The Planning and Development Department – Licensing, which operates under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, is continuing its essential role in enhancing operational safety within its jurisdiction by implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework. This framework integrates inspections, certifications, permits, and enforcement measures, ensuring the highest levels of compliance with the established standards.
The Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHSS) department has conducted an extensive inspection program, culminating in 16,000 visits throughout 2025. These inspections targeted industrial and commercial entities, as well as public health facilities operating within the corporation’s areas of responsibility, with the aim of promoting health and safety by improving operational efficiencies and increasing compliance with regulatory requirements.
The inspections were carried out as part of a periodic oversight program that encompasses a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing and industrial processing, heavy manufacturing and assembly, facilities for manufacturing and storing chemicals and hazardous materials, industrial and service workshops, storage and logistics facilities, fuel, gas, and energy sectors, hospitality and accommodation establishments, retail businesses, as well as environmental service facilities and waste management operations. This also included public health facilities related to personal care, health, and hygiene services, along with medical and community health outlets, recreational spaces, and labor accommodations. Additionally, the safety of industrial machinery and equipment was verified, addressing activities that require enhanced safety controls. This broad oversight ensures Licensing’s ongoing commitment to reinforce compliance with regulatory standards, create a safe and accident-free work environment, protect workers and the public, mitigate risks, and preserve lives.
Safety Standards
Abdullah Mohammed Al Hool, CEO of the Planning and Development Department – Licensing, stated, “The inspection visits reflect our commitment to applying the highest standards of health and safety, and ensuring a secure and sustainable work environment across all entities within our jurisdiction. The efforts of our field teams and specialists in the Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability department have a substantial impact on enhancing compliance levels, minimizing risks, and safeguarding lives and communities, thereby supporting our strategy for operational sustainability and delivering services based on best practices.”
He further noted, “These efforts resulted in a total of 16,021 field inspections, alongside 15,627 document review and audit tasks conducted in 2025 by the Health and Safety division. The inspection results reflected a compliance rate of 94.06% and a non-compliance rate of 5.94%. This demonstrates the extent of supervision and oversight being practiced by the EHSS management and its ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant, and sustainable business environment, as well as an effective level of engagement with establishments, operators, and partners.”
He added, “We are dedicated to developing an integrated oversight system based on global best practices through intensified field visits and enhanced assessment tools, which will aid in preparing establishments to meet health and safety requirements. We are also keen on fostering effective partnerships across various sectors to ensure the implementation of the highest preventive standards, instill a culture of health and safety compliance, and cultivate a secure work environment free from accidents, thereby protecting the community and preserving lives.” Notices of violations have been issued to non-compliant establishments, providing them with specified timelines to rectify their situations and submit the required responses within the established regulatory framework in order to address and control risks, and to implement the necessary corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.