Sharjah Municipality qualified 23 staff members as ISO auditors
Bodour Al Hammadi, Director of the Institutional Development Department, acknowledged that the workshops are part of the municipality's strategic objective to improve human capital and build internal teams. The goal is to attain the highest quality standards and institutional accreditation by empowering staff to discover internal improvement opportunities and execute best practices. A dedicated audit team was constituted from diverse departments to ensure institutional excellence in accordance with worldwide quality standards.
Comprehensive training
She stated that the programme consisted of four intensive workshops spread over four weeks. These courses introduced attendees to major ISO standards such as ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), ISO 31000 (Risk Management), and ISO 9001. The training also included practical workshops on internal audit systems that were in line with these criteria.
Developing deep understanding and audit capability
Al Hammadi noted that the courses enhanced employees' awareness of ISO requirements and improved their capacity to conduct effective internal audits. We expect this to enhance institutional performance and ensure continuous compliance with international standards. As a result, participants obtained internal auditor certifications for the applicable ISO standards in business continuity, health and safety, risk management, and quality.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
Saned reports 21% growth in Aman Installation Requests
Sharjah: Saned Facilities Management has marked a new milestone in its ongoing efforts to strengthen the preventive safety framework in the Emirate of Sharjah. During the first half of 2025, the company successfully installed 886 "Aman" devices and received 972 new installation requests—reflecting a 21% growth compared to the same period last year. Eng. Hamid Al Zarouni, Managing Director of Saned Facilities Management, stated:"At Saned, we have been working for years to develop a smart and fully integrated early warning system, built on the latest international technologies for detecting fires and emergencies and responding to them in real time. Through the 'Aman' system, we aim to redefine the concept of safety in buildings and vital facilities, making it a core component of the preventive infrastructure across all entities and facilities subject to the decision mandating the installation and integration of Aman to protect buildings from fires and incidents in the Emirate of Sharjah. This aligns with the Emirate's vision of becoming safer and more sustainable." Al Zarouni added:"Saned's teams continue to enhance the smart protocols that underpin the Aman system, working to expand its scope by integrating advanced sensing technologies and data analysis tools. This will further strengthen our ability to predict risks and respond swiftly. In parallel, we are testing and certifying the latest devices in compliance with international standards, to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and safety for all facilities connected to the system." The growing demand for the installation of the Aman system is the result of a joint effort between Saned, the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, and Sharjah Civil Defence. This collaboration aims to promote a stronger culture of safety and prevention across the Emirate. As a result, the total number of facilities connected to the Aman system has reached 11,620. The Aman system links fire alarm systems in facilities directly to the operations room of the General Directorate of Civil Defence and the Aman control centre. This ensures immediate alerts in the event of a fire, enabling rapid response. Aman is powered by advanced technology that detects the exact location of a fire and notifies the relevant emergency teams without delay. It is worth noting that Saned Integrated Facilities Management is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
Mercedes adding Microsoft Teams to its cars feels like a meeting invitation nobody asked for
As if being stuck in traffic or missing an exit wasn't stressful enough, Mercedes-Benz has now decided to add Microsoft Teams to its vehicles, starting with its new CLA model. The collaboration between the German car company and the US tech giant feels not just confusing, but completely unnecessary. After all, nothing screams luxury like the ability to join a meeting mid-commute. But in all seriousness, this seems like a bad idea for many reasons. The most obvious concern is safety. Mercedes insists a camera, which will be built into the screen above the central display, won't distract drivers, but can that be true? When the car is in motion, drivers can't see the meeting but can still hear it, while colleagues and bosses can still see them. But why is that necessary? More importantly, why add another potential distraction to a space where even a momentary lapse in focus can be dangerous? Most road safety experts agree that even small distractions can dramatically increase the risk of accidents, so it doesn't feel right to normalise conference calls while on the go. Then, there's the absurdity of it all. Who asked for this? Did a survey reveal Mercedes owners begging for the ability to hop into a Teams meeting during their commute? Or is this for people so dedicated to their work that they feel the need to always be on call? Unless you're in a life-saving profession, I can't imagine that being necessary. And honestly, what kind of experience does this create? Imagine being stuck in traffic, the AC fighting off the summer heat, when your boss pops up on your car dashboard to ask about an unanswered email. Having a high-end car once meant comfort, freedom and maybe even a little indulgence. Now, apparently, it means bringing the office along for the ride. This leads to another big problem: how much it blurs the line between work and personal life. The pandemic pushed work into our homes. Do we really need it invading our cars, too? In Germany, where Mercedes is based, labour laws acknowledge this issue with measures aimed at protecting employees from the expectation of being constantly available. So it's a bit strange that the company is now designing cars that make it easier to be "always on". Sure, there's something to be said for being successful enough to afford a Mercedes-Benz with Microsoft Teams built in, but if that's the measure of success, I'm not sure I want it. These days, the world already feels hectic and stressful. People need to protect their mental health, and one of the best ways to do that is by setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Cars can be a buffer between work and home. When I'm in mine, it's time to myself, when I can listen to relaxing music or a podcast, or just be alone with my thoughts. If I suddenly heard the Microsoft Teams ringtone go off in my car, whatever Zen mode I was in would immediately be ruined. Psychologists often say that downtime, even the short drive between work and home, is vital for mental decompression. Are we sure we want to get rid of that? This isn't about just a new 'innovative' car feature, but about the start of a slippery slope where tech slowly infiltrates even more aspects of our lives. Today it's Microsoft Teams in the car, maybe tomorrow it's Slack on the bathroom mirror or Zoom on the refrigerator. At what point do we draw the line and say 'enough'? Technology was supposed to make our lives easier, not turn every spare moment into another chance to clock in. Mercedes might believe this is innovation, but it's a mistake. We need to ask: are these features making our lives better or just erasing the last spaces we had left for ourselves?
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Alba hits 38 million safe working hours without LTI
RELATED TOPICS INDUSTRIAL RELATED COMPANIES Maaden Ntl Safty Concl Ecovadis British Safety Bureau Veritas Manama, Bahrain - Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, proudly celebrates achieving 38 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on 31 July 2025. This milestone underscores Alba's position as a regional and global leader in operational safety, reflecting its proactive approach to risk management and its relentless pursuit of excellence in creating a secure environment for its employees and contractor workforce. Ali Al Baqali, Chief Executive Officer of Alba, commented: 'This tremendous achievement of 38 million safe working hours without LTI is a testament to the exceptional commitment of every Albawee at Alba. It demonstrates the strength of our 'Safety First' culture and our pursuit of zero harm. The safety of our people is non-negotiable, and this milestone reinforces our dedication to protecting our workforce, the true champions of our safety journey.' Alba continues to strengthen its commitment to occupational health and safety this summer, aiming for an exceptional 9th consecutive season without a single heat-related injury or illness across its operations. -Ends- About Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) [Ticker: ALBH] A Global Aluminium Leader: At plus-1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) (2024), Alba is a world-leading aluminium smelter with a proud 50-year legacy in operational excellence, safety, environmental responsibility, and community development. Trusted Partner: A cornerstone of the Bahrain's economy, Alba produces high-quality aluminium, including standard and value-added products, which are exported to over 280 customers globally. With sales' offices in Europe (Zurich), Asia (Singapore), and a subsidiary in the U.S., Alba is a reliable partner on the world stage. Alba is dually listed on Bahrain Bourse and London Stock Exchange and its shareholders are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C. © (69.38%), Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) (20.62%) and General Public (10%). Alba prioritises the highest quality standards, reflected in its certifications: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 18788 (security operations management). Additionally, Alba demonstrates its commitment to responsible manufacturing through certifications like IATF 16949 (automotive quality), ISO 22301 (business continuity management), ASI Performance and Chain of Custody Standards, and a top 1% Platinum sustainability rating from EcoVadis. Pioneering Sustainability: As the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East, Alba is central to Bahrain's thriving downstream aluminium sector, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's GDP. Committed to social responsibility, Alba employs a workforce that is 87% Bahrainis (2024) and invests heavily in employee training and development. Alba also plays a crucial role in the Aluminium Downstream Park, therefore increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP of Bahrain. Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce Aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom. Recognised for its environmental practices, social contributions, and corporate governance, Alba launched a comprehensive ESG Roadmap in 2022 focusing on 6 priority areas: (1) Decarbonisation, (2) Green Energy & Aluminium, (3) Circular Economy & Secondary Aluminium, (4) Employee Welfare, (5) Collaboration & Partnership and (6) Transparency, Communications & Due Diligence. Since its inception, Alba has invested into numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on the society. Alba's first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, Power Station 5 Block 4 Project, and the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project are tangible initiatives aligned with Bahrain's Net Zero Carbon Targets by 2060 led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. Specifically, Alba's PS5 Block 4 is a new 680.9-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant that expands the existing PS5 facility. Block 4 has increased the nameplate capacity of PS5 Complex from 1,800 MW to 2,481 MW and is reducing the Company's overall GHG emissions intensity ratio by 0.5 tonnes of CO2 per 1 tonne of aluminium produced. In a significant step towards its ESG goals, particularly its commitment to a circular economy and secondary aluminium, Alba introduced EternAlTM, its new line of low-carbon aluminium products. Launched in June 2025, EternAl offers two product series with multiple variations to meet diverse customer needs: one featuring recycled content, and the other integrating verified in-house carbon offsets. Safety First, Always: Guided by the motto "Safety First, Safety Always," Alba prioritises the well-being of its employees and contractors. The Company achieved a record-breaking 38 million safe working hours without a lost-time injury in July 2025. The Company has been recognised internationally for its excellent Safety and Health track record with awards such as the RoSPA's Lifetime President and President Awards (10+ Gold Medal Awards), the British Safety Council's International Safety Award with Merit along with 4-Star Audit Rating, as well as numerous awards from the National Safety Council (NSC). Alba Stakeholder Engagement Plan Alba prioritises open communication with all its stakeholders, including the community, environmental and social groups. Through its Stakeholder Engagement Plan, the Company proactively addresses environmental and social impacts of its operations, outlining clear mitigation controls. Alba also maintains an external Grievance Mechanism accessible through the Code of Conduct, allowing stakeholders and the public to voice concerns and raise issues. Alba's External Grievance Mechanism Alba prioritises ethical conduct and environmental responsibility. Stakeholders, employees, contractors, and the community can confidentially report any potential breaches of Alba's Code of Conduct or raise concerns about environmental and social impacts through the Alba Integrity Line. This independent, multilingual hotline operates 24/7 and is accessible via a toll-free phone number, the company intranet, or the website at For further details, please contact: Eline Hilal Director, Investor Relations, Insurance & Corporate Secretary Investor Relations Department E-mail: Website: Follow us on:
