Engineering reliability and flexibility: how Advanced is meeting Saudi Arabia’s fire protection goals

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionMiddle East - Breaking News

Shadi Elhag, Business Development Manager – Middle East, Advanced, discusses UL and EN solutions, voice evacuation, smoke control, redundancy, suppression and strategies for tackling false alarms

From 29 September to 1 October, the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) hosted fire safety specialists, security professionals and decision-makers for Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025.

At Stand 5-D36, visitors sawfirst-hand how Advanced is addressing the Kingdom’s evolving fire protection needs with its UL 864-approved Axis AX system, upgraded Axis EN panels, and a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for smoke control, suppression, redundancy and more.

Meeting rising UL system demand

The Kingdom’s construction landscape continues to drive demand for UL-certified systems, particularly for complex, high-rise and mission-critical applications.

Axis AX stands out as a versatile UL 864 10th Edition-approved platform, bringing together high-performance detection and control with exceptional networking capacity.

Designed to grow with the needs of a building, Axis AX can support anything from a small two-panel network to a large-scale 200-node system.

The platform delivers rapid communication, advanced cause-and-effect programming and straightforward configuration, making it a preferred choice for major infrastructure, transport facilities, commercial towers and government projects.

Axis AX also offers built-in flexibility when it comes to appearance, with both red and grey cabinet options to complement different building aesthetics.

Built for voice communication and control

Many modern buildings in Saudi Arabia require voice evacuation, and Axis AX is purpose-built for that task.

Integrated audio functionality supports both pre-recorded and live paging, while multiple channels ensure clear, targeted delivery of evacuation and alert messages.

This is further strengthened by PerfectSync technology, which keeps strobes and audio perfectly aligned across all networked panels.

Even in installations with hundreds of nodes, messages are delivered without overlap or delay, ensuring clarity when it matters most.

For larger and taller buildings, an optional fire and emergency telephone integration enables reliable, wired communication between floors and the control room, a vital asset in high-rise hotels, mixed-use developments and residential towers.

EN solutions with new capabilities

Saudi Arabia’s market is distinctive in its frequent use of both EN and UL systems.

For EN projects, Advanced’s next-generation Axis EN system delivers improved performance, greater flexibility and enhanced sustainability.

Equipped with an eight-times faster processor and more efficient power supplies, Axis EN delivers swift system response while supporting more demanding cause-and-effect scenarios.

Whether protecting schools, hospitals or airports, the platform combines EN54 Parts 2 and 4-approved control with the option to use both wired and wireless detection devices.

Hybrid operation makes Axis EN especially useful for projects where wiring is impractical, such as historic buildings or busy operational sites.

With robust mesh wireless compatibility, it offers dependable coverage while minimising disruption during installation.

Extending protection beyond detection 

Alongside its control panels, Advanced will also present an array of complementary fire protection technologies.

For smoke control, DynamixSmoke provides a visual, grid-based programming interface for managing fans, dampers, stairwell pressurisation systems and more.

It simplifies configuration, supports post-alarm purging and interlocks, and offers automated testing capabilities, making it well-suited to complex buildings with multiple fire compartments.

In environments where downtime is not an option, redundant control panel configurations ensure continued operation even in the event of a fault.

This level of resilience is especially valuable in critical facilities such as data centres, telecoms infrastructure and energy installations.

Where suppression is required, ExGo delivers dependable gas extinguishing control, approved to EN12094-1 and EN54 Parts 2, 4 and 13.

Suitable for single-flooding zone applications, ExGo offers a trusted means of protecting high-value assets without the risk of water damage.

Tackling the issue of false alarms

False alarms remain a significant concern across the region, leading to unnecessary evacuations, disruption and reputational damage.

Advanced addresses this challenge through AlarmCalm, its advanced false alarm management software available Axis EN systems.

AlarmCalm enables customisable investigation delays and verification logic, applied via user-defined ‘building areas’.

This allows installers to set tailored responses for different spaces, for example, applying stricter verification in guest bedrooms than in kitchens or meeting halls, significantly reducing the likelihood of unnecessary evacuations.

Solutions for every scale of project

Not every installation requires a multi-panel network.

AxisGo offers a cost-effective, single-loop alternative built on the same reliable platform as Axis EN.

Compact, non-networkable and easy to program via Advanced’s ConfigTool, AxisGo is ideal for small businesses, retail spaces and temporary sites.

For conventional systems, QuickZone provides dependable protection across up to 32 zones, with quick installation and straightforward maintenance.

Available in standard and XL formats, QuickZone is approved to EN54 Parts 2 and 4, making it a solid choice for projects where simplicity is key.

Supporting the Kingdom’s fire protection goals

Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education and transportation is driving an unprecedented need for adaptable, intelligent fire safety systems.

Advanced works in close partnership with an expanding network of regional distributors and installers, providing technical expertise, training and support.

We are also actively seeking new partnerships within the Kingdom to help deliver innovative solutions across both UL and EN projects.

By combining global engineering expertise with a commitment to ongoing product innovation, usability and environmental responsibility, Advanced is proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s fire safety ambitions.

For further information, contact selhag@advancedco.com or visit advancedco.com.

This was originally published in the October 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Equipping tomorrow’s responders: Rethinking firefighter training for Saudi’s Smart Cities

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsTraining

Gary Barthram, Aviation Emergency Services Area Manager at Serco Middle East, explores how firefighter training must evolve to meet Saudi Arabia’s next-generation urban challenges

Preparing for a new kind of city

We often speak about Saudi Arabia’s giga projects as symbols of the future. As these visionary developments move from blueprint to reality, they raise a vital question: are we preparing our emergency responders for the cities they’ll soon be protecting?

What kind of training is required for a vertical city without conventional roads? How do we prepare firefighters to respond across remote islands, subterranean transport systems, and AI-managed buildings? What does readiness look like in an environment where risks can emerge from both physical hazards and digital systems?

These are not speculative questions. Saudi’s giga cities, such as NEOM and Qiddiya, are already taking shape and with their construction comes a unique set of challenges that are unlike any other. For fire and rescue teams, this means operating in a high-tech, hyperconnected ecosystem where traditional approaches simply will not be enough.

When old tools no longer apply

Saudi Arabia’s emergency services are growing in sophistication. Cities of the future bring with them fundamentally different types of operations. that demands new tools, new thinking and above all, new training. For example, fires may be triggered by integrated systems rather than accidents. Evacuations may need to happen vertically. Access routes may rely on drones or marine craft, rather than conventional roadways. These aren’t edge cases, they are the new normal.

The role of the firefighter in Saudi will therefore also shift. They’ll need to navigate live building data, deploy decision-making tools powered by AI, and operate within environments designed to be intelligent and reactive. Digital twins will support planning and real-time simulation. IoT-enabled systems will provide instant alerts for gas leaks or structural faults. Firefighters will be part of an intelligent network, not just first responders.

Simulating danger without real risk

However, these tools are only as effective as the people trained to use them. At present, immersive technologies such as VR and AR are not yet widespread in emergency services training across the Kingdom, but immersive training offers the chance to bridge the gap and allows teams to train for scenarios that are too dangerous or complex to replicate in the real world. Custom-built digital environments can simulate everything from high-rise evacuations in The Line to island-based emergencies requiring marine or aerial deployment.

Already, VR-based training is proven to improve retention by up to 70 percent compared to traditional classroom methods. Digital twin-based modelling can reduce response times by 30 to 40 percent. These tools don’t just deliver better training; they create safer, more prepared responders from day one.

Bridging gaps with immersive learning

While Saudi Arabia continues to invest in civil defence infrastructure, some gaps remain in digital infrastructure training, high-rise and confined-space operations, and data-driven risk management. There’s a clear opportunity to both expand the use of immersive technologies and introduce more specialist tracks, from managing cyber-physical incidents to handling hazardous materials that are linked to advanced industrial developments like the Green Hydrogen Plant.

We still need to go further. Entirely new frameworks, tailored to Saudis transforming topography and technology, should be developed. That includes simulation environments for underground mobility systems, vertical megastructures, and autonomous transport systems, all of which require new response techniques.

Learning globally, applying locally

Global experience can support this journey. Models from defence, aviation, and critical infrastructure management offer valuable insights. Lessons from the UK, Australia, and the UAE can help shape simulation frameworks, AI-assisted incident planning, and long-term training centre design.

However, the goal must not be to replicate others, it must be to build a Saudi-led model. International partnerships should focus on capability transfer, mentorship, and co-development, always with localisation in mind. As outlined in Vision 2030, the development of national expertise is not just a policy priority, it is essential to sustainable progress.

This is about more than operational readiness. It’s about national resilience, building a workforce trained to world-class standards, embedded in the infrastructure of tomorrow’s cities.

A new benchmark for readiness

Ultimately, safety in Saudi and its new cities will not be defined by the number of emergency responders deployed, but by how well they are trained, equipped, and integrated into the city’s wider intelligence network. A smart city isn’t truly smart if it can’t manage risk. For Saudi to be a global leader in innovation, it must also set a global benchmark for preparedness.

Investing in future-fit fire and rescue training isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s foundational – and it sends a clear message: that Saudi Arabia is not only building the most ambitious cities and therefore country in the world, it’s also investing in the people who will keep it safe.

Saudi Electricity Company enhances fire protection with Magirus AirCore TAF60-X units

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionMiddle East - Breaking NewsProjectsVehicles

Magirus completes second delivery of firefighting units to Saudi Electricity Company

Magirus has reported that it has delivered 20 additional Magirus AirCore TAF60-X remote-controlled firefighting support units to the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC).

According to Magirus, this marks the second order from SEC in three years, following the initial deployment of Magirus AirCore TAF35 systems in 2022.

The company stated that the Saudi Electricity Company, described as the country’s largest energy provider, has expanded its fleet with the latest generation of tracked vehicles equipped with turbine technology.

Magirus said the TAF60-X systems can deliver up to 6,000 litres of water per minute, achieve throw distances of up to 90 metres, and be operated from a distance of up to 300 metres.

New features of the Magirus AirCore TAF60-X highlighted

Magirus explained that the new units feature a centrally positioned, swivelling main monitor and an additional movable head-mounted monitor.

The manufacturer reported that these features allow for greater operational flexibility, including cooling of vulnerable objects and simultaneous firefighting of surrounding areas.

Magirus stated that the system’s ability to produce fine water mist helps to cool environments, bind smoke and gases, and maintain escape routes during fires.

It added that the units are capable of applying foam, gel, or additives, which the company said is beneficial for tackling liquid or wildland fires.

Comments from Magirus on the growing demand for remote-controlled firefighting solutions

Thomas Hilse, CEO of Magirus, said: “Demand for remote-controlled firefighting systems and deployment robots is increasing significantly.”

Hilse added: “With the Magirus AirCore TAF60-X, we provide emergency services with a highly efficient, safe solution that offers variable application possibilities.”

Marc Kuntz, Director Sales & Customer Service at Magirus, said: “For more than a decade, our firefighting and support robots have demonstrated reliable performance across the globe.”

According to Magirus, the deployment of remote-controlled systems such as the TAF60-X enhances responder safety while offering new tactical possibilities in firefighting operations.

Fire protection in Saudi Arabia strengthened through new technology

Magirus stated that the deployment of the Magirus AirCore TAF60-X units by the Saudi Electricity Company strengthens fire protection for critical energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

The company said that the new equipment continues to support the protection of over 36 million people across the country.

Magirus added that the AirCore TAF series has previously been used in various scenarios, including fires at chemical plants, road tunnels, and underground parking facilities.

The manufacturer concluded that the second delivery to SEC reflects ongoing cooperation and technology deployment aimed at improving emergency response capabilities.

Saudi Electricity Company enhances fire protection with Magirus AirCore TAF60-X units: Summary

Magirus has completed the delivery of 20 Magirus AirCore TAF60-X units to the Saudi Electricity Company.

This is the second delivery following an initial order in 2022.

The Saudi Electricity Company is Saudi Arabia’s largest energy provider.

The new units feature turbine technology and can deliver up to 6,000 litres of water per minute.

The systems can reach throw distances of up to 90 metres.

The vehicles are remote-controlled from up to 300 metres away.

Each unit includes a centrally positioned monitor and a movable head-mounted monitor.

The fine water mist produced helps with cooling, smoke binding, and maintaining escape routes.

The systems can also apply foam, gel, or additives.

The deployment supports fire protection for critical energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Over 36 million people are covered by this protection effort.

Thomas Hilse, CEO of Magirus, and Marc Kuntz, Director Sales & Customer Service, both commented on the technology.

Magirus stated that remote-controlled units offer enhanced tactical capabilities and improve responder safety.

The Magirus AirCore TAF series has been used in chemical plants, tunnels, and parking garages.

The new delivery expands SEC’s fleet with more powerful and versatile firefighting vehicles.

NFPA and Saudi Electricity Company sign memorandum to promote fire and life safety

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Saudi Electricity Company: Agreement to boost fire and life safety standards

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing fire and life safety standards across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The signing ceremony, held at SEC’s headquarters in Riyadh, was attended by key representatives from both organisations.

The MoU signifies a shared commitment to reducing the impact of fires and hazards through the exchange of information and knowledge, supported by awareness forums and conferences.

Focus on safety protocols and training

Engr. Saeed Al-Qahtani, Acting Executive Director, Fire Prevention & Fighting Sector at SEC, stated: “Partnering with NFPA allows us to align our safety protocols with global best practices.

“This agreement signifies our commitment to continuous improvement in fire and life safety, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of safety excellence in the energy sector and beyond.”

The initiative will use the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem as a model, aiming to establish extensive training and certification programs, fire research, and education for the public at the community level.

NFPA will provide comprehensive training programs and technical support to SEC personnel.

Commitment to safety in the GCC region

Eng. Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development MENA at NFPA, commented: “NFPA is delighted to partner with Saudi Electricity Company in this important initiative to advance fire and electrical safety.

“Being aligned with the largest producer, transmitter, and distributor of electrical energy in the Middle East and North Africa highlights NFPA’s commitment to furthering safety in the Kingdom as well as the GCC region.

“We look forward to developing comprehensive plans based on the use of our codes and standards, trainings, certifications, and technical expertise.”

This partnership underscores NFPA’s dedication to improving safety measures and operational efficacy within Saudi Arabia’s electrical sector.

Support for SEC personnel

In addition to establishing training programs, NFPA will offer technical support to ensure SEC personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

This collaborative effort aims to uphold the highest safety standards within the Kingdom’s electrical sector, contributing to the overall safety of the community.

The MoU is a testament to both organisations’ dedication to enhancing fire and life safety through rigorous standards and continuous improvement.