NFPA and SFMA Partner to Upskill Saudi Facility Management

A new chapter in fire safety began as the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) and the Saudi Facility Management Association (SFMA) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riyadh. This agreement marks the start of a significant partnership aimed at advancing fire safety standards throughout Saudi Arabia. The MoU was signed by Olga Caledonia, Director for International Business Development at NFPA, and Aiyd A. Alqahtani, Board Chairman of SFMA, underscoring a shared commitment to facility management excellence and public safety.

Uniting Expertise to Advance Safety Awareness

Through this collaboration, NFPA and SFMA will pool their collective expertise to strengthen the culture of fire and life safety in the Kingdom. The partnership is set to include joint conferences, the creation of specialized certification programs, and the rollout of comprehensive training initiatives. These efforts are designed to equip facilities management professionals with modern knowledge and practical tools, paving the way for higher safety standards and better preparedness across industries.

“Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid development across sectors, from housing to hospitality, and from smart cities to iconic mega-projects, placing it firmly among the world’s fastest-growing economies. With this scale and speed of growth comes a heightened need for robust fire and life safety measures to ensure that progress is not compromised by preventable risks. Through our partnership with SFMA, we are proud to support this national momentum by bringing NFPA’s nearly 130 years of expertise and a portfolio of more than 300 globally recognized codes and standards to assist in preventing loss,” said Olga Caledonia, director of International Business Development at NFPA.

“At SFMA, our mission is to elevate the professional capabilities of facilities managers throughout Saudi Arabia, in alignment with Vision 2030’s goals of building safer, healthier, and more dynamic communities. This collaboration with NFPA will amplify our efforts by providing access to international best practices in fire and life safety, enriching training programs, and promoting knowledge exchange that will positively impact communities across the Kingdom,” said Aiyd A. Alqahtani, Board Chairman of SFMA.

Access to Global Resources and Industry Influence

As part of the agreement, SFMA members will gain access to an extensive library of NFPA resources, including the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, which offers valuable insights into the economic and social impacts of fires. Members will also have opportunities to participate in global NFPA events and engage in shaping fire safety codes and standards, contributing to a more robust and informed safety framework across Saudi Arabia.