, what we’re really going to do is open our office here in Saudi Arabia so that we have a presence that can be able to work with the entities to do this,” Pauley said.
The Riyadh office will initially focus on laying the groundwork for its operations in the region.
Over time, it is expected to expand its capabilities in response to the growing demands of Saudi Arabia’s development projects.
Enhancing local collaboration and training
The new NFPA office will enhance direct collaboration with Saudi authorities and local stakeholders.
The organisation has been involved with Saudi Arabia’s building code, which already includes approximately 110 NFPA standards.
The new office will serve as a central point for increasing this collaboration and improving the implementation of safety standards.
Pauley noted that the expansion aims to support the Kingdom’s ambitious projects and improve the application of global safety standards locally.
“Vision 2030 encapsulates Saudi Arabia’s vision for rapid growth with safety at its core.
“We commend the leadership for prioritising safety from the outset rather than retrospectively,” Pauley stated.
The NFPA plans to collaborate with local entities to provide specialised training for engineers, inspectors, and installers, helping to build a skilled local workforce adept at applying fire safety measures.
Strategic role in Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects
NFPA’s new office is expected to play a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.
These large-scale developments present unique engineering and safety challenges, making rigorous safety protocols essential from the start.
Pauley praised the Ministry of Investment for its role in facilitating NFPA’s establishment in the Kingdom.
The ministry has helped secure a non-profit licence for NFPA, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing public safety standards.
The Riyadh office will act as a hub for safety initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa, reinforcing NFPA’s global network and fostering greater collaboration within the region.
