In The Spotlight
Trainer Certification Level 1 courses have been announced for October and November.
Join a SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 course
Despite significant advancements in technology, engineering controls, and rigorous compliance standards, organisations face persistent challenges in eliminating workplace accidents.
A staggering 95% of unintentional injuries are directly linked to human factors and critical errors. This statistic underscores a vital reality: safety excellence cannot be achieved through rulebooks alone. It requires a profound understanding of human behaviour and a proactive approach to error reduction.
Addressing the Root Causes of Human Error
Recognising this gap, industry leaders are increasingly turning towards human factors-based safety programmes. These initiatives are designed to address the root causes of human error, manage critical risk exposure, and resolve complex decision-making challenges on the shop floor. By focusing on the human element, companies can strengthen overall safety performance and cultivate a sustainable culture of safety excellence that protects their people.
One of the most prominent frameworks driving this shift in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) strategy is the SafeStart methodology. As a globally recognised programme, it has been successfully deployed across 76 countries and translated into 33 languages. The scale of its implementation is vast, with more than five million individuals trained across upwards of 10,000 worksites. Organisations adopting this approach have reported average injury reductions of 50% within the first two years, escalating to an 80% reduction over a four-year period.
New Certification Opportunities in the Middle East
To bring these transformative techniques to the Middle East, Trainer Certification Level 1 courses have been announced for October and November. These highly interactive, two-day sessions are structured to equip HSE professionals with practical tools, real-world insights, and expert guidance. The main objective is to enable participants to influence safer behaviours and support long-term cultural change across their enterprises.
The forthcoming certification courses are strategically located across key hubs in the region. The schedule is as follows:
-
Dammam, Saudi Arabia: 6–7 October
-
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 27–28 October
-
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 10–11 November
Mastering Error Reduction Techniques
Participants in the Level 1 certification will be guided through a comprehensive six-step process. The curriculum is meticulously designed to highlight key paradigm shifts in modern safety management. Core components of the comprehensive training include:
-
An introduction to the intricate concepts of states and errors.
-
Identification of three primary types of at-risk behaviour.
-
Analysis of three distinct sources of unexpected events.
-
Exploration of the personal risk pyramid.
-
Mastery of four critical error reduction techniques.
-
Development of long-term strategies for introducing and sustaining organisational change.
This globally recognised certification is meticulously tailored for a specific cohort of professionals who are positioned to lead safety transformations. It represents an ideal professional development opportunity for HSE and EHS managers, safety leaders, operations managers, site managers, and internal trainers. By attending these intensive sessions, delegates will earn their official certification and learn how to apply proven human factors approaches in real-world environments. They will gain the practical tools necessary to influence safer decisions among their workforce, ultimately strengthening their organisation's long-term safety performance, quality control, and overall operational efficiency.
Learn from Leading Safety Pioneers
The value of any certification heavily relies on the calibre of its instruction. These upcoming Middle East sessions will be led by a distinguished panel of expert trainers from SafeStart International. Leading the delivery is Larry Wilson, a renowned pioneer in the area of human factors in safety. With more than 25 years of experience as a safety consultant, Wilson has worked on-site with hundreds of global companies. He is also a respected author and an active keynote speaker at major health and safety conferences worldwide.
Wilson will be joined by Sarah Stoker, the organisation's development director, and Anmol Tiwari, the territory sales manager for the MENA region. Together, this expert team will ensure attendees are fully prepared to execute highly effective, human-centric safety interventions. By completing the course, professionals will be ready to bring these life-saving techniques back to their teams and elevate workplace safety to unprecedented levels.
The Volvo CE Masters World Final recently concluded, celebrating the very best talent within the sector.
Poland wins 2026 Volvo CE Masters
Manufacturers increasingly rely on global aftersales networks to support customers with exceptional technical expertise.
The Volvo CE Masters World Final recently concluded, celebrating the very best talent within the sector. In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 competition, Volvo Maszyny Budowlane Poland emerged victorious, defeating the world's premier aftersales teams to become the Volvo CE Masters World Champion.
The 2026 Global Final in Sweden
Staged in front of a live audience at the Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) Customer Center in Eskilstuna, Sweden, the global final unfolded between the 14th and 16th of September 2026. The high-stakes event brought together elite service professionals from across the globe, uniting talent from Europe, Asia, China, North America, Latin America, India, and the broader international region.
This year’s competition marked a significant milestone for the industry. Now in its 35th year, the Volvo CE Masters is recognised as one of the largest and most prestigious technical skills competitions within the global construction equipment sector.
Key figures and event details from the 2026 edition demonstrate the immense scale of the programme:
-
Initial participation saw nearly 3,000 individuals enter the qualification stages worldwide, marking record attendance for the event.
-
The final battle hosted 14 elite teams representing the absolute pinnacle of their respective global regions.
-
For the very first time, an individual championship was introduced to run parallel to the traditional team competition.
-
The entire event was executed live, allowing the audience to watch each rigorous diagnostic challenge unfold in real time.
The Golden Boys Secure the Crown
The victorious team from Volvo Maszyny Budowlane, aptly named the 'Golden Boys', arrived in Eskilstuna carrying serious momentum. Comprising Michał Pietrzak, Piotr Lebda, Michał Motycki, Remigiusz Piątek, and Paweł Olkowski, the squad had already secured the European Regional Final championship after a commanding performance at the Volvo CE facility in Konz, Germany.
Their ultimate triumph in Sweden represents the culmination of a gruelling journey that commenced with stringent online qualification rounds and concluded at the apex of the global leaderboard. The achievement is a testament to the comprehensive training and rigorous standards upheld by the Polish delegation.
Kamila Czaja, Head of Retail Operations at Volvo Maszyny Budowlane, reflected on the momentous victory:
"This is an incredibly proud moment for all of us. Becoming Volvo Masters World Champions is a remarkable achievement, but what makes it truly special is the team behind it. Their expertise, passion, commitment and trust in one another made this success possible. I am extremely proud of what they have achieved together and sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed along the way."
Testing the Skills That Matter Most
The Volvo CE Masters is not merely a theoretical exercise or a highly sanitised corporate showcase. Instead, it places technicians in the crucible, testing the precise capabilities that hold the most value on active construction sites. The competition is designed to evaluate the speed and accuracy of machine diagnostics, demanding deep, comprehensive product knowledge across the extensive Volvo CE equipment catalogue.
Furthermore, the structure of the challenges forces participants to work efficiently and effectively as a cohesive unit under extreme pressure. These abilities are entirely transferable to real-world scenarios. In the field, these are the exact competencies that enable service teams to diagnose complex faults rapidly, minimise costly machine downtime, and maximise on-site productivity for clients.
Anna Fröjdfeldt, Head of Aftermarket Learning Portfolio at Volvo CE, emphasised the real-world significance of the competition:
"Volvo CE Masters exists to celebrate the people who keep the world's construction projects moving. What the Golden Boys from Poland have achieved here represents the highest standard in our global dealer network. Every customer they serve should know that."
A Benchmark for Global Aftersales
The 2026 Volvo CE Masters World Final served as more than just a trophy presentation. It provided a vivid demonstration of the technical superiority, teamwork, and customer-focused expertise that modern construction operations demand. As machinery becomes increasingly sophisticated, the reliance on world-class service personnel will only grow. For the newly crowned champions from Poland, this global accolade confirms their position at the very forefront of the industry, setting a formidable benchmark for aftersales support worldwide.
The session was chaired by H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and Chairman of the Committee.
Elevating border security and efficiency across Sharjah
Modern ports and land borders must operate as seamless logistical hubs, accommodating exponential growth while maintaining rigorous security protocols.
At the forefront of this operational evolution is the Emirate of Sharjah, which is actively advancing its cross-agency integration to fortify its vital infrastructure. In a significant move to streamline operations, the Organisational Committee of Ports and Border Points in Sharjah recently convened to implement comprehensive efficiency upgrades across the emirate.
The 9th Strategic Leadership Meeting
Held at the Khatmat Malaha Border, the 9th meeting of 2026 brought together key government and security entities. The session was chaired by H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, and Chairman of the Committee. A central focus of the assembly was to review the latest developments across Sharjah’s expansive network of maritime and land borders.
Opening the session, Al Raisi welcomed newly appointed members, whose selection followed the issuance of Sharjah Executive Council Decision No. (39) of 2026. This recent mandate amended the earlier Executive Council Decision No. (30) of 2020, which regulates the Committee. He also conveyed greetings from Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, wishing the team continued success in their duties.
Balancing Rapid Transit with Rigorous Security
A primary theme of the discussions was the absolute necessity of working as a unified team. Al Raisi stressed the importance of intensifying collective efforts to continuously develop the border points system. Operational and security readiness must align perfectly with the emirate’s overarching trajectory of growth.
Addressing the complex dynamics of modern border management, Al Raisi stated: "Ports and border points serve as vital gateways for both Sharjah and the UAE. Continued growth in passenger and commercial traffic places a responsibility on the entities operating at these facilities to continue developing their operational systems, improve procedural efficiency and strengthen coordination and integration. These efforts are essential to balancing smooth movement with faster processing while maintaining the highest standards of security, oversight and safety."
Key Operational Enhancements
To achieve these ambitious targets, the committee reviewed its updated mandate under the new regulatory decision. The agenda highlighted multiple pathways to strengthen integration among the diverse entities operating at these checkpoints.
The committee was briefed extensively on recent developments, discussing critical operational matters raised by stakeholders. Key focus areas identified to enhance services for travellers and commercial entities include:
- Refining Inspection Procedures: Developing more sophisticated methods for processing cargo and travellers safely.
- Boosting Checkpoint Efficiency: Upgrading the operational capacity of individual inspection points to reduce wait times.
- Strengthening Oversight: Enhancing overall security measures without compromising the speed of transit.
- Information Exchange: Fostering closer field coordination and the rapid sharing of vital expertise between operational teams.
- Actioning Recommendations: Ensuring that strategic measures proposed in previous meetings are swiftly translated into tangible field operations.
Cross-Agency Alignment and Future Readiness
In a move to further solidify the leadership structure governing these efforts, Brigadier Abdulaziz Sarhan Al Zaabi, Director of Land Ports at the General Directorate of Ports, was officially selected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee.
The immense scale of this cross-agency integration was reflected in the diverse array of senior attendees at the meeting. Alongside the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the session included Colonel Sultan bin Taliah, Director of the Land and Sea Ports Department at Sharjah Police General Headquarters; Lieutenant Colonel Staff Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the Northern Sector at the Border Guard Group of the National Guard Command; and Abdullah Al Badwawi, Director of the Customs Risk and Ports Security Department at the General Directorate of Customs and Ports Security. Representatives from the State Security Department (SSD) and Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Kindi of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority were also present.
By translating strategic recommendations into practical, on-the-ground measures, Sharjah is building an agile infrastructure capable of anticipating the future demands of global transit.
Dubai Municipality has officially joined the Digital Twin Consortium (DTC).
Dubai Municipality joins Global Digital Twin Consortium
The rapid evolution of modern urban planning is fundamentally changing how major global hubs manage their physical environments and infrastructure.
At the heart of this transformation is the integration of advanced geospatial technologies and the concept of a digital twin—a dynamic, highly accurate digital representation of real-world urban spaces.
Dubai Municipality has officially joined the Digital Twin Consortium (DTC). This strategic membership expands the organisation’s engagement with a vast international network of technology innovators, urban planning experts, and digital transformation specialists. By aligning itself with a global community dedicated to advancing these systems, the municipality is set to accelerate its pioneering “Dubai Digital Twin” initiative. The overarching ambition is clear: to leverage cutting-edge geospatial technology to solidify Dubai’s position among the smartest, most advanced, and sustainably developed cities in the world
Global Collaboration in Geospatial Technologies
The announcement of this prestigious membership directly followed the participation of Dubai Municipality—represented by its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Centre—in the recent DTC Members’ Meeting held in Orlando, Florida, in the United States. This high-level event brought together prominent members of the Consortium to discuss the latest advancements in the field. The gathering served as a vital forum for exchanging expertise, reviewing best practices in geospatial data applications, and comparing various strategic approaches to digitising urban landscapes. Participants from ten different countries were in attendance, presenting their unique experiences, technologies, and applications, thus providing a comprehensive overview of emerging international practices.
During the extensive sessions at the meeting, the GIS Centre delegation provided a detailed presentation on Dubai’s unique journey in utilising these advanced technologies.
Practical Applications and Operational Successes
To illustrate the practical capabilities of its initiatives, Dubai Municipality showcased several impressive milestones and operational successes.
-
Extensive 3D Modelling: The successful creation of high-fidelity 3D models encompassing more than 195,000 buildings across the emirate, providing an unparalleled digital blueprint of the city’s architectural landscape.
-
System Integration: The seamless technical integration between the municipality’s digital twin platform and the No Objection Certificate (NOC) system.
-
Utility Collaboration: The development of these integrated systems in close collaboration with various utility entities operating across Dubai.
-
Infrastructure Coordination: The enhanced ability to support complex infrastructure coordination and streamline interactions between different government and private sector bodies.
-
Scenario Simulation: The capacity to accurately simulate real-world conditions, allowing planners to test potential impacts before implementing physical changes.
These robust capabilities demonstrate precisely how an advanced digital infrastructure can strengthen overall urban planning and fundamentally improve public service delivery. By connecting disparate data streams into a unified visual and analytical platform, the municipality can pre-emptively address the logistical challenges of rapid urban expansion.
Managing Continued Urban Development
Dubai Municipality’s active membership in the Digital Twin Consortium is a core component of its wider strategic efforts to expand international collaboration. As the emirate continues its trajectory of rapid growth, the application of these advanced digital solutions will be instrumental in managing its continued urban development. By exchanging knowledge on a global stage and continually refining its geospatial technologies, Dubai is setting a powerful benchmark for what the smart cities of tomorrow can achieve.
Parker Hannifin, a Fortune 250 global leader specialising in motion and control technologies, has announced the launch of its new Viking Xtreme ISO valve series.
Parker launches Viking Xtreme ISO valves for harsh environments
Industrial automation and mobile electrification require components that can withstand increasingly demanding operational environments.
Across sectors such as railway transit, agriculture, and oil and gas, modern machinery relies on robust pneumatic control systems to ensure consistent, uninterrupted performance. Addressing these complex engineering challenges head-on, Parker Hannifin, a Fortune 250 global leader specialising in motion and control technologies, has announced the launch of its new Viking Xtreme ISO valve series. This compact, ISO-standard subbase valve platform is specifically engineered to handle the rigours of general, mobile-related, and harsh industrial applications.
To maximise installation flexibility and operational performance, engineers can deploy these valves in varied configurations to suit their specific infrastructure. Key installation and operational features include:
-
The ability to install the valve on a single subbase or integrate it into a stackable manifold.
-
Stackable manifold installations that effectively support pressure zoning within centralised applications.
-
Internal or external pilot configurations that can be conveniently adjusted in the field to meet precise application requirements.
Advanced Core Technology for Extreme Conditions
At the core of this newly launched platform is Parker’s advanced over-moulded spool technology. This specific engineering choice supports a long service life, broad operating capabilities, and a reliable, high-performance output even under continuous strain. The bi-directional, over-moulded spool is designed to function seamlessly in extreme temperatures, operating efficiently from -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F). In addition to its impressive temperature resilience, the system accommodates an operating pressure range that spans from a vacuum up to 10 bar. For pneumatic remote pilot variants, this pressure threshold extends even further to 16 bar. The platform also boasts exceptional flow performance, delivering flow rates ranging from 540 Nl/min (0.55 Cv) up to a substantial 5900 Nl/min (6.01 Cv).
Mobile-related applications and harsh environmental conditions present unique threats to machinery, notably through constant vibration, sudden impacts, and corrosive external elements. To combat these recurring issues, the Viking Xtreme ISO valve series offers various solenoid voltages paired with either standard or mobile-rated coils, alongside remote pilot valve options. The mobile versions of this valve have successfully passed rigorous shock and vibration testing, comprehensively meeting the stringent IEC 6173:1999, category 1, class B standards.
To further protect against corrosion in highly challenging and exposed settings, the valves incorporate durable materials throughout their entire construction. Essential durability features include:
-
The strategic utilisation of stainless steel for end fasteners, internal springs, and solenoid armatures.
-
An impressive salt spray qualification that exceeds 1000 hours of continuous testing.
-
A robust construction that fully supports operation in demanding salt spray applications.
Strategic Consolidation for Machinery Design
These modern advancements allow plant managers and machinery designers to rethink their pneumatic infrastructure entirely. The new series is explicitly designed to help operators consolidate their existing ISO non-plug-in valve inventories. Depending on the specific application, the versatile platform may enable a one-size reduction. This potential downsizing can significantly help to lower overall operational costs, reduce footprint dimensions, and decrease equipment weight, all without sacrificing the required system performance.
Speaking on the strategic launch of this robust new platform, Patrick Berdal, European Product Manager for Controls within the Electric Motion & Pneumatic Division at Parker Hannifin, highlighted the industry's constantly evolving needs.
“Customers are looking for compact, reliable pneumatic valve solutions that help simplify machine design while performing in demanding operating conditions,” said Berdal. “The Viking Xtreme ISO valve series reflects Parker’s commitment to engineering solutions that improve productivity, uptime, and operational efficiency for customers across key industrial and mobile markets.”.
As a fundamental part of the broader Motion Systems Group, Parker's Electric Motion and Pneumatic Division continues to design and manufacture components that actively improve system safety, efficiency, and performance across both heavy industrial applications and modern mobile electrification.
Teledyne FLIR has introduced the first thermal imaging cameras to achieve the ANSI/CAN/UL 2684 listing, providing an independently evaluated benchmark for thermal image fire detection to support resilient industrial operations.
Pioneering early fire detection in gulf infrastructure
Industrial fire safety across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is shifting from reactive emergency response to proactive risk management.
Traditional fire detection technologies have long relied on identifying products of combustion, like smoke or flame, meaning a fire has already begun before an alarm triggers. In critical infrastructure, an abnormal temperature rise often provides the earliest indication of an emerging hazard. Addressing this, Teledyne FLIR has introduced the first thermal imaging cameras to achieve the ANSI/CAN/UL 2684 listing, providing an independently evaluated benchmark for thermal image fire detection to support resilient industrial operations.
Elevating Standards for Gulf Infrastructure
The recent UL 2684 listing of Teledyne FLIR's A40 and A70 (Axx-Series) models marks a watershed moment for fire engineers and asset owners. This aligns with the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Under Section 17.12, NFPA 72 includes a dedicated category requiring thermal image fire detection systems to be explicitly listed.
For the GCC, where established fire protection frameworks lean heavily on NFPA codes and UL-listed equipment, this establishes a clearer pathway for specifying early detection solutions. While this benchmark does not replace local Civil Defence approvals, it offers stakeholders objective, laboratory-tested equipment rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims. The standard sets strict requirements for environmental performance, durability, and fire testing.
Key Applications in Critical Assets
The relevance to Middle Eastern markets is driven by the rapid expansion of high-value infrastructure. Thermal imaging provides early warnings where equipment degradation can smoulder long before ignition. Crucial applications include:
- Data Centres: Identifying anomalies like a busbar joint heating whilst under load.
- Solar Installations: Detecting faults in rooftop arrays, specifically within DC connectors or inverters where conventional detectors are absent.
- Heavy Industry: Safeguarding continuous-process manufacturing and refining operations.
- Energy Storage: Monitoring battery energy storage systems and electrical utilities.
The Mechanics of Proactive Visualisation
Unlike standard cameras used merely for general visualisation, a calibrated thermal image fire detector continuously measures absolute temperatures across every pixel. Operators can establish measurement regions to monitor precise temperature differentials, absolute thresholds, and rates of temperature increase.
This capability is vital because industrial equipment naturally fluctuates in temperature. A transformer running warm during standard operations is not a fire condition; however, if that component begins climbing in temperature whilst its operational load is falling, it provides a crucial early warning.
By identifying thermal anomalies before smoke is generated, organisations can transition from crisis management to planned maintenance. Teams can isolate a battery module or tighten a loose connection before operations are disrupted. Axx-Series cameras enhance this by combining thermal detection with visible imaging, allowing operators to verify alarms swiftly. Analytics are processed on the camera, minimising reliance on external servers and enabling devices to initiate events directly through compatible control systems.
Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) is bringing the ADIS International Roadshow 2026 to EXPO REAL in Munich, running from 5 to 7 October.
Global capital unlocks Abu Dhabi's US$5bn infrastructure boom
As mega-scale urban development accelerates across the globe, the integration of cross-border capital and advanced engineering expertise has become essential for delivering sustainable, future-proof cities.
One of the most significant focal points for this global investment is the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is currently showcasing an infrastructure opportunity valued at more than US$56bn. To connect these immense capital projects with the necessary technological and financial frameworks, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) is bringing the ADIS International Roadshow 2026 to EXPO REAL in Munich, running from 5 to 7 October.
To capitalise on these diplomatic foundations, ADPIC is leading a high-level Abu Dhabi delegation designed to unite the emirate's delivery expertise and capital project pipeline with global capital and urban innovation.
A Focused Pipeline for Urban Innovation
The delegation encompasses a broad spectrum of the emirate's institutional and corporate leaders. Alongside ADPIC, the unified Abu Dhabi Pavilion features government officials from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). These public entities are joined by prominent ADIS Roadshow partners, including:
-
Bloom Holding
-
Modon
Together, this formidable coalition is tasked with presenting live projects to international investors, financiers, developers, and contractors. Their portfolio targets critical sectors supporting the region's next phase of demographic expansion, notably housing, transport, culture, education, and vital social infrastructure.
Integrating Advanced Technologies
The Munich event aligns perfectly with EXPO REAL's expanded 2026 focus, which introduces the new InfrastructureNow platform. This specific initiative connects public-sector decision-makers with operators and developers around investable infrastructure.
- Smart infrastructure frameworks
- Digital twins
His Excellency Eng Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, Director General of Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, noted: “EXPO REAL gives us an important opportunity to take Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure priorities directly to the international organisations that can help deliver them. ADPIC’s role is to provide a clear, coordinated framework for capital projects and create the conditions for effective private-sector participation.”
His Excellency Eng Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid stated: “Through the ADIS International Roadshow, we want to build qualified relationships with investors, developers, engineering firms, technology providers, and construction leaders, and translate those conversations into practical opportunities that support Abu Dhabi’s next phase of infrastructure development.”
A Proven Framework for Execution
Through the Abu Dhabi Pavilion, the delegation will highlight their deep experience in large-scale programme execution, coordinated government delivery, and integrated urban planning to structure effective public-private partnership models.
This European expansion builds on the overwhelming momentum of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026, which successfully convened more than 17,500 participants, 100-plus speakers, and 650 government officials and VIPs. By extending ADIS beyond its annual flagship summit, ADPIC’s ongoing roadshow programme which has already facilitated over 30 curated meetings and secured strategic agreements across Singapore, Shanghai, and Turkey, ensures that the emirate remains at the forefront of global infrastructure development.