ICC Highlights Gulf Region and Global Impact for Building Safety Month 2025

This May, the International Code Council (ICC) is marking the 45th edition of its Building Safety Month, a global initiative aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable construction practices. The campaign emphasizes the importance of adopting up-to-date building codes and highlights the collective effort needed, from policymakers to engineers, to ensure buildings are safe and resilient.

"Game On!": A Call to Action for Building Safety

The 2025 campaign theme, "Game On!", urges individuals, organizations, and communities to engage in building safety efforts. Whether in classrooms, construction sites, or municipal offices, the initiative calls on people everywhere to prioritize the safety and sustainability of the built environment, especially in rapidly developing regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Strengthening Safety Standards in the GCC

By expanding its efforts in the GCC region, ICC underscores the need for building codes that are consistent, enforceable, and responsive to modern-day challenges. These include adapting to climate change, integrating new technologies, and managing population growth—all essential for long-term safety and development.

International Building Safety Day Returns on May 22

A key highlight of the month is the observance of International Building Safety Day (IBSD) on May 22, 2025. Now in its second year, this global event—launched in 2024 with backing from 28 international partners—draws attention to the vital role of building safety in protecting health, supporting well-being, and boosting economic resilience. It also serves as a reminder for governments and industry leaders to keep safety at the forefront of their agendas.

Mohamed Amer, Managing Director of ICC MENA, stated, “ICC MENA’s mission has always been to strengthen the safety and integrity of buildings while supporting the region’s extraordinary pace of development. As cities across the GCC continue to grow vertically and technologically, the importance of compliance with unified, robust building codes becomes even more essential, not only to protect lives and property but to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.”

He further added, “Building safety is not a one-time action; it’s a continuous commitment that involves government leaders, private-sector innovators and community stakeholders. Through our advocacy and partnerships, we aim to create a culture of safety that lasts for generations. We are proud to be participating in multiple regional events across the full ecosystem of building safety, and we’re pleased to see growing momentum around both Building Safety Month and IBSD — a timely reminder of the shared responsibility and collective action needed to elevate safety standards across the built environment."

Weekly Themes Spotlight Safety Across Sectors

Throughout May, ICC and its network of members will host a variety of events, including public outreach, educational seminars, and government recognitions. These activities will follow a series of weekly themes:

> Week One (May 1–3): "The Warm-Up"

Focused on how safety impacts everyday spaces like homes, schools, and workplaces.

> Week Two (May 4–10): "Build Your Offense"

Encouraging proactive steps in promoting and implementing safety policies.

> Week Three (May 11–17): "Build Your Defence"

Highlighting preparedness strategies for natural disasters and emergencies.

> Week Four (May 18–24): "The Starting Lineup"

Celebrating professionals in the field and inspiring future careers in building sciences.

> Week Five (May 25–31): "Going into Overtime"

Looking ahead to new innovations and trends that will shape the future of building safety.