SIBEC 2025 gathers 1,000 delegates to discuss fire and life safety innovation

SIBEC 2025 strengthens Abu Dhabi’s regional safety role

SIBCA has concluded the fourth edition of SIBEC 2025 at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 26 November 2025, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional centre for innovation in fire and life safety.

The company described SIBEC as a platform that brings together decision-makers to share insight, review new technologies and shape approaches to smart governance and advanced infrastructure.

SIBCA operates as a fire, life safety and ICT solutions provider across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt.

According to the organiser, this year’s event drew a record 36 partners and 1,000 attendees.

Delegates came from sectors such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, building management systems, extra low voltage systems, audio-visual technology, lighting, information and communications technology and the Internet of Things.

Named participants included the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), UL Solutions, Emirates Safety Laboratories (ESL), Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Huawei, Siemens, Carrier, Hitachi, Motorola Solutions, Dahua, Hikvision, Uniview Technologies, AWEX, TTK, Doncaster Cables, Hanwha and Fogtec.

SIBCA reported that this mix of organisations supported discussion on how data-driven systems, connected devices and building services can be integrated to support safer buildings and communities in the region.

Safety 5.0 book launched at SIBEC 2025

A central feature of SIBEC 2025 was the launch of the book Safety 5.0: Building Safety in the Age of AI, Smart Technologies, and Sustainability.

The book is co-authored by Ibrahim Lari, Chairman and CEO of SIBCA, and Sudhi Ranjan Sinha, Vice President – Global and Strategic Accounts and Account-Based Marketing at UL Solutions.

SIBCA stated that the publication is intended as a practical guide for business, facility and technology leaders who are working with complex safety demands in modern buildings and infrastructure.

The book sets out tools to identify new opportunities created by AI and smart technologies within safety programmes.

It also presents frameworks for assessing how shifts in technology will affect safety outcomes across organisations and building portfolios.

According to SIBCA, Safety 5.0 emphasises the design of foundational systems that can support safer and more connected environments over time.

The company confirmed that the book is now available on a range of online platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Bookbaby, Booktopia and Amazon.

Industry leaders share SIBEC outcomes and future plans

As SIBEC 2025 closed, Ibrahim Lari, Chairman and CEO of SIBCA, said: “SIBEC 2025 has demonstrated that smart, data-driven technologies are no longer optional – they are essential to building safer, more resilient communities.

“Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and partners under one roof allowed us to share solutions that will shape the future of safety and smart living in the UAE and beyond.

“We are proud to have hosted this event in Abu Dhabi, and we remain committed to driving meaningful progress across our industry.”

Lari’s comments framed SIBEC as a forum for both technology discussions and alignment between public and private stakeholders on safety priorities.

From the standards perspective, Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), commented: “In today’s digital era, advanced technology plays a vital role in ensuring safety.

“SIBEC 2025 served as an outstanding platform for NFPA to engage with government, businesses, and technical experts on implementing smart life safety codes and standards across a rapidly evolving region.

“Our priority has always been to transform these conversations into actionable strategies that protect lives and property throughout the UAE.”

SIBCA noted that SIBEC’s stated mission is to support dialogue and collaboration that can lead to practical changes in the field.

Building on the 2025 event, the company is already planning SIBEC 2026 and intends to enhance the programme further.

How SIBEC 2025 supports safety decision-making

SIBEC 2025 is directly relevant for government departments, standards and certification bodies and senior officers in fire and life safety who are responsible for policy, regulation and technical governance.

The presence of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), UL Solutions and Emirates Safety Laboratories (ESL) indicates that code development, product testing and conformity assessment were active areas of discussion.

For building services engineers, architects, mechanical and electrical engineers and facility managers, SIBEC’s focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning, building management systems, extra low voltage systems, audio-visual technology and lighting shows how safety requirements are being integrated into broader building performance strategies.

System installers, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors can take practical interest in how information and communications technology and Internet of Things devices are being positioned within life safety architectures.

The Safety 5.0 book launch provides business, facility and technology leaders with structured tools and frameworks for evaluating the impact of AI and smart technologies on safety planning and operations.

The combination of event outcomes and published guidance means that attendees and wider stakeholders now have concrete reference points for aligning future projects, procurement and governance with emerging safety expectations.

SIBEC 2024 in Abu Dhabi highlights IoT advancements in fire safety

SIBEC 2024 event overview

The third edition of the SIBEC event, powered by SIBCA, was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 13-15 November 2024.

According to SIBCA, the event focused on advancing fire and life safety solutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) under the theme ‘Innovation That Keeps You Safe.’

The event addressed the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in improving safety measures and showcased advancements in various sectors, including building management systems, audiovisual technology, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and information and communication technologies.

Launch of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Training Academy

A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Training Academy.

This new Abu Dhabi-based facility is an approved NFPA Network training centre aimed at equipping fire and safety professionals with practical knowledge.

The academy will offer NFPA-approved courses covering topics such as fire protection, building safety, electrical hazards, and industrial safety.

Its establishment ensures practitioners in the region remain current with essential codes and standards.

Insights from SIBCA leadership

Ibrahim Lari, Chairman & CEO of SIBCA, expressed gratitude for the success of SIBEC 2024, highlighting the event’s importance: “More than just a conference, SIBEC provides attendees with an unparalleled chance to forge connections, pave the way for meaningful partnerships, and directly experience the latest high-quality products and services on the market, all in the interest of improving fire and life safety.”

He also emphasised the potential of SIBEC 2025, which is anticipated to feature additional partners, technologies, and training opportunities.

Participation from global partners

This year’s event featured over 30 official partners, including NFPA, UL Solutions, Johnson Controls, and Honeywell, among others.

Attendees engaged in talks, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, exploring the latest technologies in fire and life safety.

SIBEC 2024 provided industry professionals with opportunities to interact with global leaders and gain insights into evolving fire and safety trends.

SIBEC 2024 in Abu Dhabi highlights IoT advancements in fire safety: Summary

The third edition of SIBEC, held from 13-15 November 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, spotlighted innovations in fire and life safety with a focus on IoT technologies.

SIBCA announced the launch of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Training Academy, an NFPA-approved facility offering courses on fire protection and safety standards.

The event featured over 30 global partners and provided attendees with access to discussions, workshops, and cutting-edge technologies in the sector.

SIBEC 2025 is expected to expand on this success with more collaborations and training opportunities.

SIBEC 2024 to bring together fire and life safety professionals in Abu Dhabi

International fire and life safety event to take place in UAE

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi will host SIBEC 2024 this week from 13 to 14 November.

This event, organised by SIBCA, a fire and safety solutions provider in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, will welcome experts from around the world to discuss sustainable development and safety practices across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This year’s theme, ‘Innovation that Keeps You Safe,’ will focus on advancing fire and life safety innovations.

The event’s program includes topics on building management systems (BMS), extra-low voltage (ELV), audiovisual (AV), HVAC, lighting, and ICT.

Experts will examine the use of AI, IoT, and data analytics in smart building systems, aiming to enhance safety and sustainability in the MENA region.

Showcasing smart building systems and safety technologies

The 2024 edition will highlight smart building technologies, featuring AI and IoT-driven solutions.

Discussions will focus on how these innovations support risk management in building systems by enhancing safety measures and promoting sustainability.

SIBCA emphasised the importance of these technologies in responding to the region’s safety requirements.

Supported by 30 industry partners, including NFPA, UL Solutions, and Johnson Controls, SIBEC 2024 will offer a variety of sessions.

These include presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions for senior management, alongside workshops for technical staff to gain insight into emerging trends in fire and safety.

Training academy established for fire safety certification

In collaboration with the NFPA, SIBCA announced the opening of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Academy Center in Abu Dhabi.

The academy aims to provide NFPA-certified training programs for fire and life safety professionals, contributing to safety and sustainability goals across the MENA region.

SIBCA stated that the academy’s courses would equip professionals with essential knowledge for protecting people and property.

This initiative is designed to enhance training standards for fire and life safety across the GCC, supporting the growth of essential infrastructure in the UAE and beyond.

The academy reflects the commitment to regional safety standards and knowledge advancement.

Networking and future partnerships at SIBEC 2024

SIBEC 2024 will offer networking opportunities for professionals committed to improving the safety and sustainability of the built environment.

Attendees will have the chance to establish partnerships and exchange ideas with key stakeholders, supporting the future of fire and safety technology in the MENA region.

Mr. Ibrahim Lari, Chairman of SIBCA and founder of SIBEC, said: “As the UAE and the GCC continue to expand vital infrastructure to accommodate the region’s rapidly developing economic and demographic trends, it is vital that the industry embraces the role of connectivity in driving innovation for a safer and more sustainable future.

“SIBEC provides a critical platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to come together to shape the future of safety and technology in the built environment.”

SIBEC 2024 gathers global fire and life safety experts in Abu Dhabi for innovation discussions: Summary

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi will host SIBEC 2024 from 13-14 November, bringing together global fire and life safety experts to discuss innovations under the theme ‘Innovation that Keeps You Safe.’

Organised by SIBCA, the event will cover advances in building management systems, ELV, AV, HVAC, lighting, and ICT, with a focus on AI and IoT-driven smart building technologies.

Supported by major industry partners, SIBEC will also see the opening of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Academy in Abu Dhabi, which will provide NFPA-certified training.

Mr. Ibrahim Lari, SIBCA Chairman, emphasised the event’s importance in shaping future safety and sustainability practices across the MENA region.