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< PreviousNEWS www.mepmiddleeast.com20 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com AESG, a leading international consultancy, has been awarded a licence by the Saudi Supreme Authority for Industrial Security (SAIS) to provide Fire and Life Safety (FLS) consultancy services across the Kingdom’s major industrial and infrastructure sectors. This positions AESG among the ﬁ rst international consultancies to receive such accreditation and comes at a pivotal time as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 projects. SUPPORTING SAUDI ARABIA’S MEGA PROJECTS With the new licence, AESG is authorised to support compliance with SAIS Safety and Fire (SAF) directives across sectors, including petroleum, power generation, water, nuclear, manufacturing, petrochemicals, chemicals, gas, mining, railways, telecommunications, and ports. The ﬁ rm’s involvement is expected to impact over SAR 262 billion worth of ongoing and planned projects in the Kingdom. AESG has already contributed to safeguarding more than SAR 30 billion worth of assets, including high- proﬁ le projects such as NEOM, Red Sea International Airport, and developments in Diriyah Gate, and covering millions of square metres of facilities. Eng. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, Governor of SAIS, said: “The safety of facilities and their workers and ensuring the continuity of operations, is an investment in the future. By establishing strong legislation built on the best local standards and global practices, we can ensure that security and safety remain central to the Kingdom’s industrial and infrastructure development.” AESG’s CEO, Saeed Al Abbar, emphasised that the licence reﬂ ects the company’s ability to combine regional knowledge with international expertise. “We are proud to meet every requirement of SAIS’s rigorous licensing process,” he said. “This underscores our commitment to delivering world-class safety standards at a time of unprecedented growth in Saudi Arabia.” The ﬁ rm is expanding its Saudi team by more than 25%, including notable hires such as Steve Apter, former Deputy Chief of the London Fire Brigade, bringing decades of experience in ﬁ re safety for mega projects. AESG is also expanding its services to align with the Saudi Civil Defence’s new mandate for licensed private ﬁ re and rescue teams and further supporting the Kingdom’s privatisation initiatives. Abdullah Faza, Director – Fire and Life Safety for Middle East at AESG, added: “This licence unlocks signiﬁ cant opportunities to support the Kingdom’s most strategic projects. We are committed to making compliance effi cient and clear, so clients can focus on achieving their targets with conﬁ dence while we safeguard lives and protect assets.” AESG Secures Key Licence to Deliver Fire and Life Safety Services Across Saudi Arabia The ﬁ re and life safety license is expected to impact over SAR 262 billion worth of ongoing and planned projects in the Kingdom MEP_Oct2025_18-20_News_13702059.indd 2002/10/2025 02:58THE MIDDLE EAST’S PLATFORM FOR FM INSIGHT AND COLLABORATION SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER Nov 13, 2025 Dubai Knowledge Park Conference Centre Untitled-5 102/10/2025 01:41COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com22 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_Oct2025_22-27_Cover Story_13724544.indd 2202/10/2025 19:29COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 23www.mepmiddleeast.com Majd Fayyad reﬂects on sustainability as a calling and the role of engineers in building a better world RIPPLE OF CHANGE Words by Almas Tholot Photography by Ajith Narendra Creative direction by Angitha Pradeep MEP_Oct2025_22-27_Cover Story_13724544.indd 2302/10/2025 19:29COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com24 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com There are moments at industry award nights that follow the script exactly as written. The nominees are read out, the envelope is opened, the winner steps up to polite applause. And then there are moments that don’t ﬁt the agenda. At the recent MEP Middle East Awards, one such moment unfolded when a new category was announced. It had not been open for entries, nor listed among the official categories. Just a few days before the event, an editorial decision was made to acknowledge someone whose work had long been impossible to ignore. That is how the Sustainability Champion of the Year award came into existence. Its reveal came as a surprise to the industry, and most of all to its ﬁrst recipient. Recalling the evening, Majd Fayyad says, “It is a very special recognition for me. Sustainability holds a very special place in my heart, and to be honoured by such a prestigious award like the MEP Middle East Awards is both humbling and inspiring, What makes it even more meaningful is that this recognition came without me applying. It was for the work I have been doing, and that feels deeply rewarding.” The timing, too, carried a poetic symmetry. Exactly on the one-year anniversary of his platform, MajdTalks, which now reaches more than 50,000 people across social media. “For me, it feels like a milestone moment,” he says. HARDWIRED TO NATURE Some people stumble into sustainability through circumstance or career. For Fayyad, the connection was written into childhood. Reﬂecting on those formative years, he says, “I was born and raised in a Lebanese village in the mountains, and when you grow up in that kind of environment, you’re always close to nature. Life is slower there and you notice all elements of nature. “I was always mesmerised by how perfectly everything works together in the natural world. Everything is designed and implemented to the highest levels of perfection. So, I think, from my childhood, I was already hardwired to nature.” Later, with an engineering degree in hand, he found a natural extension of that fascination. He says, “It felt natural to tap into that love and choose a career where I could put my heart and soul into protecting the environment and giving back.” RETHINKING SUCCESS The award raises a deeper question: what does success look like for someone who has walked “Just as doctors dedicate their lives to saving lives, we do so through the systems, structures, and solutions that we create to support both people and the planet ” Fayyad spoke with global conservation icon Dr Jane Goodall about hope, action, and our shared responsibility towards the planet MEP_Oct2025_22-27_Cover Story_13724544.indd 2402/10/2025 19:30COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 25www.mepmiddleeast.com and more. Sustainability is really an overarching principle we need to adopt if we want a future that lasts.” On integrating sustainability into business, he says, “Because then it’s no longer an add-on and it becomes part of how systems function. I believe there is a huge opportunity in our part of the world to embrace this model, to create companies and industries that deliver not only technical excellence, but also measurable social and environmental value.” Globally, this shift is already underway, and he observes, “Many companies are building their models around social impact where they are not just driven by proﬁt, but by purpose and the positive impact they create in societies and for the environment. What we need now is to scale such companies in our region.” MAJDTALKS: FROM GAP TO MOVEMENT This ambition crystallised into MajdTalks, a platform to educate and inspire. He explains, “I have always noticed a signiﬁcant gap such a winding road? He paused before answering, reﬂecting on his evolution. “The way I deﬁne success has evolved over years,” Fayyad explains. “As a teenager and university student, success was measured in grades, certiﬁcates, and public recognition. The model was simple: perform well in school, and you’ll be celebrated by your parents, teachers, and society. Eager to rise to this challenge, I poured my heart and soul into studying, earning several engineering awards and even becoming the valedictorian of my class among 100 students.” From there, success became about accumulating. A prestigious job. Fitness milestones. A wider social circle. A visible track record. Yet, he says, “As the years passed and I gained maturity, my understanding of success evolved and it is still evolving. I began to realise that success isn’t solely about external achievements and validations; it is about seeking authenticity and ﬁnding purpose in what you do.” Clarifying the idea further, he adds, “Titles, proﬁts, and power might look impressive, but they don’t bring real fulﬁlment unless they are deeply connected to purpose. For me, success is much more about authenticity. Especially in sustainability, you cannot achieve meaningful impact or lasting fulﬁlment unless it comes from your heart.” BEYOND THE TECHNICAL It would be easy to classify him only as an engineer, but the arc of his career resists such neat packaging. “As engineers, we’re trained to solve technical problems. Usually, our objectives are very much into enhancing systems, improving efficiencies, boosting performance and reducing costs. But I think designs cannot exist in isolation. A building isn’t just a building, and a system isn’t just a system,” says Fayyad, who has previously served on the judging panel of the MEP awards. He frames the connection clearly: “Every piece of our work has multiple impacts in terms of energy consumption, on people’s health and well-being, and, of course, on the environment. So, our work as engineers is always deeply connected to people and the environment. Technical aspects on their own, without a clear environmental and social purpose, can feel hollow.” “The real mission,” he stresses, “should be to advance people’s lives while protecting the planet.” THE LARGER CIRCLE OF SUSTAINABILITY He argues that sustainability cannot be reduced to energy, buildings, or construction alone. “Sustainability extends to every aspect of life and existence, including the way we live and the resources we use. It’s about food, water, the environment, our economies, our industries, “Achieving net zero buildings isn’t about one hero engineer. All engineers on the project need to be net zero heroes ” The 2025 MEP Awards honoured Majd Fayyad as Sustainability Champion of the Year MEP_Oct2025_22-27_Cover Story_13724544.indd 2502/10/2025 19:30COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com26 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com among industry professionals when it comes to understanding core sustainability and decarbonisation concepts. If trained specialists lack clarity, imagine the confusion among the general public. On top of that, I have repeatedly heard people assuming that best practices and cutting-edge innovations in decarbonisation are ‘far away’ from our region.” He continues, “Beyond facts and ﬁgures, I wanted MajdTalks to spark belief in what is possible. By sharing success stories and inspirational interviews, I aim to motivate industry professionals and encourage companies to create an impact in their industries.” Among his many interviews, one stands apart. “The conversation with Dr Jane Goodall is very close to my heart. At 91, she is a global icon. I am honoured that I got a chance to interview her and listen to her profound wisdom about remaining hopeful, taking action, and believing that even small efforts can ripple outward to create real change.” The ripple was immediate. After the interview, Dr Jane shared a letter about a woman who had attended. “She told Dr Jane, ‘This evening has changed my life. I will never be the same.’ I carry that message in my heart as a constant reminder that what we do can make a difference,” Fayyad says with a smile. THE URGENCY OF CONSTRUCTION He is blunt about the sector that holds both challenge and opportunity: “Buildings account for about 40% of global emissions, and in many countries across our region the percentage is even higher. That means achieving net zero in the built environment is not optional. In fact, in the UAE, 85% of the total emissions reduction As part of his environmental eff orts, Fayyad adopted a tree in Lebanon’s Shouf Biosphere Reserve Fayyad being recognised by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah MEP_Oct2025_22-27_Cover Story_13724544.indd 2602/10/2025 19:30COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 27www.mepmiddleeast.com needed by 2030 can come from buildings.” On action, he notes, “This sector is where we can and must act decisively, especially over the next ﬁve years.” Highlighting solutions, he says, “Too often, developers still underestimate simple strategies like optimising building orientation, shading, window-to-wall ratios, and natural ventilation. These measures can cut energy demand by 10 to 20 percent without any additional investment in complex systems. It’s about designing smarter from the start. And importantly, we must challenge the perception that net-zero buildings are not feasible in hot climates. With the right design approach, they absolutely are.” On energy efficiency, Fayyad believes, “As the saying goes, the best and greenest energy source is the one you don’t use. For buildings, that means reducing energy use by 30 to 50 percent to meet net zero targets. You cannot simply rely on switching to clean energy sources without addressing demand.” He adds, “These are proven, cost-effective technologies that can be deployed today.” Embodied carbon, he emphasises, is another blind spot: “Emissions from building materials and construction processes account for around 11 percent of global energy-related emissions. Steel and cement are the biggest contributors, and also some of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Developers aiming to decarbonise their projects need to start working closely with their supply chains today. Without tackling embodied emissions, the full picture of net-zero buildings will remain incomplete.” ENGINEERS AS COLLECTIVE HEROES “Engineers play a critical role in the net zero transition across all disciplines. Sustainability and decarbonisation are not the responsibility of a single engineer; they require collective effort at every stage of a project,” he notes. Breaking it down further, Fayyad continues, “Design engineers can integrate passive strategies and efficient systems. Structural engineers inﬂuence material choices. Mechanical and electrical engineers shape the efficiency of HVAC, lighting, and management systems, while the operations and maintenance engineers ensure that buildings perform as intended over time.” In short, “Achieving net-zero buildings isn’t about one hero engineer. All engineers on the project need to be net-zero heroes,” says Fayyad. LEGACY AND RESPONSIBILITY When asked how he hopes to be remembered, he was clear: “What I hope to leave as my legacy is to ignite a sense of responsibility. To remind engineers and everyone shaping our built world that what we design has consequences far beyond the technical aspects. Buildings are major contributors to emissions but can also help heal our planet.” The message is personal, yet collective. He says, “It all starts with engineers exercising their highest sense of responsibility to make this world a better place. I invite them to think of this and to think about how to make their jobs impactful and meaningful.” And when he distills his philosophy for the next generation: “Doing good for the world and the planet is our responsibility. Just as doctors dedicate their lives to saving lives, we do so through the systems, structures, and solutions we create to support both people and the planet.” From his work in sustainability to the conversations he sparks through MajdTalks, Fayyad’s story reminds us that true inﬂuence comes from dedication, integrity, and a focus on making a difference, often long before anyone notices. Because sometimes, the most powerful recognition is the one you do not seek, but the one that seeks you. “Success isn’t solely about external achievements and validations; it is about seeking authenticity and ﬁ nding purpose in what you do ” MEP_Oct2025_22-27_Cover Story_13724544.indd 2702/10/2025 19:30PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.com28 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com Mental health is often called construction’s “silent safety issue.” Why did ALEC decide now was the right time to make it a priority? Worker welfare has always been core to our philosophy. But historically, for the broader industry, the focus has been on physical safety or ﬁ nancial security as evidenced in regulations such as the mandatory midday break and Wage Protection System. Yet construction is a demanding profession that often carries an invisible toll. Long hours, tough environments, and the pressure of supporting families back home are challenges many blue-collar workers face. As projects in the region grow more ambitious, so too do the demands on workers’ skills and resilience. Construction is no stranger to conversations about safety. Helmets, harnesses, high-vis vests, the industry has long drilled into its workforce that protection comes ﬁ rst. But what about the dangers you can’t see? That’s where Gavin Stone comes in. As Group Director of People & Culture at ALEC, he’s been helping lead a conversation that the industry has avoided for far too long: mental health. In this Q&A, Stone speaks candidly about how ALEC is embedding “mental health ﬁ rst aid” into its culture, why peer-to-peer support matters, and why he believes that in just a few years, checking in on a colleague’s wellbeing will be as natural as checking their safety gear. ALEC’s Mental Health First Aiders MIND MATTERS From stigma to support, Gavin Stone details ALEC’s push to make mental wellbeing an everyday part of construction life Interview by Julianne Tolentino MEP_Oct2025_28-29_ALEC_13722991.indd 2802/10/2025 03:09PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 29www.mepmiddleeast.com It was clear to us that just as the industry has taken huge strides in physical wellbeing, the next frontier is mental health. By addressing it openly, we’re not just responding to an industry challenge, we’re proactively working towards ensuring our teams are supported holistically, both physically and mentally. Can you walk us through what Mental Health First Aid looks like on-site? How does it play out in real situations? This actually starts off -site, beginning with education. Classroom sessions are invaluable for giving our workforce the language, conﬁ dence, and awareness to recognise early signs of distress, whether in themselves or their colleagues. These sessions cover practical tools such as how to listen without judgment, how to guide someone to professional support, and how to spot when intervention is needed. Beyond training, we’ve introduced digital support through our partnership with Wellx, giving staff access to wellbeing activities, incentives, and professional advice online. This combination of training and accessible support channels ensures that if someone is struggling, there’s always a clear pathway to help, whether that’s a trained peer on site or a professional available virtually. And ﬁ nally, on-site, mental health ﬁ rst aid could mean recognising when a colleague is unusually withdrawn or struggling, approaching them in a safe and private way, and connecting them with professional help if needed. It’s not about diagnosis but about listening, reducing stigma, and ensuring people don’t feel alone. Construction workers are used to looking out for each other physically. How do you get teams comfortable doing the same when it comes to mental health? The stigma around mental health is still real, but it’s shifting. We’ve seen in wider society how open conversations and shared experiences normalised the topic, and we’re applying the same approach on our sites. Off ering mental health check-ups for everyone, rather than singling out individuals, is one way we create safe spaces. Just as importantly, we, at ALEC, are investing in our own people, training Mental Health First Aiders from within our workforce. When colleagues see peers, rather than outsiders, taking on that role, barriers come down. Today, we have 35 trained ﬁ rst aiders across our projects, with more in training each year. Coupled with the natural camaraderie in construction teams, this peer-to-peer approach is proving hugely eff ective in making mental health part of the daily conversation. Over time, workers begin to see mental health support not as something separate or “taboo,” but as another way of looking out for each other on-site. What’s been the most powerful moment or feedback you’ve heard from someone who went through the programme? One of the most impactful moments was when a participant shared that the training gave them the conﬁ dence to approach a colleague they were worried about. That conversation led to early support being provided and a real diff erence in the colleague’s wellbeing. Hearing someone say, “I now know what to do, and I feel equipped to help,” shows us the programme is creating tangible change. It’s those personal stories that remind us why this initiative matters. If we look ﬁ ve years down the line, what role do you see mental health support playing in the Gulf’s construction safety culture? That’s the direction we’re heading in, and ﬁ ve years is a realistic horizon. We’ve seen it before with innovations. Take BIM for example. Once considered pioneering, it is now the standard. With robotics, ALEC is leading the charge, and we can already see signs of our partners getting on board, driving the industry onto a similar trajectory. Mental health will follow the same path as companies see the clear beneﬁ ts of mentally ﬁ t teams. Higher productivity, safer sites, and greater loyalty are all compelling notes in the business case. The investment required is modest compared to the returns. In a competitive industry, having a workforce that is both physically and mentally resilient will be seen as a strategic advantage. So yes, I’m optimistic that in time, checking in on your workforce’s mental wellbeing will be as instinctive and accepted as ensuring they have hard hats before stepping on site. “Offering mental health check-ups for everyone, rather than singling out individuals, is one way we create safe spaces. Just as importantly, we’re investing in our own people, training Mental Health First Aiders from within our workforce” Gavin Stone, Group Director of People & Culture, ALEC MEP_Oct2025_28-29_ALEC_13722991.indd 2902/10/2025 03:09Next >