RIYADH: The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) participated in the Fourth Arab Conference on Occupational Safety and Health, recently held in Riyadh. DGDA was also a Platinum sponsor of the event, in line with its focus on occupational safety as it works on developing the Diriyah project, one of the world’s most complex projects.

The conference and exhibition was held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center from the 3rd to the 5th of October and was organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), in cooperation with the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) concurrently with the Fifth Saudi International Conference for Occupational Safety and Health 2022, and was held under the auspices of His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

In a range of panel discussions and workshops, keynote speakers, including local and international experts, discussed digital transformation in the field of Occupational Health and Safety, modern technology and innovation, ISO 45003 standards, and the development of a sustainable occupational safety and health (OSH) system. They also discussed the future of OSH regulations, opportunities to overcome OSH hurdles, the future of OSH monitoring, the question of “humans, or robots and AI?”, the impact of mental health on productivity, how the enforcement of OSH standards contributes to economic sustainability, and the importance of instilling a culture of OSH across all levels of society.

The event’s panel discussions highlighted the Kingdom’s overall efforts to implement OSH measures, including compliance with OSH measures in the contracting and construction sector, OSH research and innovation, and OSH methodologies across businesses as well as in the energy and manufacturing sectors. They also addressed the field’s role in enhancing quality of life across various workplaces, workplace contingency planning, protecting workers in high-risk occupations, and the future of OSH training and skills.

In a panel discussion on compliance with OSH measures in the contracting and construction sector, Eng. Isaac bin Saad Assiri, Senior Director of Occupational Safety and Health at DGDA, showcased DGDA’s exceptionally high OSH standards, its efforts to enhance its staff’s OSH skills, and its workplace alertness levels. He also highlighted the authority’s role in creating a safer working environment for the sector on a national level and its keenness to share OSH regulations and guidelines with all interested parties. Assiri also participated in a workshop titled “Effectiveness of OSH Systems in the Construction Sector.”

Eng. Mohammed Al Zamanan, Director of Emergency and Crisis Management at the DGDA, participated in a workshop titled “Business Continuity: Basic Professional Action.” The workshop discussion proved to be lively, dynamic sessions with hundreds of specialists and notable industry figures in the audience participating and interacting throughout. It was an invaluable opportunity for all involved to highlight their real-life experiences and enrich the overall discussion on this highly pertinent subject matter.

DGDA has also recently launched an owned training program for OSH inspectors in the construction sector. Designed and developed by the Training and Compliance Section at DGDA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department, the program aims to enhance the capabilities of OSH inspectors working with MHRSD.

The program offers both theoretical and practical training courses held in DGDA work sites throughout its various projects. This includes soft skill training with oversight from the department’s experts, who help participants apply their newly acquired theoretical knowledge in a number of real-life situations. Following the three-month, 420-hour training program, trainees undergo a series of field tests across the various Diriyah Gate Development projects to ensure that trainees achieve the required results.

The training program is an outcome of a recent Memorandum of Understanding between DGDA and MHRSD. The MoU has allowed for the exchange of expertise and support services as both parties work to develop safer workplaces that adhere to the highest international standards and best practices. Held twice a year, each group of trainees in the program includes 11 certified inspectors selected from a pool of Ministry candidates.

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About Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) was established in July 2017 to preserve Diriyah’s history, celebrate its community and develop the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif into one of the world’s greatest gathering places at the heart of Saudi Arabian culture and heritage. We are focused on the protection and preservation of the Kingdom’s history including the stories of our forefathers as well as our physical heritage. In line with design, development, and preservation standards, DGDA will create an environment that enhances Diriyah’s historic, national and international relevance including the preservation of At-Turaif.  DGDA is transforming Diriyah into one of the region’s foremost destinations for cultural knowledge-sharing activities and international events. We aspire to develop Diriyah into a global gathering place by creating rich experiences that narrate the stories of our history, instilling a sense of Saudi Arabian pride and creating globally renowned destinations and landmarks. The Authority is ensuring Diriyah’s cultural landmarks are complemented by leading hospitality brands, fine dining experiences and world-class retail offerings. We are devoted to enabling the people of Diriyah to achieve their goals. DGDA will celebrate the local community, showing social, cultural and historical achievements, connecting with the roots of the Saudi state and creating solid foundations on which to build the best possible future for the community. DGDA works alongside Diriyah’s executive bodies, as the primary regulator for the supervisory area (190sqkm) and will exercise best practice in Land Management and Building Permit and License issuance and oversight.

About Diriyah 

Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. As part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, eleven square kilometres of Diriyah will be transformed into one of the world’s foremost historic tourism destinations. Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, just 15 minutes north-west of Riyadh’s city centre. It is recognised as a symbolic centre of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the first Saudi Arabian state in 1727. As the renewed cultural and historic capital of the nation, Diriyah will be designed and built with Saudi traditions and heritage in mind. The mixed-use traditional urban community will be created in an authentic Najdi architectural style, typical of Saudi villages of centuries past. Sitting at the cultural heart of Diriyah lies the historic city of At-Turaif. Built in 1766, At-Turaif is recognised as one of the world’s foremost mud-brick cities. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it is today set to become one of the nation’s must-see historic destinations. With cultural and lifestyle experiences at its heart, Diriyah will be enriched by entertainment, learning, shopping, dining, hospitality, residential and workplace offerings. On completion, it will be home to a population of 100,000 residents, workers, students and visitors and will celebrate the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia. The development will feature an array of world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a diverse collection of museums, a bustling retail heart and over 100 places to dine. The existing Bujairi Terrace will soon be home to Riyadh’s new premium dining hub, enjoying uninterrupted views of At-Turaif; and the 141-key SamhanHeritage Hotel. Wadi Hanifah, a two square kilometre space accessible from the escarpment walk, will provide passive and active recreational spaces and boutique hospitality venues; places to unwind and spend the afternoon with family and friends in the beautiful wadi surroundings.