NFPA announces education network in MENA for safety professionals

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NFPA expands safety training in MENA

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched its Authorised Education Network (AEN) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a move designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality safety training.

As reported by the NFPA, this global initiative will provide safety professionals with access to NFPA training courses through a network of authorised providers.

The programme will utilise NFPA-approved instructors to deliver training worldwide, ensuring access to the expertise needed to tackle modern safety challenges.

Dana Kamal, NFPA’s Director of International Business Development for MENA, said: “At NFPA we are committed to enabling worldwide access to our globally renowned training courses.

“With that, we are delighted to share the launch of the NFPA Authorised Education Network, which will help expand our offerings in the region, providing NFPA instructor-led training to empower safety professionals with enhanced knowledge, information, and skills to protect lives and property.”

Becoming an authorised NFPA training provider

The NFPA is inviting organisations and individuals in fire, electrical, and life safety sectors to apply to become authorised training providers within the AEN.

Qualified applicants will be able to offer NFPA-recognised training, giving them the advantage of credibility and access to world-class training materials developed by experts.

Providers will also have access to the NFPA’s online Learning Portal to manage their classes and students.

The benefits of becoming an authorised provider include quicker delivery of high-quality content, leveraging NFPA-approved instructors’ expertise, and gaining digital certification via Credly.

Who should apply to join the network

The NFPA AEN is open to various groups within the safety industry, from associations looking to enhance membership value to training professionals aiming to expand their services.

Training companies, corporations, and educational institutions will also benefit from joining the AEN, particularly those seeking instructor-led training to improve safety knowledge within their workforce.

NFPA aims to support those dedicated to advancing safety for clients and improving the effectiveness of their services.

Available training courses

The AEN will offer a wide range of NFPA’s highly regarded training courses, covering key topics like fire protection systems, building and life safety, electrical safety, and industrial hazards.

Instructor-led courses will be provided on the latest editions of NFPA codes and standards, with most courses offered in English.

As the network grows, the NFPA will expand its course selection to address evolving safety requirements.

NFPA announces education network in MENA for safety professionals: Summary

The NFPA has launched its Authorised Education Network (AEN) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), providing professionals with enhanced access to safety training.

Through a global network of authorised training providers and NFPA-approved instructors, this initiative offers world-class courses on fire safety, life safety, and hazard management.

Organisations and individuals in the safety sector can apply to join the AEN, benefiting from ready-made, high-quality training content and credibility through digital certification.

The programme aims to support those improving workforce safety, with a wide range of courses available on NFPA’s latest codes and standards.

Dana Kamal named NFPA’s International Business Development Director

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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named Dana Kamal as Director, International Business Development, who will oversee regional planning, direction, coordination, and support of the association’s international development functions in the Middle East and North Africa.

Kamal, an engineer with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare business development and operations, will cultivate meaningful alliances throughout the GCC states (the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf), implementing new strategies with existing and new stakeholders, and representing NFPA in regulatory, legislative, and technical circles.

In 2017, NFPA established a Middle East North Africa (MENA) Advisory Committee with most members residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Advisory Committee works to expand safety and enforcement efforts and enhance communication between private sector leaders and government authorities. Kamal, who recently served as NFPA advisor to the MENA region, will work closely with the Committee and others to champion building, life safety and fire protection standards, and promote effective code compliance in the built environment.

In addition to sharing NFPA resources and expertise, Kamal will serve as an authoritative representative for media, government, and other decision makers, and work to make training more accessible to local leaders and professionals in the region.

She will also assist with the translation of NFPA codes for local use. Her technical review work with Professor Abdullah Al-Mhaidib, Faculty of Engineering at Kings Saud University, for NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, in Arabic, for example, was an important step for the association in the advancement of codes and standards in the local language.

Jim Pauley, NFPA president and CEO, commented on Kamal’s appointment: “NFPA has a long-standing presence in the Middle East, working closely with government officials and private entities conducting business in the Gulf region.

“The region has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years therefore, it is critical for authorities, the workforce, and the public to ensure safety practices keep pace with progress. The experience and knowledge Dana Kamal brings to this role is vital to the work we do to provide relevant resources in Arabic for those charged with protecting people and property.”

Kamal holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Ajman University of Science & Technology in the UAE and a master’s degree in healthcare management from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland in Dubai. In addition, She also holds numerous certifications in the areas of emergency management and fire safety, hospital planning, and design.

Kamal began her career at GME Company as a biomedical engineer overseeing the setup of radiology and cardiology operating theatres. She later joined Dubai Health Care City (DHCC) to work on one of the largest health information systems projects in the country, connecting patients’ identification and records under one network for more than 13 government hospitals and 80 ambulatory service centers.

Kamal later joined the DHCC business development department to assist in the launch of the Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education Dubai and the Boston University Dental Health Center Dubai, a state-of-the art medical facility offering expert dental education, research, and care in the Gulf region. She went on to enlist her managerial and technical knowledge toward the commission of The Dubai Mall Medical Center and other community-based clinics under Emaar Healthcare Community Services. Most recently, Kamal worked as senior manager of facilities systems and program support at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, strategizing and managing utility systems and life safety and clinical education programs for more than 10 years.