- Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position in safety, regulation and advanced training
- New initiatives were created to reduce risk across both industrial operations and emergency response
- The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre has introduced 11 new guidelines
The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre has introduced 11 new guidelines to standardise the handling, storage and transport of dangerous goods across the emirate. Developed in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the framework makes Abu Dhabi the first jurisdiction globally to implement the 11th revision of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS).
Officials said the move is designed to unify regulatory standards while reducing the risk of industrial incidents and environmental contamination, with the guidelines covering the full lifecycle of hazardous materials from import and manufacturing through to distribution and disposal.
By creating a single technical reference point, authorities aim to remove ambiguity for private sector operators and logistics providers working across ports and industrial zones.
Khalfan Abdullah Khalfan Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of the Centre, said the adoption of updated global benchmarks reinforces Abu Dhabi’s leadership in safety governance, while also improving transparency and investor confidence.
The new rules introduce stricter requirements for labelling and safety data sheets, alongside clearly defined responsibilities across supply chains to enhance operational efficiency and emergency preparedness.
The QCC added that the framework translates complex legislation into practical procedures, enabling more accurate compliance monitoring and supporting broader goals around public health, sustainability and industrial growth.
These regulatory developments come as the UAE continues to invest in advanced infrastructure to support safety and operational readiness.
Sahra Group has also announced plans to build a new Security and Rescue Training Centre (SRTC) in partnership with AMST Group, with completion expected in the first half of 2028, offering further training to prevent disasters in the region.
The AED180m facility is set to function as a regional hub for mission-critical training, offering simulated environments for helicopter emergency medical services, law enforcement and disaster response teams. The site will integrate helicopter hoist systems, rappelling towers, underwater escape trainers and maritime simulators within a single platform, allowing personnel to train under realistic conditions, including darkness, rotor downwash and high noise levels.
Designed to support up to 4,500 trainees annually, the centre will enable round-the-clock, multi-discipline training while significantly reducing reliance on live helicopter exercises, which can cost up to $10,000 per hour. Synthetic simulation is expected to deliver up to ten times more training exposure and cut carbon emissions by more than 99% compared with real flight operations.
Jamal Alkaf, CEO of Sahra Group, said the project positions the UAE at the forefront of global capability development, combining advanced simulation with scalable training systems to create a centre of excellence for safety and performance.
