Fire Protection & Technology Summit

 Saudi Civil Defense

Abhishek Chhabra, Director International Initiatives | FCIA 

A comprehensive discussion on the recent updates to the Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Saudi Fire Code (SFC), their implications for industrial facilities, and strategies for compliance.

Speaker:
Paul Sincaglia, Chief Fire Protection Engineer - Codes and Standards Development Department, International Code Council 

Speaker:
Col. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Mutairi, Saudi Civil Defense

Speaker:
Terrance Tsang, Chief Fire Officer | Hong Kong Fire Services Department

Speakers:
Colonel Khalid bin Moshawah Al-Enezi, Saudi Civil Defense 

Speakers:
Colonel Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Saudi Civil Defense

Moderator:
Ghaith Bakir, Senior Regulatory Engineer | UL Solutions

Panelists:
Retired Colonel Consultant Eng. Abdulhadi Al-Qarni, CEO | Crash Group
Eng. Bander S. Ghamdi, Fire and Rescue Specialist | Saudi Aramco
Amer Al Merabi, Associate Consultant | AESG

Speaker:
Colonel Saadallah bin Saleh Al-Zahrani, Saudi Civil Defense

Speaker:
Colonel Fawaz bin Ibrahim Al-Zaydi, Saudi Civil Defense

As AI transforms fire protection, risks and human vulnerability remain. This session explores why ongoing investment in safety and resilience is vital while advancing AI-driven solutions

Speaker:
Matt Sutcliffe, Assistant Chief Fire Officer | Humberside Fire and Rescue Service UK

Speaker:
Ahmad Sagr, COO | Saudi Sicli Company

Effective collaboration between police, fire, and ambulance services is vital in managing emergencies. This session will highlight the benefits of cross-service cooperation and examine the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) principles as a framework for improving communication, coordination, and decision-making. Delegates will gain insights into how interoperability enhances operational efficiency, reduces risks, and ultimately saves lives during critical incidents

Speaker:
Phil Garrigan, Chair | National Fire Chiefs Council

Speaker:
Wail Almuharzi, Managing Director | Aman

Speaker:
Colonel Essam bin Yahya Al-Sharif, Saudi Civil Defense

Moderator:
Chris Chennell, Head of Fire & Life Safety - Technical Director | WSP

Panelists:

• Mustafa Al Fakih, Technical Fire Prevention Specialist | King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
• Yaser Mohammed, FLS Design Manager | Diriyah Gate Company
• Amer Al Merabi, Associate Consultant | AESG
• Dana Nassif, Assistant Project Manager | AECOM

This presentation explores strategic fire prevention management practices for all facilities in general, and airport facilities specifically. Drawing on practical experience from King Fahd International Airport (KFIA), it addresses both landside and airside fire risks, and how systematic prevention measures directly enhance operational continuity, reduce emergency costs, and mitigate risk. The session will highlight the integration of fire code compliance, ITM strategies, training, and emergency planning to create a resilient airport environment. Real-world examples and data-driven insights will be presented to demonstrate how proactive fire prevention contributes to safety and efficiency in high-risk aviation infrastructure.

Speakers:

• Eng. Hussein Mohammed Rajab, Senior Manager – Fire Prevention, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA)
• Yousif Mohamed P.E., Fire Prevention Officer, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA)

Enhancing fire safety in fuel stations through smart inspections and automated reporting systems. Addressing gaps in traditional fire protection practices using integrated technologies and IoT-enabled systems. The role of integrated fire safety training and ISO 45001 compliance in high-risk, high-traffic sectors. Innovative approaches to significantly reduce fire protection system costs without compromising safety or performance.

Speaker:
Abdullah Abdulrahman Alrommani, Assistant Director - Quality and Safety Management | SASCO

Tourism in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, driven by massive investments in hospitality‑led projects, and this panel will explore how fire safety can be ensured in transient populations, temporary accommodations, and high‑occupancy structures across diverse geographies. Discussion points will include evacuation planning for seasonal or transient occupants, the importance of multilingual communication, signage, and emergency drills, the integration of fire systems in resorts, tents, and modular setups, and strategies for designing fire‑resilient facilities in remote or natural areas.

Moderator:
Vinay Deshpande, Founder, Managing Director | Vitruvius Fire Safety Consulting

Panelists:
Yousif Mohamed P.E., Fire Prevention Officer | King Fahd International Airport (KFIA)
Chris Drew, Senior Manager - Prepare | Red Sea Fire & Rescue Services
Steve Apter QFSM, Fire and Life Safety Consultant Advisor | AESG
Bob Rea QFSM, Principal Operations | Design Confidence

This session reflects on the global impact of the Grenfell Tower fire and introduces the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ as a framework for preventing future tragedies. National Fire Protection  Association® (NFPA®) President & CEO Jim Pauley will explore how individuals, organisations, and  authorities must work together to close critical safety gaps and build stronger, safer communities  worldwide.

Speaker:
Jim Pauley, President & Chief Executive Officer | NFPA

An overview of Saudi Civil Defense’s national strategy in adopting and enforcing fire safety codes, including key initiatives, milestones, and alignment with Vision 2030. This session will highlight how  the Kingdom is creating a safer built environment through regulation, education, and enforcement.

Speaker:
Major General Ajaab Sadhan Alharbi, Assistant Director General of Civil Defense for Safety Affairs | Saudi Civil Defense

This panel brings together SASO, the Saudi Building Code Center, and Saudi Civil Defense to discuss  how standards development, code updates, and enforcement come together to shape Saudi Arabia’s  fire and life safety framework. Panelists will highlight their roles, recent developments, and how  coordination among the three entities ensures stronger compliance and public safety.

Moderator:
Zahi Daher, Country Manager - Saudi Arabia | NFPA

Panelists:
Col. Fahad Surihan Alzahrani, Director of Licensing Department | Saudi Civil Defense
Eng. Saad S. Al-Hatem, Director General of Standards Department | SASO
Eng. Nasser Al-Dossari, Chairman of the Technical Committee for Fire Requirements | Saudi Building Code Center

Fire and Life Safety strategies must reflect the intended design objectives, accommodate diverse  usage requirements, and meet client expectations, while emphasizing the critical importance of  correctly implementing the minimum codes and standards from early concept through site  completion and project operation. Building design and implementation must account for this diversity by thoroughly understanding every aspect of the regulatory framework to deliver solutions that  integrate all engineering disciplines while maintaining uncompromised Fire and Life Safety ecosystem.

Speaker: 
Sawsan Dahham, Founder & Chief Executive Officer | SIENA

Each project phase introduces unique safety challenges that require proactive planning and strict compliance to ensure the protection of life, property, and operational continuity. In today’s  landscape, ensuring adherence to codes, safety standards, and uninterrupted operations across mega-scale and diverse developments has become both a challenge and a necessity. This panel unites experts and key stakeholders from various sectors to share insights on how organizations are tackling these challenges, ranging from the evolution of codes and standards to the practical realities of on-ground execution in some of the most demanding environments.

Moderator:
Sawsan Dahham, Founder & Chief Executive Officer | SIENA

Panelists:
Olga Caledonia, Global Director | NFPA
Mohammed Al Saeefan, Fire Protection Engineering Specialist | Saudi Aramco
Khalid Al Mandil, Executive Director and Fire Commissioner | Red Sea Global

Focuses on strengthening the resilience of industrial cities by addressing risk management, crisis preparedness, and rapid recovery strategies. It brings together experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders to share best practices, innovative solutions, and sustainable approaches to protect critical infrastructure and ensure business continuity in times of crisis

Speaker:
Saad Alqahtani, Manager of the Disaster & Crisis Management Center | MODON

As EV adoption accelerates, unique fire risks like thermal runaway and toxic emissions emerge, particularly in parking structures. In this keynote, Mike Brunzell highlights the need for updated  codes, training, and global collaboration to ensure fire safety keeps pace with technology.

Speaker:
Mike Brunzell, VP of Global Business Development | NFPA

As (BESS) become increasingly vital to modern energy infrastructure in supporting renewables, grid stability, and decarbonization. The questions around fire safety, emergency response, and risk mitigation have taken center stage.

This fireside chat will bring together experts from Saudi Aramco and the Saudi Electricity Company  for a candid discussion on the challenges and opportunities BESS presents from both a  technological and safety standpoint.

Moderator:
Ryan Bickerton, Commercial Director | Fire Middle East Magazine & Conference

Speakers:
Engr. Mohammed A. Al Bin Ali, Fire Systems Auditing Manager | Confidential
Ahmad Alkhamis, Fire Operations Supervisor | Saudi Aramco

This session will address the critical importance of correctly applying and implementing the referenced standards outlined in building and life safety codes during the construction phase. It will also explore the acceptable substitution of specifically referenced American standards (NFPA, UL, ASTM) with equivalent European standards (BS, EN), where applicable. The discussion will highlight the need for a skilled workforce, starting from the proper selection of standards through testing, commissioning, and final handover.

Moderator:
Maher AlAlam, Specification & BOQ Manager | SIENA

Panelists:
Steve Hamm, CEO | IFE
Mark Finn, General Manager | FEC International

This session will provide an overview of NFPA 25 highlighting its scope, intent, and recent updates. The presentation will emphasize the critical role NFPA 25 plays in ensuring the ongoing reliability and performance of fire protection systems. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of compliance responsibilities, common challenges, and the importance of proper system maintenance in reducing fire risk. 

Speaker:
Ahmed Jahz Al-Subiei, Deputy Fire Chief | SASREF

This session will explore the critical fire hazards associated with railways and the need for proactive prevention strategies to mitigate risks before they escalate. Also highlighting the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks and industry standards that guide safety protocols, ensuring resilience and reliability across railway operations.

Speaker:
Eng. Ibrahim A. Hakami, Fire Protection Technical Section Head | Saudi Arabia Railways

Speaker:
Zahi Daher, Country Manager - Saudi Arabia | NFPA

Speaker:
Bob Rea QFSM, Principal Operations, Design Confidence

Speaker:
Abhishek Chhabra, Director International Initiatives | FCIA

Speaker:
Captain Hamoud bin Saad Al-Mutairi, Saudi Civil Defense

As cities expand, so must their safeguards—this session explores integrating fire and life safety into construction, urban planning, and masterplans to build safer, future-ready communities.

Speakers:
Sutharson Sathaiah, HSE Director - Six Flags and Aquarabia | Qiddiya City

Speaker:
First Lieutenant Fahd bin Khalid Al-Hazzaa, Saudi Civil Defense

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its goal to become a leading global tourism destination,  this session explores how KSA can set a benchmark in designing crowded spaces that are both  accessible and inclusive. It will cover how crowd dynamics are shaped by design, information, and  management strategies, as well as the challenges of maintaining accessibility in high‑density environments. The discussion will highlight the importance of user‑centric planning and the long‑term benefits of integrating accessibility and crowd-behaviour insights into public space design.

Speakers:
Dr. Bachar Kabalan, Head of Crowd Dynamics Engineering | Design Confidence
Dania Al-Adhami, Head of Accessibility and Inclusivity | Design Confidence

As fire services evolve, European and North American fire truck designs offer distinct strengths that  can be adapted for the Middle East. European trucks, known for their compact design and automation, are ideal for dense urban areas, while North American models, with greater capacity and redundancy,  excel in industrial and high‑risk settings. For Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing cities, extreme climate, and water scarcity, a hybrid approach is ideal—integrating IoT diagnostics, real‑time analytics, and wet foam systems to boost efficiency and conserve water, while retaining manual overrides to ensure control during critical operations. This session explores how blending these designs can deliver future‑ready solutions for urban, industrial, and desert firefighting across the region.

Speaker:
Ahmad Alkhawaja, Fire Protection Engineer | Saudi Aramco

Speaker:
Fahad Salami, Fire Chief | Saudi Aramco

Speaker:
Sultan Shukri, Fire Chief | Saudi Aramco

This session celebrates the women breaking barriers and redefining the fire and life safety landscape in the region. From steering technical innovation to setting new benchmarks in operational excellence, these pioneering professionals are driving progress, championing inclusion, and inspiring the next generation to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. Join us for powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and vision shaping the future of safety.

Moderator:
Sawsan Dahham, Founder & Chief Executive Officer | SIENA

Panelists:
Jazyah Aldossary, Fire Protection Engineer & Training Supervisor | Saudi Aramco

This session highlights the critical need for coordinated humanitarian support in the aftermath of mass casualty incidents. It focuses on managing psychological trauma, logistical challenges, and stakeholder communication while supporting victims and their families throughout fire-related disasters.

Speaker:
Tariq Moen, Director Training & Projects | Fire Protection Association of Pakistan (FPAP)

This session explores cost-effective strategies to retrofit aging buildings in Saudi Arabia, ensuring fire safety compliance with minimal operational disruption. It includes real-life case studies from Riyadh and guidance on navigating Civil Defense approvals for legacy structure renovations.

Speaker:
Islam Al-Falahat, Lead FLS Engineer | House of Consulting Office (HCO)

Speaker:
Zahi Daher, Country Manager - Saudi Arabia | NFPA