The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) recently concluded its annual NFPA Conference & Expo 2026 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, bringing together more than 8,900 fire, electrical, and life safety professionals from over 90 countries. Held from 22–24 June, the event served as a global platform for government officials, industry leaders, engineers, and safety professionals to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies, and strengthen partnerships across the international fire, electrical, and life safety community.
“The success of this year’s Conference & Expo highlights the growing interconnectedness of the global fire, electrical, and life safety community. As the Middle East advances major infrastructure and AI initiatives, embedding safety from the outset is more important than ever. The strong engagement from delegates worldwide reflected a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. NFPA remains dedicated to strengthening international partnerships and advancing safety standards that protect lives and property,” said, Olga Caledonia, NFPA director of International Development.
Highlighting the importance of global cooperation in addressing evolving safety challenges, representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Türkiye actively participated in discussions focused on mitigating fire risks and building safer, more resilient communities.
Among the conference’s standout sessions was “Modernizing Fire Protection with AI: What Works Today with NFPA 915, NFPA 72 and NFPA 4,” which showcased the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in advancing fire and life safety. Opened by Ibrahim Lari, CEO of SIBCA, and Richard Pearson, CEO of Omniconn, the session featured an expert panel comprising representatives from Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), and SIBCA. Through real-world examples and industry insights, speakers explored how AI is reshaping fire protection strategies, strengthening emergency preparedness, supporting regulatory compliance, and driving smarter, more effective safety solutions.
Another noteworthy session, “A Call to Action: Learn from the Past to Build a Safer Future – Lessons Learned from Major Middle East Fires,” was presented by Sawsan Dahham, CEO of Siena. Drawing on real-world incidents, the session highlighted key lessons learned from significant fires across the region and emphasized the importance of proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, and safety-focused planning to build more resilient communities.
Demonstrating the Middle East’s growing role in the global safety sector, Saudi Aramco was among the event’s leading sponsors. Additionally, Brigadier General Mohamed Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, Civil Defence General at the Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi, was re-elected to a second three-year term on the NFPA Board of Directors, reflecting his continued contribution to the organization’s mission.
The conference featured 199 technical sessions, with artificial intelligence and lithium-ion battery safety among the most popular topics. NFPA also hosted a well-attended session on updates to NFPA 800, Battery Safety Code, highlighting the new provisional standard’s role in addressing emerging technologies and supporting effective safety enforcement.
The event also marked a significant milestone for NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley, who celebrated his twelfth year leading the organization. Reflecting on his tenure, Pauley reaffirmed NFPA’s commitment to being “more global” through deeper collaboration with governments, industry leaders, and safety experts worldwide. He also recognized the contributions of NFPA’s international network of staff, volunteers, and partners for their continued efforts to advance fire, electrical, and life safety around the world.
Concluding the conference, NFPA highlighted its strategic vision of being “More Global, More Digital, and More Connected,” reflecting the organization’s continued focus on knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and expanding its impact across international markets in support of a safer future for all.
