Welcome to International Fire and Safety Journal’s official preview of the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, held in association with MSA Safety.

On 11 May 2023, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety conference will bring together over 120 of the most influential figures in the Middle East and Africa fire and safety industry to deliver a high class business forum focusing on business strategy, the latest trends, regulations and innovations from the region.

Held in collaboration with prominent associations, regional authorities, top manufacturers, and innovative solution providers, this highly anticipated conference will take place at The Grosvenor Hotel, Dubai Marina and will offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the most outstanding fire and safety companies and personnel in the region to connect and gain knowledge from influential speakers in attendance.

By utilising interactive panel discussions and face-to-face networking opportunities at this invite only event, delegates will be able to engage in high-level conversations which will explore key areas for business growth in the region. The conference will explore key topics influencing the region from a fire and safety perspective whilst putting the biggest challenges facing organisations in the region under the microscope.

Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor, who will also serve as a panel moderator, says the event will bring together regional fire and safety leadership professionals from all facets of the industry, who all have a single goal, namely: “To promote and enhance professional fire and safety practices and develop understanding of an ever-evolving industry.”

“The ISFJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is pivotal in promoting higher standards of fire and safety in the region,” says White. “The UAE is a rapidly evolving region, with fascinating new approaches and advancements in fire and safety. This event will offer an insight into a few of these, by leading regional fire and safety subject matter experts.”

The Leaders Conference

Attendees to the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference will hear insights from a wealth of industry experts working in and around the Middle East and Africa region.

After an introduction from Terry Johnson, Conference Chair, delegates will have the pleasure of being greeted by H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense for Fire and Rescue Affairs, who will be presenting the Keynote Address and laying out the roadmap for fire and safety in Dubai throughout the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Panellists will be focussing their discussions on topics such as:  the impact of sustainability on fire safety in construction, artificial intelligence in fire-readiness, technology and innovation, health and wellbeing, the fire safety issues arising from lithium-ion batteries, PFAS in firefighting, carcinogen exposure, crisis management and strategic leadership in the fire sector.

As well as its proud partnership with Dubai Civil Defense, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference is also delighted to be working alongside The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

From a technology perspective, the conference is being supported by an elite range of solutions providers and manufacturers including MSA Safety, Global Fire Equipment, Dafo Fomtec, Reacton, Performance Advantage Company, Nightstick, PBI Performance Products and De-Wipe.

In late 2022, International Fire and Safety Journal announced MSA as the event’s Platinum Partner. Jason Traynor, General Manager, Global Fire Service for MSA Safety, said: “At MSA Safety, we’re proud of the strong relationships we have built in the Middle East since we opened our first office in Dubai in the early 1980s.  We’re proud to partner with IFSJ for Leaders in Fire to continue to advance the strong relationships we have built in the Middle East since we opened our first office in Dubai in the early 1980s. Bringing together leaders in the industry in a platform like this will help ensure the very best protective equipment is available to firefighters on the front line, wherever they are in the world.”

A word from our Conference Chair…

The Conference is to be chaired by Terry Johnson Manager Crisis Preparedness & Emergency Response – Group HSE Department, ENOC, and recently appointed Regional President of the Institution of Fire Engineer’s GCC UAE branch.

“I am extremely proud to be Chairing the inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Event,” says Johnson. “This will be an excellent opportunity to bring together the most influential leaders from across the region, and further afield, to discuss current high-level issues and to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in the future.”

Dubai Civil Defense

Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) was founded in 1976 and is responsible for protecting the lives, properties, and environment of Dubai. DCD has a wide range of responsibilities, including: firefighting and rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, public education and awareness, disaster preparedness and response, urban search and rescue, marine rescue, aviation rescue, environmental protection, occupational safety and health, and security and law enforcement. DCD is also a leader in the field of emergency management and has a strong track record of success in responding to a wide range of emergencies. DCD is a valuable asset to Dubai and plays a vital role in keeping the city safe.

The Institution of Fire Engineers

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a global professional membership body for those in the fire sector that seek to increase their knowledge, professional recognition and understanding of fire through a global discourse. It is leading the way in enabling fire professions to become rigorously assessed through a well-established and dynamic system of internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. Managed for fire professionals by fire professionals, the IFE aims to promote, encourage and improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering, acting as a beacon of established expertise and guiding the way to a fire safe future.

Why Dubai?

Dubai has established itself as a leader in the fire and safety industry, thanks to a range of factors that have contributed to the city’s strong safety culture.

The government of Dubai has played a critical role in promoting fire safety, with rigorous regulations in place to ensure buildings are constructed and maintained to the highest safety standards. This has helped to create a culture of safety where residents and businesses prioritise fire safety.

The Emirate has also invested heavily in technology and innovation to improve fire safety, with advanced fire detection systems, firefighting drones, and smart firefighting equipment. These technologies have helped to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency response, making Dubai a safer place to live and work.

The Dubai Civil Defense Academy provides high-quality training and education for firefighters and other fire safety professionals, covering fire prevention, emergency response, and risk management, ensuring that Dubai’s firefighters are well-prepared and well-trained to handle any fire-related emergency.

Dubai has developed strong partnerships with other countries and organisations in the fire safety industry, allowing the city to stay up to date with the latest technologies and best practices in the field. Its commitment to fire safety has not only helped to protect its residents and visitors, but has also set an example for other countries and cities around the world.