UL Solutions & Aramco Partner to Enhance Safety in Saudi Arabia
UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has announced a strategic collaboration with Aramco, one of the world’s foremost integrated energy and chemicals companies. This partnership aims to enhance safety standards and practices in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) goals and supporting the Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UL Solutions and Aramco was signed during the International Fire Operations Conference in Riyadh. This agreement sets the stage for potential collaborations focused on advancing fire and life safety measures, conducting field engineering evaluations to meet Aramco’s safety requirements, and strengthening public safety initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the MoU includes plans for testing, personnel training, and promoting compliance with UL Standards and workplace safety protocols.
Jomy Joseph, regional director of the Middle East and Africa at UL Solutions, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “With our mission of working for a safer world, we are ready to support the goals of Aramco and Saudi Arabia for a safer and more sustainable future. This MoU fosters a better understanding of stakeholder requirements and how we can help enable innovation for a safer and more successful future in Saudi Arabia with our longstanding expertise in fire and life safety science.”
Aramco’s IKTVA program is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at fostering domestic value creation and contributing to the nation’s long-term economic growth. Through this MoU, UL Solutions will explore ways to support IKTVA program objectives, such as the development of the local energy sector, job creation, supply chain efficiency improvements, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading export hub.
As Saudi Arabia intensifies efforts to improve national fire safety and industrial security regulations, the demand for robust fire prevention and safety systems is expected to grow significantly. The collaboration between UL Solutions and Aramco positions both organizations at the forefront of advancing safety standards in the region.
Abdullah M. Ghamdi, vice president of Fire Protection at Aramco, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Our potential collaboration with UL Solutions through this MoU marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing fire safety standards and enhancing emergency response capabilities. Together, we look forward to combining our strengths toward achieving Vision 2030 by creating safer environments, enhancing our respective capabilities, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in fire safety practices.”
This partnership underscores Aramco’s commitment to safety excellence and its dedication to strengthening emergency preparedness across its operations. By leveraging UL Solutions’ technical expertise and industry-leading safety science, Aramco aims to implement world-class fire safety measures and elevate workplace safety standards in the Kingdom.
Enhancing Fire Safety Through Innovation and Expertise
The MoU outlines a comprehensive approach to improving fire safety and emergency response initiatives. Among the key areas of collaboration is the advancement of fire protection technologies and the implementation of globally recognized safety standards tailored to Saudi Arabia’s unique industrial and environmental landscape. UL Solutions will contribute its extensive research and technical capabilities to support Aramco in enhancing fire suppression systems, fire-resistant materials, and workplace hazard assessments.
UL Solutions’ expertise in product testing and certification will also play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with national and international safety regulations. The partnership will facilitate knowledge-sharing programs, workshops, and training sessions to equip industry professionals with cutting-edge fire safety practices and risk mitigation strategies.
Driving Economic Growth and Local Development
Beyond safety improvements, the collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic goals. The IKTVA program emphasizes localization and aims to strengthen the domestic industrial base by fostering local talent, enhancing supplier capabilities, and expanding job opportunities within the energy sector. By working closely with UL Solutions, Aramco seeks to develop homegrown expertise in fire protection and workplace safety, ultimately reducing reliance on imported solutions and boosting the nation’s self-sufficiency.
The MoU also encourages investment in safety-related research and development initiatives, paving the way for innovative solutions tailored to Saudi Arabia’s evolving infrastructure and industrial needs. As a result, this partnership will not only drive safety enhancements but also contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming a global leader in industrial safety and risk management.
A Vision for a Safer Future
As Saudi Arabia continues to implement forward-looking policies aimed at improving safety standards, partnerships such as the one between UL Solutions and Aramco become essential. The MoU represents a step toward a more resilient and secure industrial ecosystem, where fire safety and emergency response capabilities are strengthened through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
