Sharjah Civil Defence Authority SCDA has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the National Fire Protection Association NFPA to strengthen fire and life safety across the Emirate of Sharjah.
The agreement was formalised during an official signing ceremony at Intersec Dubai 2026 on January 14th. 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.
Under the terms of the alliance, both organisations will collaborate on the development of education and training programmes for fire and life safety professionals operating in Sharjah. The partnership aims to enhance the effectiveness of fire safety systems by aligning local practices with internationally recognised standards.
The collaboration will draw on NFPA’s global technical expertise, training resources and certification programmes. This includes access to more than 300 fire codes and standards, alongside the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem framework, which focuses on improving safety outcomes through integrated regulation, enforcement, training and compliance. These resources will be used to support the development and refinement of safety standards tailored to Sharjah’s operational and regulatory requirements.
Long Term Commitment
His Excellency Brigadier Yousif Obaid Al Shamsi said the agreement reflects Sharjah’s long term commitment to public safety. “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,” he said.
Jim Pauley 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.”
Fire Risk in the Built Environment
The agreement comes as Sharjah continues to address fire risk in its built environment. In 2024, following directives from His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate launched a government funded programme to replace combustible cladding on buildings with fire resistant materials. The initiative was valued at AED 100 million.
The SCDA NFPA alliance is expected to complement these measures by providing technical guidance and international best practice to support Sharjah’s standards driven approach to fire and life safety.
