The 2024 edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (#GMIS2024) has convened global safety leaders from governments, the private sector and international organisations to drive the next frontier of industrial safety. 

 

The event which took off December 5 during Abu Dhabi Business Week, spotlights forward-thinking policies and transformative innovations designed to standardise safety procedures and build resilient industrial ecosystems across the world. 

 

Under the theme “Resilient by Design: The Next Frontier in Industrial Safety,” #GMIS2024 tackles safety challenges arising from interconnected, AI-driven systems and emerging technologies while highlighting opportunities to standardise safety practices across borders. 

 

Sustainable growth

Discussions will focus on fostering sustainable growth, safeguarding workers, and ensuring operational resilience, positioning #GMIS2024 as a critical platform for shaping the future of industrial safety and innovation. 

 

In partnership with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS), and guided by the "Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety," the Summit will present actionable strategies to build safer, more resilient industrial ecosystems.

 

#GMIS2024 will feature keynote addresses and insights from high-ranking government officials, including Osama Amir Mohamed Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary, Industrial Accelerator Sector for the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT); Brigadier General Salem Abdullah Bin Barak AlDhaheri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA); Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Dr Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary, Standards and Regulations Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Luomei Shu, Director, Investment and Technology Promotion Offices and Institutional Partnerships at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). 

 

Government entities

The Summit will also host key representatives from Abu Dhabi’s leading government entities including Major Eng Ali Hassan Almadfai, Head of Executive Affairs Branch of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority;  Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industrial Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); and Massimo Falcioni, Chief Business Officer, Digital, Trade and Industrial Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Chief Competitiveness Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. 

 

Fadhel said: "Industrial safety is a cornerstone for sustainable growth and resilience in an era of rapid technological evolution. The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit serves as a vital platform to unify efforts, share best practices, and implement innovative industrial safety frameworks that protect workers, enhance operational efficiency & productivity, and foster global collaboration."

 

Global C-suite and senior executives speaking at #GMIS2024 include Barbara Frei, Member of the Executive Committee and Executive Vice President for Industrial Automation of Schneider Electric; Courtney Gregoire, Vice President and Chief Digital Safety Officer of Microsoft; Hazeem Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge; Amer J Siddiqui, Executive Director of Mubadala Investment Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sanad Group; Richard Pearson, Chief Product Officer of SIBCA; Eng. Arkan Al Bayiati, CEO Representative of NAFFCO; Eng. Hesham Awda, COO of NMDC Energy Offshore and Board Member, Safeen Subsea; and Khalid bin Hadi, Managing Director of Siemens Energy, UAE. 

 

Speaking ahead of the event, Barbara Frei, said: “Safety is more than a priority—it’s a strategic investment. By harnessing technologies like AI and IoT, fostering public-private partnerships, and committing resources to robust safety measures, we can protect workers, secure assets, and ensure operational continuity. These actions not only safeguard progress but also drive long-term profitability. I am pleased to contribute to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, a vital platform to highlight the critical role of safety in building sustainable businesses and resilient industrial ecosystems.”

 

Global model

Among the key sessions at #GMIS2024 will be ‘Make It In The Emirates: A Future Ready Ecosystem’, examining how the UAE serves as a global model for industrial ecosystems, and a session titled ‘Emergency Response 2.0: Reshaping the Future of Crisis Management & Fire Safety’, exploring advancements in crisis management and fire safety technologies. #GMIS2024 will feature a dedicated panel introducing ‘The Manifesto for Global Safety: A Call to Action for Resilient and Safe Industries’, presenting a call to action for resilient industries focused on worker safety and technological integration. Other industry leaders participating from across the industrial ecosystem include Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge (CIIP), and Axial Global Advisors, amongst others. 

 

Namir Hourani, Managing Director of GMIS, said: “As technological advancements reshape industries, the need for forward-looking safety frameworks is more critical than ever. Safety is a strategic investment that safeguards workers, protects operations, and drives inclusive and sustainable industrial growth. Hosting GMIS during Abu Dhabi Business Week provides a unique platform to foster collaboration and innovation, advancing safety standards that safeguard industries while contributing to economic prosperity and societal well-being worldwide. We look forward to welcoming global safety leaders who share our vision of creating industrial ecosystems that serve the interests of nations and communities.”--TradeArabia News Service