Fire Safety In Sharjah: NFPA Partnership Boosts Fire And Life Safety Standards

Sharjah is stepping up efforts to manage fire and life safety risks, especially in high-rise buildings. A new alliance between Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the National Fire Protection Association aims to strengthen protection measures. The partnership focuses on training, updated standards, and technical guidance to support safety projects across the emirate.

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during an official ceremony at Intersec Dubai 2026. Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director-General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, signed the MoU with Jim Pauley, president and CEO at NFPA, confirming long-term cooperation on shared safety goals.

Under the MoU, the alliance gives priority to education and professional training for fire and life safety teams. Programmes will target firefighters, engineers, inspectors, and other specialists across Sharjah. The aim is to strengthen skills, support consistent practices, and enhance safety systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings throughout the emirate.

NFPA will provide global expertise, formal courses, and recognised certification programmes to Sharjah Civil Defence Authority. The collaboration will draw on more than 300 NFPA fire codes and standards. Guidance from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem will help shape local regulations adapted to Sharjah’s specific building stock and risk profile.

Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi underlined the importance of this cooperation for Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the wider community. "At Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, fire and life safety are paramount, and we remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of our people. By collaborating with NFPA, we aim to leverage their 130 years of expertise in managing fire and electrical risks, ensuring that fire safety professionals across Sharjah are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools in line with global standards. This alliance reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and proactive measures to protect lives and property," said Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director-General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority.

NFPA president and CEO Jim Pauley highlighted how development trends in the emirate increase the need for advanced fire and life safety measures. Commenting on the collaboration, Jim Pauley, president and CEO at NFPA, added, "In the urban landscape, fire presents a constant threat, and with ongoing development across Sharjah, including numerous high-rise buildings, it is essential that robust fire and life safety systems are in place to protect the public. At NFPA, we look forward to working alongside the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority to enhance the training and education of fire and life safety professionals across the Emirate. Our aim is to strengthen awareness and implementation of relevant codes, standards, and regulations, supporting Sharjah’s efforts to align safety practices with global benchmarks."

Sharjah Civil Defence Authority fire and life safety projects in high-rise buildings

The alliance aligns with current initiatives addressing fire hazards in tall structures across Sharjah. In 2024, under the directive of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate launched a government-funded programme to replace unsafe cladding with fire-resistant materials, valued at AED100 million.

The partnership between Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and NFPA is expected to support these ongoing safety projects with technical input and international best practice. By combining local initiatives, updated standards, and focused training, the emirate continues to strengthen its fire and life safety framework for residents, businesses, and visitors.

With inputs from WAM