05 Jan NFPA Day returns to Intersec Dubai to advance safety dialogue across the Middle East

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has confirmed its participation at Intersec Dubai 2026, with a central focus on advancing fire and life safety collaboration across the Middle East. Taking place from January 12–14 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Border Security Council.

As part of its involvement, NFPA will host the return of NFPA Day on Day 2 of the Fire & Rescue Conference, continuing its mission to foster dialogue among fire protection leaders, regulators and technology innovators. The programme will address critical topics shaping safety and emergency management, including artificial intelligence, the global energy transition and fire protection in large-scale infrastructure and mega-projects.

Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA, said: “Intersec Dubai 2026 is a critical catalyst for advancing fire and life safety across the region. By convening global experts and innovators, the event fosters collaboration, drives knowledge exchange and accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that save lives.”

Mike Brunzell, NFPA’s Vice President of Global Business Development, added that NFPA’s presence “underpins our commitment to empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to set new benchmarks for safety.”

The NFPA Day programme will open with remarks from Brunzell, followed by a keynote address from Pauley featuring a major announcement concerning NFPA LiNK, the association’s digital platform providing access to over 300 codes and standards. Pauley will later participate in a fireside chat with Olga Caledonia, NFPA’s director of Global Business Development, focused on the organisation’s expanding global influence.

The broader agenda will feature sessions addressing several of the most pressing issues in modern fire protection. Highlights include a presentation by NFPA Vice President for Outreach & Advocacy Lorraine Carli on Facing the Global Challenge of Energy Transition, and a panel on Modernising Fire Protection with AI, featuring speakers from SIBCA and Omniconn. Further discussions will explore high-hazard safety management, Saudi Arabia’s industrial safety priorities and mega-project protection under Saudi Aramco and Red Sea Global, reflecting regional progress toward elevated safety standards.

As the Middle East continues to deliver large and complex infrastructure projects, NFPA’s renewed engagement through Intersec underscores the growing importance of harmonised global standards, digital transformation and technical collaboration. These dialogues are expected to influence future safety frameworks across construction, energy, and industrial sectors throughout the region.