Experts address future trends in fire safety

The opening day of the Fire Protection and Technology Summit at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024 focused on the intersection of sustainability and advanced technology in fire safety.

Leading experts from the region shared insights into how sustainable practices are being integrated into fire prevention and suppression.

During the session titled ‘Green Technologies for Fire Prevention and Control: Promoting Sustainable Practices in Fire Safety’, speakers highlighted the importance of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and eco-friendly suppression systems in future developments.

Industry leaders such as Mohammed Al Saeefan from Saudi Aramco and Dr Ahmed Al-Ghamdi of International Maritime Industries underscored the role of AI in enhancing fire safety measures through earlier detection of hazards.

AI’s growing role in fire safety

The use of artificial intelligence in fire safety systems was a key topic at the summit.

Abdulaziz Alkhuder, Senior Project Manager at Rua Al Madinah Holding, explained how AI is leading to the creation of integrated fire and life safety systems that improve early detection of fire hazards.

He said: “Sustainability is also a key focus, with projects showcased today emphasising environmental impact alongside fire and life safety.”

Dr Ahmed Al-Ghamdi added: “AI will be a crucial future trend, especially in identifying system risks and enhancing integration.

“However, the human element – experience and talent – must be seamlessly integrated.”

Giga projects prioritise sustainability

The summit also addressed the significance of sustainability in giga projects across Saudi Arabia.

Khalid Al Mandil, Deputy Fire Commissioner at Red Sea Global, highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into the design of these massive projects.

He said: “From a giga project perspective, it is very important for sustainability to be a big part of the design phase.”

As architects push the boundaries with new iconic developments, the session emphasised the need to ensure that sustainability remains central to these large-scale projects.

AI and sustainability in focus at Saudi Aramco

Mohammed Al Saeefan of Saudi Aramco reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability and AI integration.

He emphasised the critical role of AI in future fire safety efforts but cautioned that its use needs to be carefully managed.

He said: “Trending this year has undoubtedly been AI and its positive impacts, but we also have to be aware of the unknown.”

Looking ahead to the exhibition’s closing day, sessions will cover the future readiness of security and technology trends.

Sustainability and AI in fire safety discussed at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024: Summary

On the opening day of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Fire Protection and Technology Summit, industry leaders highlighted the growing integration of sustainability and AI in fire safety systems.

Speakers discussed the use of non-combustible materials, energy-efficient designs, and eco-friendly suppression systems, all within the context of giga project developments.

AI was a key focus, with experts explaining its role in enabling earlier detection of fire hazards while also calling for careful management of AI systems.

Sustainability in design and construction was another major topic, emphasising its importance in future projects across Saudi Arabia.

The event, organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, continues with discussions on future security trends.