Setting the stage
Welcome to this edition of Fireside Chat, a platform where we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in fire and life safety in the Middle East over a cup of coffee. I’m David Campbell, General Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL), and I’m thrilled to have Sawsan Dahham, CEO of SIENA, join us for this conversation. Sawsan is a renowned fire and life safety specialist, code expert and public speaker with extensive experience advancing fire-safety standards and practices. Together, we delve into the latest innovations, sustainability in fire safety, challenges in regulatory compliance and lessons from global fire incidents, all shaping the future of fire safety in the Middle East and beyond.
Why fire and life safety is evolving
David: Fire and life safety have always been paramount, but we’ve seen significant technological advancements, regulations and public awareness in recent years. What, in your opinion, are the key drivers behind these changes?
Sawsan: The groundbreaking evolution in fire and life safety is driven by several factors, including increased urbanisation, the complexity of modern building designs, and the growing awareness of the catastrophic impact of fire incidents. Moreover, technological advancements, such as intelligent fire-detection systems and integrated safety solutions, along with the increased demand to use innovative new materials that accentuate the singularity of the design, have expanded the horizons of what we can achieve in fire prevention, protection and response.
Emerging fire safety trends in the Middle East
David: Sawsan, with your extensive experience in the Middle East, what emerging fire-safety trends do you believe will significantly impact the region in the next five years?
Sawsan: For more than a decade now, the Middle East has been witnessing a surge in construction, introducing more complex, innovative and unique structures. Those exceptional engineering designs require the use of advanced fire-protection systems; that is why the region is investing in the integration of advanced and intelligent technologies in the fire-safety systems adopted. These systems utilise AI, IoT (Internet of Things), and big data analytics to predict potential fire risks, provide real-time monitoring and enable faster response times, which is essential in such sophisticated urban environments.
The GCC countries are strongly emphasising the importance of sustainability in the built environment; the adaptation of green building standards was a key topic during COP28, which took place in Dubai last year. This interest led to the adaptation of eco-friendly fire-protection materials and systems, such as non-toxic fire retardants and suppression systems and energy-efficient fire-detection technologies. These advancements are aligned with the region’s broader sustainability goals and reflect a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of fire-safety measures.
Additionally, there is a growing focus on enhancing fire-safety regulations and enforcement. The tragic lessons learned from global fire incidents have prompted governments in the region to tighten fire-safety codes and ensure stricter compliance. We are seeing more rigorous inspections and the adoption of international standards, such as NFPA and ICC codes, tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the Middle East.
Finally, advanced construction materials designed to withstand fire are becoming more prevalent. Innovations in fire-resistant materials, including those incorporating nanotechnology, are being integrated into new construction projects. These materials enhance fire safety and support the region’s push for cutting-edge, resilient infrastructure.
The role of technology in fire safety
David: Technology has indeed transformed our approach to fire safety. At ESL, we’ve integrated cutting-edge testing and certification processes to ensure compliance with international standards. How do you see technology as a key player in shaping the future of fire safety, especially in regions like the Middle East?
Sawsan: Technology is a game-changer. In the Middle East, where we face unique challenges like extreme temperatures and rapid urban development, the use of technological solutions is essential. Innovations like AI-driven fire-detection systems that can identify potential fire hazards before they escalate, smart sprinklers that can automatically adjust their water flow based on the intensity of the fire, and the use of big data for risk assessment to predict and prevent fire incidents are just a few examples. These technologies improve safety by enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fire-protection systems. For instance, the use of drones for fire inspection and monitoring and the development of fire-resistant materials using nanotechnology are evidence of significant advancements in the role of technologies in this field. The future of fire and life safety is bright with the synergistic implementation of codes and standards coupled with the advancements in emerging technologies.
Regulatory challenges and compliance
David: Compliance with fire-safety regulations is a challenge many in the industry face, particularly with the diverse and stringent codes across different regions. At ESL, we work closely with our clients to navigate these complexities. You recently delivered a marvellous presentation during the NFPA Conference in Orlando, Florida. What advice would you give designers, consultants, contractors and manufacturers looking to enter the Middle East market to stay compliant while also innovating in fire safety?
Sawsan: I have always believed in the synchronisation between the singularity of the design, the project specifications, the authorities’ perspective and the minimum codes and standards requirements to satisfy the needs of multiple geographies. The key is to stay informed and proactive. Companies, including designers, consultants, contractors and manufacturers, should engage with local authorities, participate in industry forums, and stay up to date with the latest codes and standards. This proactive engagement is a sign of commitment to fire and life safety. More importantly, it underscores the value of collaboration between regulators and industry players in ensuring that regulations keep pace with technological advancements. It’s our responsibility to stay ahead of the curve and drive these changes.
Lessons from global fire incidents
David: Given your global perspective, what lessons from recent high-profile fire incidents worldwide, such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London or the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, do you think are most relevant for fire-safety professionals in the Gulf region?
Sawsan: Numerous notable fire incidents globally over the past decade have taught us valuable lessons. As a start, it is crucial to develop correct and compliant fire strategies for the built environment by qualified, experienced, specialised consultants. Additionally, during the construction of a building, it is essential that only skilled personnel are responsible for implementing fire and life safety (FLS) products and systems, those products and systems should be properly tested and certified by recognised and approved third-party laboratories and conformity assessment bodies (CABs). Not to forget the necessity of inspecting completed buildings to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements, and ensuring proper maintenance of fire-safety systems and materials throughout the building life cycle. These lessons have spurred stricter regulations and reinforced the focus on compliance in the Gulf countries.
Future of fire and life safety
David: Looking ahead, what trends or developments do you foresee shaping the future of fire and life safety? How can industry leaders, including fire-safety specialists, code experts, public speakers, designers, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and regulatory authorities, prepare for these changes? Your role is crucial in shaping the future of fire and life safety. Your expertise and collaboration drive these changes and ensure a safer future.
Sawsan: The future will witness a greater spread of fire- and life-safety awareness, which will positively impact the integration of fire-safety norms into the overall building lifecycle, from design to operation. Eco-friendly fire-safety solutions will play a substantial role in achieving a more sustainable tomorrow. This includes using non-toxic fire retardants, energy-efficient fire-detection systems and fire-resistant sustainable building materials. Industry leaders should focus on continuous innovation and improvement, embracing advanced technologies and fostering collaboration across all engineering sectors to stay ahead of any emerging challenges and ensure the highest standard of safety and quality.
The intersection of sustainability and fire safety
David: Sustainability is becoming a key consideration in all construction and safety aspects. How do you see sustainability principles intersecting with fire safety, particularly in the context of the Middle East’s rapid development?
Sawsan: Sustainability and fire safety are increasingly intertwined, particularly with the region’s emphasis on green building standards This intersection is not just about using eco-friendly materials but also about designing fire-safety systems and solutions that are energy efficient and have minimal environmental impact, thereby contributing to the overall sustainability of a building or structure without jeopardising the minimum level of safety to life or similar dangers through adopting the fire- and life-safety norms efficiently.
Shaping the future
David: Sawsan, it’s been an enlightening conversation. Your insights into the evolving landscape of fire and life safety are invaluable. At ESL, we support this evolution by providing top-tier testing, certification and consultancy services to ensure that safety standards are met and exceeded.
Sawsan: Thank you, David. Partnerships and dialogues like this one are invaluable. They drive our industry forward and help us build a safer, more sustainable, and more resilient future for all. I hope you found this conversation as enriching as I did and thank you for playing an effective role in making the world a better place.
We hope this Fireside Chat has provided valuable insights into the future of fire and life safety. Your contributions as industry leaders, including fire-safety specialists, code experts, public speakers, designers, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and regulatory authorities, are crucial. We invite our readers to continue this critical dialogue by sharing your thoughts or joining us at ADIPEC in the UAE, OFSEC in Oman, Intersec Saudi Arabia and IFOC Saudi Arabia, where we can collectively shape the future of fire and life safety. Stay tuned for more conversations with industry leaders in our upcoming editions, and remember that many great things started over a small cup of coffee.
About the Author
David Campbell is General Manager for Dubai Civil Defence’s Emirates Safety Laboratory, educated in Applied Sciences - Fire Technology, Fire Engineering and Environmental Sciences – Natural Resource Management and Digital Transformations with 33 years working in the sector of which the past 13 years supporting the Middle East region, specialising in Electrical Safety and Fire Compliance (active and passive systems), Testing, Inspection, Certification (TIC) and Advisory.
Sawsan Dahham
Sawsan is the CEO and Founder of SIENA, a specialized engineering consultancy established with a vision to actively promote the growth of fire and life safety engineering industry and contribute in its dynamic development and awareness across the continents.
She is a recognized Fire and Life safety expert with 18 years’ experience in specialist engineering consultancy, FLS design strategy and business management. She is an Authorized NFPA instructor and delivered several trainings across the GCC for governmental and private sectors. Sawsan is well versed in many codes and standards such as NFPA, IBC, Saudi Building Code, UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, Qatar Civil Defense Department Guidelines, Gulf Countries Code, Jordanian Code, Egyptian Code, Kuwaiti Code, French Codes (Règlement de Sécurité Contre l'Incendie), British Standards, HTM etc. and attained an extensive knowledge in the design, review, coordination and project management of Mixed-use complexes, Airport facilities, Assembly buildings, shopping malls, Healthcare facilities and prestigious urban developments.
She is known for being an enthusiastic speaker having participated in many conferences in USA and GCC such as NFPA conference and expo, IFSJ Leaders in fire safety, Intersec.
She also wrote articles and contributed in publications related to the FLS industry in NFPA and IFSJ journals and MEP magazine.
In 2023, she was shortlisted as an “International Leader” finalist at the Intersec awards held in Dubai.
Sawsan was also part of Intersec awards Jury for 2024, and a member of the “IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference 2024” and “International Fire Operation Conference (IFOC 2024)” technical committees.
