30 Aug Intersec Saudi Arabia is set on focusing on Fire

Intersec Saudi Arabia has confirmed it will highlight the importance of fire safety strategies in the built environment in a panel discussion with Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, a leading figure in fire safety. With more than 30 years of experience in the UK fire service, Odin will bring unique insights into the challenges faced by the Middle East as part of his panel discussion, Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management, which takes place on the opening day of the exhibition as part of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

According to research from Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently has over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, with an estimated total value exceeding USD 819 billion. These projects encompass a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction, underscoring the need for an effective Fire Safe Design strategy.

“A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions,” said Odin.

“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.

The session will discuss the crucial phases following a fire, highlighting best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, focusing on restoring normality in affected populations, buildings, and responder teams. Jamal Al Ghamdi, Corporate Process Safety Director, Sadara Chemical Company, will join Odin on the panel.