The one-day conference brought together influential voices from across the global fire and safety sector.

Delegates, including technical specialists, strategic decision-makers and policymakers, met to discuss practical responses to the most pressing risks and trends impacting the industry.

From lithium-ion battery hazards to AI-driven detection, circular economy practices and evolving workforce demands, the programme reflected the urgency and complexity of modern fire safety challenges.

A focus on leadership and risk readiness

The day opened with welcome remarks from Ian Stokes, CEO of Centurian Media Ltd, and Terry Johnson, President of the IFE GCC/UAE Branch and Conference Chair.

Their comments set the tone for a programme designed to encourage honest dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Johnson spoke of the need for preparedness and strategic foresight, while Stokes reflected on the role of platforms such as IFSJ Leaders in advancing operational clarity and regional cooperation.

The morning keynote address was delivered by a representative from Dubai Civil Defense, offering an overview of regulatory initiatives and technological advancements aimed at strengthening pre-emptive response measures.

Later in the day, Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at the National Fire Protection Association, delivered a closing keynote that looked at international alignment on standards and the continued need for forward-thinking regulation.

Engaging with complex challenges and practical responses

Throughout the day, panel discussions tackled some of the most difficult questions facing fire safety professionals in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

In the session focused on lithium-ion batteries, speakers including Ghaith Bakir of UL Solutions, Eman Mattie-Suleiman of VdS Loss Prevention, Lt Col Dr Humaid Al Ali of the UAE General Command of Civil Defense, Chris Chennell of WSP and Ihab Al Bariam of LOAMS examined the risks associated with energy storage systems and the policy adaptations needed to manage them effectively.

The sustainability panel highlighted the growing relevance of circular economy models in fire safety product development and procurement.

Andy Spence of Britannia Fire spoke alongside Aman Sharma of Totus Digital and Ryan Dhindsa of Tuffking, addressing how manufacturers are working to reduce environmental impact without compromising safety or compliance.

The facilities management session brought together representatives from BR Training Solutions, iFM Facilities Management, WSP and ATEIS to explore the lifecycle approach to fire safety, from design and specification through to demolition and replacement.

In another session, the panel led by Eitan Charnoff of the UAE Ministry of Interior’s Secure Communities Forum focused on public safety provision for people of determination, linking to the UAE’s Year of Community and highlighting the importance of inclusion in emergency planning.

Further sessions addressed resilience, recruitment and retention, crisis communication and infrastructure protection.

A high-level panel on workforce development, moderated by Steve Hamm of the Institution of Fire Engineers, featured contributions from Sawsan Dahham of SIENA, Mohammed Saeefan of Saudi Aramco, Marwan Abu Zaid of Emaar and others.

Together, they discussed how to secure and maintain skilled personnel in an increasingly competitive employment environment.

Sponsor and partner contributions

As Platinum Sponsor, Britannia Fire led a dedicated presentation on sustainable fire extinguisher technologies, including the development of PFAS-free P50 composite units.

Their session reflected the broader theme of environmentally conscious safety solutions and the need to future-proof products and systems in line with evolving regulations.

Gold Sponsor ATEIS, Silver Sponsors MSA Safety and RelyOn Nutec, and Supporting Partners Fire Lion Global, FireDos, PAC, Apollo, VdS and Paradigm also featured prominently throughout the event.

Each contributed to the interactive exhibition space and dedicated networking zones, providing a forum for delegates to engage with new technologies and exchange insights directly with solution providers.

Guidance from an experienced advisory panel

The agenda was shaped by the event’s advisory panel, which included returning members such as Engineer Salma Al Ali of Dubai Civil Defense, David Campbell of Emirates Safety Laboratory, Robert Davies of WSP, Mark Buckingham of King Abdulaziz Airport, Dana Kamal of NFPA, and Peter Stephenson of Hydrock.

New panellists for 2025 included Lieutenant Colonel Dr Humaid Al Ali, Deputy Director of Fire Affairs at the UAE General Command of Civil Defense, and Lieutenant Colonel Dr Essa Almutawa, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at Dubai Civil Defense, whose input ensured the conference maintained its relevance to emerging threats and technologies.

Throughout the day, the conference facilitated meaningful dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the formation of new professional connections.

Delegates left with a greater understanding of the operational, regulatory and technological shifts that continue to shape the fire and safety profession.

Save the Date: IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety – 7^th May 2026

IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety will return to Dubai in May 2026.

To register your interest or enquire about speaking and sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://ifsjleadersinfireandsafety.com/registration-2026