Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA) and the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) have announced a new partnership to strengthen fire and life safety across the Emirate of Sharjah. The agreement was confirmed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during a formal ceremony at Intersec Dubai 2026. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, and Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA.
The partnership will focus on building strong education and training programmes for fire and safety professionals. The aim is to improve safety systems across the Emirate. Using NFPA’s global experience, training tools, and certification schemes, the programme will draw on more than 300 fire codes and standards. It will also use guidance from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ to help shape safety standards that suit Sharjah’s needs.
“At Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, fire and life safety are paramount, and we remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of our people. By collaborating with NFPA, we aim to leverage their 130 years of expertise in managing fire and electrical risks, ensuring that fire safety professionals across Sharjah are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools in line with global standards. This alliance reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and proactive measures to protect lives and property,” said His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority.
Commenting on the collaboration, Jim Pauley, President and CEO at NFPA, added, “In the urban landscape, fire presents a constant threat, and with ongoing development across Sharjah, including numerous high-rise buildings, it is essential that robust fire and life safety systems are in place to protect the public. At NFPA, we look forward to working alongside the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority to enhance the training and education of fire and life safety professionals across the Emirate. Our aim is to strengthen awareness and implementation of relevant codes, standards, and regulations, supporting Sharjah’s efforts to align safety practices with global benchmarks.”
The partnership comes at a key time as Sharjah increases its focus on fire safety in high-rise buildings. In 2024, under the direction of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate launched a major project to replace unsafe cladding materials with fire-resistant options. The government fully funded the initiative, which was valued at AED 100 million.
The agreement between SCDA and NFPA supports this work by adding technical knowledge and global best practice. This will help Sharjah strengthen its standards-led approach to fire and life safety.