OFSEC: OMAN’S ONLY AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SUMMIT AND EXPO ON FIRE, SAFETY AND SECURITY
OFSEC 2024 will bring together local and international participants who will showcase their avant-garde solutions, specific transverse and latest technologies, cutting edge innovations, cost-effective products and services to meet the requirements of governments, businesses, industrial & commercial entities, aviation, construction, infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas and utilities sectors.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Health & Safety Protocols - ALL SECURE
During these challenging times, our commitment to delivering exceptional live in-person events that support economic growth and recovery, will be reinforced by us.
Your health and safety is our top priority.
All Secure protocol is intended to protect our partners, exhibitors, visitors, delegates, colleagues and contractors.
NEWS UPDATES
Steering Committee
Eng. Zakariya Al.Sadi
Deputy Manager in the Occupational Safety and Health Department
Ministry of Labour
Eng. Zakariya Al.Sadi
Deputy Manager in the Occupational Safety and Health Department
Ministry of Labour
Engineer Zakariya Al Sadi, a powerhouse in the field of occupational safety and health. As the Deputy Manager in the Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Ministry of Labour, he plays a vital role in ensuring health and safety standards across Oman. With over 10 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, along with a Master's in MBA, Zakariya brings a unique blend of technical expertise to his work. His extensive knowledge and dedication to workplace safety make him a respected figure in the industry. Get ready to be inspired by Zakariya's insights at the upcoming conference!
David Campbell
General Manager
Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL)
David Campbell
General Manager
Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL)
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.
He has 33 years working experience in the sector of which the past 13 years supporting the Testing Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry of Middle East region.
He manages a TIC business for Electrical Safety and Fire Compliance (active and passive systems), Testing, Inspection, Certification, Technical Assessments, and Advisory Services.
Dr. Neelesh Sogani
IOSH OMAN CHAIR / GM HSE-ZPTE
IOSH Oman
Dr. Neelesh Sogani
IOSH OMAN CHAIR / GM HSE-ZPTE
IOSH Oman
Dr Neelesh Sogani is a Seasoned Senior Management HSE Professional with 26+ Years of experience in Process, Oil & Gas, Construction and Infra Industry & worked in India, North Africa & Middle East. Currently working as General Manager HSE for Zawawi Powertech Engineering LLC and RoSPA Regional Ambassador. He is Chair of IOSH Oman and also served as IOSH Council Member. He is a regular speaker in International HSE Conferences and also involved in many HSE Campaigns and Road shows. His knowledge and contribution to the sector is evident through the extensive array of articles and technical presentations. His influence is demonstrated by the impressive array of International, Regional and National Awards in the field of HSE & CSR including from the British Safety Council, American Society of Safety Engineers, Construction Week, Oman Society of Contractors, Dossier, Global Excellence Award 2021 etc.
He is Charted Fellow of IOSH, Fellow Member of IIRSM and Doctorate in Management Studies.
Dr Sogani is connected to a number of professional bodies through his work and these synergies are also beneficial to OSH members. His opinion and input is sought and service provided on local, national and an international basis.
Dr Sogani has worked in a number of complex work environments since the beginning of his career, his current role involves the understanding of OSH within the energy generation sector.
Speakers
Eng. Salma Al Ali
Head of Engineering Drawings Section
Directorate of Dubai Civil Defense
Eng. Salma Al Ali
Head of Engineering Drawings Section
Directorate of Dubai Civil Defense
Eng. Salma is a dynamic professional in the fields of Architecture Engineering, Urban Planning, and Fire Protection. With a Bachelor's degree in Architecture Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University, she has a solid foundation. Salma's journey continued with a Master's degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the American University in the Emirates. Her multifaceted expertise spans from master planning and urban design to firefighting system evaluation and risk management. As a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), she excels in ensuring safety. Salma envisions a future where her expertise in safety, sustainability, and security converges with cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT to create smarter, safer urban environments.
Eng. Dana Kamal
Director, International Development (MENA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Eng. Dana Kamal
Director, International Development (MENA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
TOPIC : Regional Planning, Direction, Coordination, and Support of the NFPA International Development Functions
A healthcare Engineering expert, professional and engineer with over 22 years of experience in healthcare business development, projects facilities and education across several workstreams. implementing new strategies with existing and new stakeholders and serves as NFPA – Director International Development (MENA) to cover regulatory, legislative, and technical circles and other.
Work closely with multiple sectors to champion building, life safety and fire protection standards, and promote effective code compliance in the built environment, Dana manages and facilitates NFPA MENA Advisory Committee for regional fulfilment of NFPA vision and mission and liaise on various sector leaders and government authorities.
Dana holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and a master’s degree in healthcare management. In addition, she holds certifications of NFPA Life Safety code101 and certificates of Healthcare Safety, Emergency Management & Response, and Fire Safety Management by the International Board for Certified Safety Managers IBFCSM, USA. Hospital planning and design by e-Cornell University and an Executive Director diploma by IMAC. Dana is a trusted and active member as well in American Society of Healthcare Engineering ASHE and American Hospital Association AHA.
Eng. Ali Mohammed Saif AL-Saidi
Occupational Health & Safety Inspector
Muscat Municipality
Eng. Ali Mohammed Saif AL-Saidi
Occupational Health & Safety Inspector
Muscat Municipality
TOPIC : Fire Safety and Property System for Buildings
My name is Ali Alsaidi; I am always strive to participate in conferences and workshops that reflects my area of study i.e. Fire Safety Engineering and Health, Safety & Environment management and International disaster management that provides me many opportunities to carve out the niche for personal, professional.
Moreover, to further improve the general system of safety and planning to prevent fire occurrences and so on. Having recently obtained my Bachelor Degree with Honours in Fire Safety Engineering (University of Central Lancashire; UK) and, Postgraduate study in International Disaster Management( University of Manchester, UK) , I have already acquired the necessary skills and knowledge during my study, I wish to bring my knowledge, skills and in the 8th Oman Fire Safety & Security Event 2024.
During the past few years, I have attended various seminars and training which have provided me with extensive knowledge regarding organizational operations. I have also studied various specialized courses, which have increased my knowledge and skillset to a great extent. Motivation, punctuality and commitment towards my work have always enabled me to accomplish the goals I have set in life.
Ahmed Abdallah Al Mamari
Operational Safety Expert
Oman Electricity Transmission Company
Ahmed Abdallah Al Mamari
Operational Safety Expert
Oman Electricity Transmission Company
TOPIC : Safe Man Hours, The Strengths and Weaknesses as a Safety Metric
Ahmed Al Mamari is currently working as an operational safety expert at Oman Electrical Transmission Company. Ahmed holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Suhar University and Sultan Qaboos University respectively. In addition to his primary job functions, he has 13 years of experience in transmission network operation and maintenance and electrical safety. For his extraordinary commitment, he has been recognized as a member of competency and authorization Committees as well as investigation teams. Driven by his knowledge and experiences, he is delivering Safety training courses to the company employees where some courses are essential.
Kevan Whitehead
Managing Director
Unity Fire & Safety Services LLC
Kevan Whitehead
Managing Director
Unity Fire & Safety Services LLC
TOPIC : Firefighting Foam Transitioning - AFFF to Fluorine Free
Kevan Whitehead is owner and Managing Director of Unity Fire and Safety Services LLC, based in Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. The key areas of focus are the provision of professional Fire Firefighters, Consultancy, Training and Firefighting Equipment/PPE.
A career Fire Officer with over 40-years’ experience in both municipal and industrial fire services with significant involvement in Europe, the Middle East and the USA. A recognised specialist and expert in Firefighters PPE and Firefighting Foam.
He has been active in challenging the environmental impact of firefighting foam for over two decades and has co-organised five international conferences to debate and challenge the status quo.
Bill Kinch
Sales Engineer
Priority Dispatch Corporation
Bill Kinch
Sales Engineer
Priority Dispatch Corporation
TOPIC : Structured Call Taking for Public Safety Call Centers
33 years’ experience in the emergency medical services industry and pre-hospital care environment, Bill has become an expert in emergent call processing, project management, and EMS System Consulting. For the past twenty-three years Bill has specialized in the design, development and operation of emergency communications systems and organizations, Public Safety System deployment, and resource allocation.
Steve Watkins
Business Development Manager / Senior Consultant
RelyOn Nutec Fire Academy
Steve Watkins
Business Development Manager / Senior Consultant
RelyOn Nutec Fire Academy
TOPIC : Emergency Response Planning and Competencies
Steve Watkins brings over two decades of extensive experience as a seasoned Senior Fire Officer and emergency expert to the table. With a remarkable career spanning over 15 years in the Fire Service and 25 years with RelyOn Nutec, Steve has demonstrated unwavering commitment and expertise in the field of Emergency Response. Steve has played a pivotal role in supporting numerous Oil and Gas Emergency Response organizations in developing comprehensive training programs and incident pre-planning strategies.
Michael Moore
Consultant (Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College)
Ministry of Interior Qatar
Michael Moore
Consultant (Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College)
Ministry of Interior Qatar
TOPIC : Dealing with LNG fires
25 Years Emergency Response in the Oil & Gas industry, both onshore and offshore. Working throughout the world - training a multi-national work force in how to deal with all aspects of emergency management safely.
Khalid Almandil
Fire & Rescue Department Head
Red Sea Global
Khalid Almandil
Fire & Rescue Department Head
Red Sea Global
TOPIC : Driving Innovation in Fire Emergency Response in Giga Projects
Executive Director and Head of Fire and Rescue Services Department under the Red Sea Global Company; one of the biggest PIF companies the hospitality and tourism sector towards the 2030 Vision. Oversee the department including operations, design, training, code compliance, and leadership roles. Developing and ensure the implementation of the strategic plans of the department company wide Professional Engineer and Consultant in the Fire Protection Engineering field accredited by the Saudi Council of Engineers. Skilled in Emergency Management, Fire Emergency Response to major incidents, fire investigations, and leading fire departments from strategic prescriptive.
Faris Saeed Alzahrani
Health, Safety & Security Manager
National Water Company
Faris Saeed Alzahrani
Health, Safety & Security Manager
National Water Company
TOPIC : Life Safety Products' Listing - Smarter Approach to Confirming Performance
Faris Alzahrani is a fire safety professional with academic and industrial experience for about 11 years, specializing in Building Codes and Standards, Design and Analysis of Life Safety as well as the Management of Security Operations, Fire and Occupational Health and Safety. He is a registered associate fire engineer, certified fire protection specialist (CFPS), and fire inspector (CFI-I).
He is also an ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 lead auditor. His experience encompasses a broad spectrum of projects, ranging from industrial fire protection to the development of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System. He currently holds a record of training 1,055 hours in different subjects.
Torsten Szypulski
Head International Projects
WAGNER Group GmbH
Torsten Szypulski
Head International Projects
WAGNER Group GmbH
TOPIC : Oxygen reduction systems and aspirating smoke detection
Manager with a strong background in electrical distribution, automation, and fire protection, with over 30 years of experience in international business. Expert in fire prevention using oxygen reduction systems for specialized applications such as automated warehouses, data centers, archives, and other segments, Currently serve as the Head of International Projects at WAGNER Group GmbH, Germany – the technology leader in oxygen reduction systems and aspirating smoke detection.
Daniel Ford
Associate Director - Fire and Life Safety
WSP
Daniel Ford
Associate Director - Fire and Life Safety
WSP
TOPIC : Implementation of Fire Strategy in Design
Daniel has worked in the Middle East for 15 years developing fire strategies for some of the most complex structures in the region. He has widespread understanding of fire, holding both Bachelors and Master’s degree in Fire Safety Engineering.
Daniel develops designs for buildings and infrastructure projects, recently completing the Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension. He is a committee member of NFPA 101/ NFPA 5000 for Business and Mercantile Occupancies.
Daniel has undertaken supervision of notable projects and strives to ensure issues raised during construction and resolved during the design of projects, to ensure a smooth handover and user experience.
Hafsa Al Balushi
Architectural Engineer
Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning
Hafsa Al Balushi
Architectural Engineer
Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning
Hafsa is an Architectural Engineer and Stakeholder Lead of the Oman Building Code Project at MoHUP, with experience as a Design Project Manager leading multi-scale projects in the private sector. Internationally recognized, Hafsa received an award in Rome for green urban regeneration. Currently, she is working on a Master’s thesis titled “The Sustainable Smart City Paradox: Evaluating the X-Minute City Concept as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Growth in Oman.” Additionally, Hafsa has been a Top 10 finalist in the Bilarab Award’s two editions and a Top 5 finalist in its Expo edition.
Ayssar Hanza
Risk Engineering Director
Ace Energy Group
Ayssar Hanza
Risk Engineering Director
Ace Energy Group
TOPIC : Leadership & Human Factors in Fire & Explosion Prevention: A Proactive Approach
A dynamic leader with over 28 years of global experience in developing Leadership in Risk Management, Process Safety, Asset Integrity, and Human Factors, driving strategies and enhancements in both operational and major project settings. With a distinguished career at BP and other major operators, she stands as an exemplary model, known for her simplified and pragmatic approach in navigating complex, high-pressure, multicultural environments. She has advised and collaborated closely with senior leaders, applying company standards, visions, and commercial acumen while demonstrating a keen ability to lead and think strategically.
Recognized as a passionate coach, skilled trainer, and recipient of a Global Award from IChemE, she was also nominated for the prestigious 100 Women to Watch list in the UK. Her practical, energetic, and highly actionable style has earned her admiration, making her a standout professional in her field.
Roy Savio Fernandes
Project Director
Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy
Roy Savio Fernandes
Project Director
Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy
TOPIC : Fire Life Safety Strategy - Why does every project need one?
Roy has been involved in Fire Life Safety design, preparation of fire strategy reports, finalizing project proposals, managing project budgets, site supervision, presenting fire life safety strategies, and managing end user relationships. He has been managing projects involving world-wide international hotel brands, retail and mixed-use buildings, airports, and healthcare projects.
His areas of expertise include code consulting, fire life safety and FLS systems design, subject matter expert on fire alarm and voice evacuation system design, fire alarm system testing and commissioning, building’s life safety system audits. He is well versed in UAE, SBC, IBC, NBC, NFPA codes and standards.
He carries over 18 years of experience in the Fire Life Safety (FLS) field and has conducted audits, inspections for FLS across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and India for major hospitality brands including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, IHG among others.
He is the author of several publications on matters involving fire suppression, fire alarm, passive fire protection systems and sustainability with fire life safety. He has participated as Speaker in major international conferences in Middle East and India.
Ghaith Bakir
Senior Regulatory Engineer, MEA
UL Solutions
Ghaith Bakir
Senior Regulatory Engineer, MEA
UL Solutions
TOPIC : Product Certification for a Safer Future
Ghaith Bakir, Senior Regulatory Engineer at UL Solutions, who provides regulatory support in the Middle East and Africa regions. Working out of the UL Solutions office in Dubai, Ghaith provides technical expertise in regulations, codes, standards, and product installations related issues to assist regulatory authorities, consultants, manufacturers, designers and contractors in resolving product acceptance and code compliance issues., Represents UL Solutions at AHJ and code development meetings by participating in code discussions and conducting technical presentations on code-related technical subjects, Plan, conducts and supervises code and regulatory related projects of major magnitude and scope.
Prior to joining UL Solutions Ghaith worked as a project engineer for a leading producer and supplier of fire and life safety solutions. In that role, he managed projects across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving the installation, testing and maintenance of fire protection equipment and systems. He also worked for a Dubai master developer as a fire engineer, assisting in developing and implementing fire safety management system frameworks, and evaluating compliance with national and international fire safety standards and best practices.
Dr. Marco Panniello
Sales Director
Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd
Dr. Marco Panniello
Sales Director
Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd
TOPIC : Homeland Security Challenges in Nuclear and Radioactive Materials Detection
Marco Panniello is the Sales Director at Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd. He leverages his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and executive business training from Yale University to drive innovation in radiation detection solutions. With extensive experience in radiation technology for counter-terrorism, homeland security, and nuclear industry, he has been pivotal in establishing technical ventures and partnerships. Previously, Marco was a Research Scientist at INFN in Italy, where he developed a proton accelerator for proton therapy. As a Development Physicist at Tracerco Ltd in the UK, he led R&D on radiation detection technologies for non-intrusive diagnostics and patented new Oil and Gas technologies.
Abhishek Chhabra
Director Middle East & Asia
Fire Stop Contractors International Association
Abhishek Chhabra
Director Middle East & Asia
Fire Stop Contractors International Association
Abhishek Chhabra has worked for nearly two decades in conformity assessment businesses, with a considerable time spent on fire safety and a focus on Passive Fire Protection. He has worked for testing labs offering compliances across standards from North America, Europe, Britian, ISO, IMO and Indian Standards spanning from electronics (Household, IT, AV,), industrial (Building and Construction, Machinery, Automation, Switchgear, HVAC, Solar, ATEX and Hazloc) as well as consumer goods, food, pharma, chemicals, etc. He has also worked extensively across various stakeholders; educating users like consultants, contractors and manufacturers as well as regulators (Authorities having Jurisdiction) and Accreditation Bodies. He has served on advisory committees of standards development bodies (SDO’s), accreditation bodies to bring about a broad view of challenges faced in the field. He has published papers, countless articles and spoken at several conferences advancing the better usage of standards, codes and compliance regimes.
Currently he is representing two large and growing industry associations of Firestop Contractors International Association, FCIA and National Fireproofing Contractors Association. The bodies are now aiming to expand the understanding and usage of passive fire protection across various stakeholders. He also devotes time to his initiative of tic.guru, where he delivers courses to help professionals better understand assurance or the Testing, Inspection and Certification industry.
Peter Van Gorp
Principal
HKA
Peter Van Gorp
Principal
HKA
TOPIC : Fire Safety and Loss Prevention - Expert Witness View and Case Studies
Peter Van Gorp has 30 years of experience working as a fire safety engineer. He has provided consultancy, expert witness and advisory services in the Middle East, the UK, Europe and Africa. Peter leads HKA's global Forensic Technical Services (FTS) fire engineering team. He acts as an independent expert witness on fire safety matters within various industries.
Mohamed Amer
Regional Director of Operations - MENA
International Code Council (ICC)
Mohamed Amer
Regional Director of Operations - MENA
International Code Council (ICC)
Mohamed Amer works as the Regional Director of Operations for the MENA region with the International Code Council (ICC). He joined ICC to run the Dubai office by providing essential on-the-ground support to organizations involved in building safety in the region, including various stakeholders like AHJs, consultants, manufacturers, architects, etc... With over 15 years of experience in oil/gas, project management, and TIC industries, he leads ICC’s operations and business development aspects in the MENA through existing and new partners, to help deploy/lead/facilitate ICC’s service lines for new business offerings across its family of solutions spectrum. A distinguished speaker at conferences and workshops, Mohamed reinforces ICC's mission in building safety/innovation/sustainability, showcasing his commitment to advancing the industry's best practices and standards. His contributions underscore his dedication to fostering a safer and more resilient built environment in the MENA region. He obtained his Masters degree in Engineering Systems Management and Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering with Minor in Applied Mathematics and Computational Methods from the American University of Sharjah.
Dr. Neelesh Sogani
IOSH OMAN CHAIR / GM HSE-ZPTE
IOSH Oman
Dr. Neelesh Sogani
IOSH OMAN CHAIR / GM HSE-ZPTE
IOSH Oman
Dr Neelesh Sogani is a Seasoned Senior Management HSE Professional with 26+ Years of experience in Process, Oil & Gas, Construction and Infra Industry & worked in India, North Africa & Middle East. Currently working as General Manager HSE for Zawawi Powertech Engineering LLC and RoSPA Regional Ambassador. He is Chair of IOSH Oman and also served as IOSH Council Member. He is a regular speaker in International HSE Conferences and also involved in many HSE Campaigns and Road shows. His knowledge and contribution to the sector is evident through the extensive array of articles and technical presentations. His influence is demonstrated by the impressive array of International, Regional and National Awards in the field of HSE & CSR including from the British Safety Council, American Society of Safety Engineers, Construction Week, Oman Society of Contractors, Dossier, Global Excellence Award 2021 etc.
He is Charted Fellow of IOSH, Fellow Member of IIRSM and Doctorate in Management Studies.
Dr Sogani is connected to a number of professional bodies through his work and these synergies are also beneficial to OSH members. His opinion and input is sought and service provided on local, national and an international basis.
Dr Sogani has worked in a number of complex work environments since the beginning of his career, his current role involves the understanding of OSH within the energy generation sector.
Sultan Al Mazrouai
HSE Manager
Sohar Port & Freezone Company (Asyad Group)
Sultan Al Mazrouai
HSE Manager
Sohar Port & Freezone Company (Asyad Group)
TOPIC : SERO - Sohar Emergency Response Organization
Professional HSE Manager working at Sohar Port and Freezone with 18 years experiences in HSE field. Sultan has worked in different industries including but not limited to constructions, petrochemical, steel industry, manufacturing, port and freezone management ..etc . He studied Fire Safety Engineering, NEBOSH IGC Certified (NEBOSH level3), NEBOSH International Diploma (NEBOSH Level 6) as well as Executive MBA from WU Executive Academy through GUtech.
Has is competent in HSE management, Risk management, Incidents management , HSE auditing, Emergency response planning, crises management, business continuity ..etc. Very strong to lead significant changes and drive the promotion of HSE culture through utilization of the technical and leadership skills & experiences with aim to achieve excellence and sustainable results.
Rhodri Jones MSc MIFireE CMgr
International Fire Officer
Rhodri Jones MSc MIFireE CMgr
International Fire Officer
TOPIC : Adapting to new challenges and embracing change through leadership
International fire officer and fire investigator. I have worked in the Fire & Rescue industry and held many roles including fire commander, instructor, fire safety and fire investigation officer. For a time I was a national lead for wildfire investigation in the UK, pioneering the concept that to better understand and prevent wildfires we need to investigate them both from the ignition and human behaviour aspect. I am also a leadership coach with a passion for forward thinking and change management in order to ready Fire & Rescue services for the challenges ahead as our environment and technology changes. I hold a Masters in Fire investigation and a diploma in strategic leadership.
Rachel Marie Novelo
Principal Engineer
Emirates Safety Laboratory
Rachel Marie Novelo
Principal Engineer
Emirates Safety Laboratory
TOPIC : Testing and Classification of Products Installed on Roofs
Rachel currently functions as a Principal Engineer at Emirates Safety Laboratory, she has worked in the TIC Industry for seven years as Reaction to Fire Testing Engineer; she completed a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering course and a Materials Engineer certification in the Philippines. Rachel has the technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of various reaction-to-fire standards, including the Steiner tunnel test methods, European Standard EN 13501-1 for classification of construction products, roof, fabric and upholstery testing, and the cone calorimeter.