Honeywell donates 25,000 FFP2 face masks for Beirut relief effort

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

Honeywell has announced it will donate 25,000 FFP2 respirator face masks to the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), to help support relief efforts following the explosion in Beirut earlier this month.

The masks, which Honeywell expects to ship to Lebanon this week, will provide AUBMC’s front-line staff with critical PPE as they continue to treat patients injured by the explosion amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miroslav Kafedzhiev, vice president and general manager Middle East, Russia, Turkey and Africa, Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions said: “As a world leader in advanced Personal Protective Equipment we are committed to providing front-line healthcare workers with the equipment they need to help keep us safe.

“We are proud to be supporting the medical staff at AUBMC who are caring for those injured by the recent explosion in Beirut, and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy.”

Walid A. Katergi, CFRE associate vice president for development, American University of Beirut said: “Our doctors, nurses and other front-line staff are working tirelessly to treat those hurt in the explosion amid the added pressure and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We send our deepest thanks to Honeywell for its kind donation of this critical equipment, which will help protect our teams as they focus on providing patients with the best possible care.”

Honeywell’s intelligent safety solutions and personal protective equipment help organizations keep their workers safe and healthy on the job.

The company’s offerings include hazardous gas detectors, safety software solutions and personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective eyewear, respiratory protection, safety suits, hard hats and boots.

Honeywell demonstrates its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and community involvement through Honeywell Hometown Solutions – a unique global corporate citizenship program that emphasizes STEM education, inclusion and diversity, and humanitarian relief to provide significant and meaningful results in communities around the world.

www.honeywell.com/en-us

Dahua Technology donates food supplies after Beirut explosion

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

The massive explosion that shook Beirut on August 4th had a devastating impact on Lebanon and its citizens killing at least 180 people and injuring thousands. At the same time, tens of thousands of the city’s residents were left homeless after the blast destroyed their houses and properties. International organizations and peacekeepers from all over the world have reached out to send daily necessities and medical supplies to the region and assist in the reconstruction of the affected areas.

Dahua Technology and its Lebanon team immediately contacted the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lebanon after the blast at Beirut Port, and donated 350 cases of food supplies to help the affected residents tide over this extremely pressing circumstance.

“We just want to tell those people that never lose faith for life because love will beat anything and the nightmare will eventually go away. Dahua Technology stands in solidarity with the Lebanese people and we are working together to help them rebuild their homes,” said Lori You, Country Manager of Dahua Lebanon.

Earlier this year, also with the help of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lebanon, Dahua Lebanon has donated two sets of Dahua thermal body temperature monitoring system to the country’s Ministry of Health, strengthening the protection of Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport during the pandemic period.

Dahua Technology has been operating in Lebanon for more than 10 years. With a professional local sales and technical team, Dahua Lebanon provides local customers with latest technologies, quality products and solutions, as well as speedy services throughout the country. While delivering projects covering transportation, retail, finance, education and other fields, Dahua Lebanon also actively supports local public welfare projects, enabling a safer society and smarter living.

www.dahuasecurity.com/

Natanz nuclear facility fire ‘caused by sabotage,’ says Iranian official

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation has said an explosion last month that damaged the country’s Natanz nuclear facility was the result of “sabotage.”

“Security investigations confirm this was sabotage and what is certain is that an explosion took place in Natanz,” spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Sunday, 23rd August.

“But how this explosion took place and with what materials … will be announced by security officials in due course,” he was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

The Natanz uranium enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog.

Iran’s top security body said after the blast on July 2 that the cause had been determined but would be announced later “for security reasons”. Officials said the incident had caused significant damage that could slow the development of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges.

Some Iranian officials have previously said the explosion may have been the result of cyber-sabotage, warning that Tehran would retaliate against any country carrying out such attacks.

An article by Iran’s state news agency IRNA in July addressed what it called the possibility of sabotage by enemies such as Israel and the United States, although it stopped short of accusing either directly.

Israeli officials declined to comment on Sunday.

Natanz is the centrepiece of Iran’s enrichment programme, which Tehran says is only for peaceful purposes. Western intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe it had a coordinated, clandestine nuclear arms programme that it halted in 2003.

Tehran denies ever seeking nuclear weapons.

Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for the removal of most international sanctions in a deal reached between Tehran and six world powers in 2015.

But Tehran has gradually reduced its commitments to the accord since US President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed and intensified sanctions that have battered Iran’s economy.

The deal only allows Iran to enrich uranium at Natanz facility, with just over 5,000 first-generation IR-1 centrifuges.

On Monday, IAEA head Rafael Mariano Grossi will visit Iran for the first time since taking up the role in December last year.

The IAEA said in a statement Grossi will address Iran’s cooperation with the agency, particularly access for its inspectors to certain sites.

“My objective is that my meetings in Tehran will lead to concrete progress in addressing the outstanding questions that the agency has related to safeguards in Iran and, in particular, to resolve the issue of access,” Grossi said.

“I also hope to establish a fruitful and cooperative channel of direct dialogue with the Iranian government which will be valuable now and in the future.”

Beirut explosion: Lebanon faces humanitarian emergency

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

The explosion in Beirut is further straining the health system and food supplies, as well as risking the country’s COVID-19 response. 

Lebanon faces a humanitarian emergency following the explosion on Aug 4, 2020, of more than 2000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut’s port that has added severe strain to a health system already buckling under an economic crisis, civil unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the hosting of some 1.5 million refugees in a country of about 6 million people.

The blast killed at least 200 people, injured more than 6,000, and left 300 000 homeless. On Aug 10, soon after rejecting an international inquiry into the explosion’s cause, the government resigned amid rising anger and protests demanding the removal of the political elite and an end to corruption, bad governance, and mismanagement.

International donors pledged 253 million euros in aid at a summit arranged by France on Aug 9, but they also called on the Lebanese Government to listen to demands for reform made by protesters.

WHO said three hospitals were non-functional and another two suffered substantial damage. In addition, 17 containers with essential medical supplies and a recently delivered shipment of personal protective equipment to tackle COVID-19 were destroyed at the port.

“WHO is deeply concerned about the hospital and health workforce capacity, supplies of medicine, and chemical fumes which might have a harmful impact on the health of people with underlying conditions”, the agency said in a donor alert issued on Aug 6.

Officials estimate that the explosion caused up to US$15 billion of damage. Damage to the port was expected to exacerbate the economic and food security situation because the port was a major entry point for aid, and Lebanon imports 80–85% of its food. According to the UN World Food Programme, even before the explosion, 50% of Lebanese people surveyed said that they were worried about not having enough to eat.

“It’s a catastrophe, it’s incomprehensible. Everyone is traumatised and there is a big mental health impact”, Iman Nuwayhid, dean of the faculty of health sciences at the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon).

Lebanon reportedly has enough doctors and nurses but is facing shortages of medical supplies, even before the blast, because of an economic crisis over the past few months, according to Karam Karam, a clinical professor of medicine at the American University of Beirut. A devaluation of about 80% in the Lebanese pound and bank controls on foreign currency meant that imports of medicines and equipment had become much more costly. “People are dying because they don’t have shelter or money to pay for health care”, he said. “Everyone blames the criminal and corrupt junta that rules us.”

Before the explosion, 75% of Lebanese people were in need of aid, 33% had lost their jobs, and 1 million people were living below the poverty line, and these numbers were considered likely to rise.

COVID-19 is posing a further burden – more than 6,000 cases and 78 deaths had been recorded by the health ministry as of Aug 8. There could be a spike in cases because many health and rescue workers responding to the explosion, as well as protesters, have not observed social distancing or worn masks.

While the resources of many hospitals were being directed towards the casualties of the explosion, the capacity to deal with COVID-19 should not be lost, urged Firass Abiad, the general manager of Beirut’s Rafik Hariri University Hospital (the main Lebanese Government hospital charged with managing the epidemic), in a tweet on Aug 6.

There was also concern about the impact on health caused by the chemicals released by the explosion. “The main long-term hazard is from combustion products such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic”, Roy Harrison, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Birmingham. More immediately, the main health hazard was from the formation of particulate matter that causes reductions in lung function and symptom exacerbation in people with asthma, he said.

Auxiliary Firefighting Programme from Jaheziya

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

Jaheziya offers the Auxiliary Firefighting Programme, designed to provide current and prospective firefighters with the tactics needed to handle emergencies in industrial environments. This enables delegates to develop skills for preventing and responding to emergencies.

The auxiliary firefighting programme is designed to provide current and prospective firefighters with the tactics needed to handle emergencies in industrial atmospheres. This enables delegates to develop skills for preventing and responding to emergencies.

Prerequisites:

Students are required to be:

  • Medically and physically fit (sponsor to ensure medical fitness).
  • Able to understand instructions / training delivered in the English Language.
  • A minimum of 18 years old.
  • Medically fit to participate in all elements of the course, and they will be asked to complete a self-declaration medical form before the course commences.
  • Holding a valid Emirates ID or passport from their home country.

jaheziya.ae/

Reacton receives Jordan Civil Defence approval

by Middle East - Featured News Archives
Reacton Fire Suppression has announced it has received product approval from the Department of Civil Defence in Jordan. This authorisation from the Jordanian government agency enables Reacton to sell and install automatic fire suppression systems in the country.

Sam Malins, CEO at Reacton Fire Suppression said:

“Achieving this approval from the Department of Civil Defence in Jordan is a big step forward in being able to serve our growing customer base in the Middle East. Since opening our regional office in Dubai earlier this year, we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response we’ve received from existing and new customers in the region.

“We’re excited to be able to undertake the commitments we’ve made in Jordan and to installing automatic fire suppression systems that will protect people, assets and infrastructure in the country from fire.”

The Jordanian Civil Defence’s certificate is awarded by the General Directorate of Civil Defence. This government department guarantee security and safety conditions in the country and certify that equipment and technologies used in the installation of emergency systems comply with all the established requirements.

www.reactonfire.com

First sergeant Saleh killed in blaze at Dubai Investment Park

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

A two-floor wall collapse caused the death of a firefighter and injured another in the fire that ravaged two warehouses in Dubai Investment Park, a Dubai Civil Defence official said on Wednesday 29th July.

Brigadier Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General of Fire and Rescue at Dubai Civil Defence, said on Tuesday 28th July, firefighters responded to an emergency call about the fire at 3:43pm.

Firefighters from several fire stations were dispatched to the area and the blaze was brought under control by 5.30pm.

However, a warehouse wall spanning two floors collapsed, causing the death of First Sergeant Adil Nasser Saleh and injuring another firefighter grievously.

“All firefighters followed the safety measures as they have experience in fighting the most complicated fires. But the wall collapse was surprising,” Brig Al Mutawa said.

A specialist team carried out an investigation to determine the reasons and circumstances behind the incident.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, mourned the loss of the firefighter.

”The precious civil defense men are exerting efforts to protect lives, security and safety of our country. Today, Dubai lost Sgt. Adel Nasser Saleh, who was martyred during his call to duty. We ask God for mercy on him and patience and solace to his family.”

Saleh, who worked for 25 years in Civil Defence, was a father of five children. He was known for his positive spirit and participation in major fires even when he was not on duty.

ADIPEC 2020 to be held virtually from 9-12 November due to COVID-19 restrictions

by EventsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

dmg events, organiser of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), and with the support of its strategic partner and host, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has announced that the ADIPEC Strategic and Technical Conference will take place virtually between November 9 and 12, 2020.

This follows a directive from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism that events should not take place in light of Covid-19 restrictions. The next full in-person annual exhibition and conferences will take place from November 8 to 11, 2021.

The decision to hold an online event ensures the ADIPEC Strategic and Technical Conferences will continue to provide the thought leadership that will frame the future oil and gas landscape and connect global organisations to shape the industry’s future.

Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Chairman of ADIPEC said: “Despite the global challenge of COVID-19, we are delighted the ADIPEC strategic and technical conferences will take place virtually this year, enabling leaders from across the oil and gas industry to come together to share ideas and connect on a range of key industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.

“The health and welfare of all ADIPEC participants is our highest priority and we look forward to welcoming all visitors to the full in-person exhibition and conference at ADIPEC 2021. As we look to the future, collaboration, technology and innovation will be essential levers as we continue to identify new smart growth opportunities across the global energy landscape.”

ADIPEC is an annual global industry event that attracts world energy leaders to discuss and debate the future of global energy markets, geopolitics, and technology. Held for over thirty-five years, ADIPEC underpins Abu Dhabi as a global energy hub in bringing together the best of minds at a government and industry leadership level including senior academics, technology innovators and financial leaders.

dmg events Global Energy President, Christopher Hudson said: “We are committed to ensuring ADIPEC remains at the heart of the global oil and gas landscape, driving forward the conversations, collaborations, and connections that address key challenges and fuel innovative ideas and strategies that shape the industry.

“By staging a concentrated and abridged virtual conference program this year, ADIPEC will utilise cutting edge technology that has evolved exponentially over the last 4-5 months, to ensure the industry and its community has a voice to discuss and share the learnings of this year and into the future.”

Khalifa Yahweel Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), stated: “The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company always co-ordinates closely with its partners to find optimal solutions that ensure the competitiveness of events which it hosts on both the local and international level. In order to ensure the health and safety of exhibitors and visitors, which is our company’s foremost priority across our operations, it was agreed with the organisers of ADIPEC to postpone the activities of this year’s exhibition to 2021.”

He added: “We look forward to welcoming the upcoming ADIPEC 2021 exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Our teams are currently developing a wide range of programmes that will improve exhibitor’s and visitor’s experience at this important event, ensuring to exceed their expectations and provide leading sector-based standards.”

Marking its 10th anniversary milestone this year, ADIPEC Awards 2020 will be presented in an immersive and interactive virtual awards experience in November 2020.

Fatema Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC LNG and ADIPEC Awards Chairperson commented: “I am pleased we will be virtually staging this year’s awards and I am confident the progress and enhancements made to the ADIPEC Awards will magnify the value, prestige, and visibility of the ADIPEC Awards for years to come”.

As the organisers and ADNOC look to the 2021 edition, the event will retain its position as the premium event partner of choice and market leader within the global energy event industry, with ADIPEC 2021 promising a powerful platform for industry stakeholders and its value chain to display their innovation, launch new products, strike partnerships and conduct business that will fast track their recovery and highlight pathways to a successful future.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE ADIPEC 2021 will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). ADIPEC is hosted by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

www.adipec.com/

New dates announced for Intersec Saudi Arabia

by EventsMiddle East - Featured News Archives

New dates have been announced for Intersec Saudi Arabia, with the Kingdom’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, now scheduled to take place from 15-17 March 2021 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The three-day event is organised by Saudi-based ACE Group under licence from Dubai-headquartered Messe Frankfurt Middle East. The new dates come after extensive feedback and consultation with the venue, exhibitors, visitors, trade partners and associations, as the Saudi government continues to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In its 4th edition, Intersec Saudi Arabia was initially postponed to run in September 2020, however Show Director Alexandria Robinson said the move to 2021 was widely supported by stakeholders: “Plans are underway to deliver a sold-out event once again next year with more than 120 exhibitors from 20 countries participating. As is customary, we’ll deliver a wide range of value-added conferences and workshops covering pertinent security, safety, and fire protection topics.”

“Intersec Saudi Arabia is an important and growing show, designed to reflect Saudi’s security, safety, and fire protection industries, and one where international solution providers look to make inroads in a bustling market,” added Ms. Robinson.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is supported by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Saudi Civil Defense, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).  It covers the six key product sections of commercial security, information security, perimeter & physical security, homeland security & policing, fire & rescue, and safety & health. fire

Saudi is the Middle East’s largest commercial security, fire protection and safety market, and is estimated to be worth US$9.6 billion in 2020 according to analysts 6Wresearch.

Homeland security and policing will hold the lion’s share of spend this year, at US$5.4 billion.  This is followed by information security (US$2.8 billion), commercial security (US$892 million), fire safety (US$309 million), and physical and perimeter protection (US$227 million).

www.intersec-ksa.com.

 

Fire at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility reportedly causes significant damage

by Middle East - Featured News Archives

A fire that broke out at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility last week caused significant damage that could slow the development of advanced centrifuges, an Iranian nuclear official said on Sunday 5th July.

No one was hurt in the mysterious blaze last Thursday at the site, said Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation.

Iran’s top security body said on Friday the cause of the fire at the facility had been determined and would be announced later, however, specific details have yet to be released.

Some Iranian officials reportedly said it may have been caused by cyber-sabotage and one warned Tehran would retaliate against any country carrying out such attacks.

“The incident could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term,” Kamalvandi was quoted as saying by Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

“Iran will replace the damaged building with a bigger one that has more advanced equipment. The incident has caused significant damage, but there were no casualties.”

An article by IRNA last week addressed what it called the possibility of sabotage by enemies such as Israel and the United States, although it stopped short of accusing either directly.

In 2010, the Stuxnet computer virus, widely believed to have been developed by the US and Israel, was discovered after it was used to attack Natanz.

Israel’s defence minister said on Sunday it was not “necessarily” behind every mysterious incident in Iran.

The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

The IAEA said on Friday the location of the fire did not contain nuclear materials and none of its inspectors was present at the time.