Alba and NFPA announce Bahrain fire safety collaboration

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Partnership agreement focuses on NFPA-aligned safety standards

Alba has announced a new partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), focused on improving industrial fire safety and occupational health in Bahrain.

According to Alba, the agreement was signed on 12 May 2025 by Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA Director of International Business Development Eng. Dana Kamal.

The collaboration will span three years and will include training sessions, certification programmes, safety forums and conferences.

Joint initiative aims to advance knowledge-sharing

Alba stated that this agreement reflects its intention to improve its occupational health and fire safety procedures through international collaboration.

The company described the partnership with NFPA as a step toward exchanging operational knowledge and applying tested safety practices within its smelting facilities.

According to Alba, this marks the first such agreement between NFPA and a Bahraini manufacturing company.

NFPA to provide training and safety ecosystem alignment

The NFPA said the partnership is aligned with its Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem framework.

Eng. Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development MENA at NFPA, said: “We are proud to work with Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters.

This agreement marks a shared commitment to advancing fire and life safety standards within Bahrain’s industrial sector.

“By aligning with the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™, we aim to help Alba maintain high safety standards as it continues to grow its operational footprint.”

The NFPA will support the delivery of safety initiatives at Alba through awareness campaigns and structured training efforts.

CEO of Alba highlights safety leadership in Bahrain

Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, described the agreement as part of Alba’s broader industrial safety ambitions.

He said: “Joining forces with NFPA translates Alba’s ambition to not only be the world’s largest aluminium smelter but also a global leader in industrial safety.

“As the first aluminium smelter in the region and the first manufacturing company in Bahrain to embark on this journey, we are proud to lead the way, learning from the best while sharing our advancements to contribute to a safer and more sustainable industrial world starting from Bahrain.”

The company confirmed that shared research and data analysis will inform the safety roadmap it is developing with NFPA.

Planned activities to include certifications and forums

Alba stated that the three-year agreement includes an action plan focused on education and capacity building.

This will involve certification programmes, training workshops, and public forums to promote recognised fire safety standards.

Both Alba and NFPA will also cooperate on regulatory alignment based on practical insights from their operations and safety data.

Alba and NFPA announce Bahrain fire safety collaboration: Summary

Alba has signed a three-year strategic partnership with the National Fire Protection Association.

The agreement was signed on 12 May 2025.

Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali and NFPA MENA Director Eng. Dana Kamal led the signing.

The collaboration focuses on advancing industrial fire safety and occupational health in Bahrain.

The NFPA will help Alba align with the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem.

Alba is the first aluminium smelter in the region to enter into this type of agreement.

Planned activities include training, certification programmes, and awareness forums.

Both parties will share research and data to inform safety improvements.

The partnership reflects Alba’s aim to enhance safety as part of its operational growth.

NFPA signs MoU with Bahrain Civil Defence to enhance fire safety measures

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

MoU signed to enhance fire safety in Bahrain

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Directorate of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This agreement aims to improve fire safety and prevention measures in Bahrain.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida, with key representatives from both organisations in attendance.

The partnership will leverage NFPA’s expertise in fire, electrical, and life safety, along with Bahrain Civil Defence’s local knowledge in firefighting and civil defence.

The collaboration focuses on organising awareness forums, promoting education, and sharing best practices to enhance public safety.

Collaborative efforts to advance fire safety

NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley stated: “Building on the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem framework, we are charting a roadmap for developing comprehensive training and certification programs, advancing fire research, and enhancing public education across the Kingdom.”

He added that the initiative aims to advance fire safety and mitigate risks through increased fire risk awareness and reduction strategies.

Eng. Dana Kamal, Director of International Business Development MENA at NFPA, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “It’s an honour to collaborate with Bahrain Civil Defence on our shared mission to advance fire and life safety across the Kingdom.

“By leveraging the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, we aim to empower communities and ensure that Bahrain Civil Defence personnel are equipped with the highest standards of safety knowledge and skills to help fulfil their commitment to public safety.”

Strategic alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030

Brigadier Pilot Ali Mohamed AlKubaisi, General Director of Civil Defence of Bahrain Civil Defence, commented on the partnership: “This initiative is a strategic milestone for the General Directorate of Civil Defence in the Kingdom of Bahrain to implement Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 by raising the level of safety and fire prevention.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding allows us to be part of the NFPA Ecosystem, learning, developing, and benefiting from international community experiences in order to participate in strengthening this framework.”

He further mentioned the goal of qualifying employees to international standards, exchanging experiences, and leaving a positive impact on all stakeholders involved.

NFPA’s global efforts and mission

NFPA operates in over 70 countries, supported by more than 5,000 volunteers and engaging with over 43,000 global members.

The organisation promotes safety in a rapidly electrifying world, addresses critical crises globally, defends the value of codes and standards, and highlights international efforts in emerging issues and trends in fire, electrical, and life safety.

This partnership is part of NFPA’s overall objective of increasing safety for people and property.

Bahrain civil defence strengthens fire protection with new agreement

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Bahrain signs agreement with National Fire Protection Association

Following directives from His Excellency Shaikh Rashed bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Bahrain has taken steps to enhance its civil protection and safety system.

Commander Rakin Tayar Ali Mohamed Al-Kubisi, Director General of the Public Administration of Civil Defence, signed an agreement with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

As reported by The Daily Tribune, this agreement represents Bahrain’s commitment to continuous improvement in fire prevention and public safety.

The signing ceremony occurred during the International Conference on Fire Protection in the United States.

Participation in the international conference

A delegation from the Bahraini Ministry of Interior attended the International Conference on Fire Protection.

Their participation demonstrates Bahrain’s dedication to staying updated with the latest fire safety practices.

The conference provided an opportunity for the delegation to engage with global experts and discuss advancements in fire protection technology and strategies.

This engagement underscores Bahrain’s proactive approach to improving its civil defence infrastructure.

Focus on continuous improvement

The newly signed agreement aligns with Bahrain’s strategy for continuous enhancement of its public safety measures.

By collaborating with the NFPA, Bahrain aims to adopt best practices and advanced fire protection standards.

Commander Al-Kubisi emphasised the importance of this partnership, noting that it will significantly contribute to the country’s fire safety initiatives.

The agreement is expected to lead to better training, updated protocols, and improved safety regulations.

Impact on public safety

The collaboration between Bahrain and the NFPA is poised to positively impact the overall public safety framework in the country.

The agreement is likely to result in the implementation of cutting-edge fire prevention technologies and practices.

Bahrain’s commitment to improving civil defence capabilities will enhance the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The partnership with the NFPA will provide the necessary support to achieve these objectives.

NSA Bahrain’s fire and emergency services department honoured with multiple awards

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

NSA Bahrain receives prestigious awards from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central

The NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department (NSAB FESD) has been recognised with three major annual awards for the fiscal year 2023 by Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT).

The department stood out among seven nomination packages, winning the EURAFCENT Fire Prevention Program of the Year.

Battalion Chief Thanzeer Basheer and Captain Redmond Floyd were honoured as Fire Officer of the Year and EURAFCENT Fire Inspector of the Year, respectively.

Furthermore, NSA Bahrain was the runner-up for EURAFCENT Fire Department of the Year in the small department category, and Firefighter Gihan Chamira Polketiyage was a runner-up for EURAFCENT Firefighter of the Year.

These accolades qualify NSAB FESD to compete at the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) level, offering them a chance to be acknowledged as the best in their respective categories on a broader scale.

Leadership’s perspective on the achievements

Fire Chief Shawn Herrera shared insights into what these recognitions represent for the department and NSA Bahrain as a whole: “These awards are significantly important to us because we were voted by the Region command team, representing the installation and Region at the CNIC level.

“These awards are the true validation of what every personnel in our department is capable of in meeting our standards and provide service to the community.”

Herrera also extended his congratulations to Basheer for his dedication, initiative, and leadership, notably his role in the department achieving accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in March 2023 and becoming the first locally-hired NSAB FESD personnel to receive Navy Region Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Recognition of individual contributions

“I am very honoured to receive this recognition,” Basheer stated, expressing his pride in being part of the organisation.

Captain Redmond Floyd, a certified risk assessment code reduction specialist since June 2022, played a critical role in enhancing the inspection abatement process, leading to a significant decrease in overall risk assessment codes.

Herrera praised Floyd for his positive attitude and dedication to improving his craft daily, affirming that he truly deserves this recognition.

The importance of diversity in NSAB FESD

The diversity within NSAB FESD, comprising personnel from the U.S., Bahrain, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and India, was highlighted by Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain.

He believes this diversity is a key strength of the unit: “Our FESD is unique, combining the team’s diversity and collective talents in order to operate as a unified emergency response force.

“I know how special of a team we have here, and these awards from EURAFCENT are a testament to that.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the NSAB FESD and their superior performance, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to the installation and everyone on board.”

IFSJ Comment

The NSA Bahrain Fire and Emergency Services Department’s recognition by the Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central highlights the department’s exceptional commitment to fire safety and emergency services.

These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the entire team, from leadership to individual firefighters.

The recognition of specific individuals such as Battalion Chief Thanzeer Basheer and Captain Redmond Floyd further underscores the personal commitment to excellence within the department.

As NSAB FESD moves forward to compete at the CNIC level, their achievements serve as a model of excellence and dedication for fire and emergency services worldwide.