Dammam, Saudi Arabia, February 19, 2025 – The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) and Dammam Airports Company (DACO) are pleased to announce a strategic agreement focused on improving fire safety standards. As the first aviation entity in the Middle East to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NFPA, DACO will collaborate with the association to deliver education, training, and certification for fire safety professionals, contributing to the creation of safer environments for all.

The MoU was signed by Michael Brunzell, vice president for Global Business Development at NFPA, and Mansour F. Al-Otaibi, chief financial officer at DACO. This new effort is dedicated to advancing fire prevention and raising awareness of fire risks. DACO, which is at the forefront of advancing fire and life safety standards, will further strengthen its leadership through this agreement by incorporating global best practices, and enhancing training and certification programs. It will also leverage NFPA expertise to develop new safety protocols.

Commenting on the agreement, Mansour F. Al-Otaibi, Chief Financial Officer at DACO said, “We are delighted to collaborate with NFPA to provide professionals in fire and life safety with access to world-class education and training on safety codes and standards, enabling us to create the safest possible environments. With the aim to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation sector, maintaining the highest fire and life safety standards remains a top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of both our employees and the public.”

“We are excited to team up with DACO to help them further improve fire and life safety standards. As infrastructure development continues to grow in the region, it’s vital for governments, professionals, educational institutions, and industry leaders to work together to maintain the highest safety standards. This partnership will help create a strong network where fire safety professionals can stay informed with the latest resources, enabling them to ensure safer environments for all,” said Michael Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at NFPA.

Through this agreement, DACO will gain access to NFPA educational and training resources as well as certification programs. Moreover, DACO fire and life safety specialists will be granted NFPA membership, enabling them to participate in relevant industry events and the ability to review standards and codes as needed. The collaboration will also leverage insights from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety EcosystemTM, a framework designed to reduce risks and prevent injuries, fatalities, and property losses caused by fire, electrical, and other hazards. Supported by NFPA analysis of publicly available fire data, economic impact studies, and international comparisons, this effort will enable DACO to enhance safety protocols and boost operational efficiency within the Kingdom’s aviation sector.