Latest news with #AhmedAlsheebani
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE authority finds multiple gas use violations, launches awareness campaign
Poor installation, substandard equipment, and lack of regular maintenance are among the most common risks associated with gas use in Abu Dhabi, according to field surveys and inspections conducted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE). The department observed frequent violations among residents using LPG systems, including domestic workers and labourers who use gas appliances, as well as employers in restaurants and cafeterias who are responsible for ensuring their workers are adequately trained. Violators also included recruitment companies involved in hiring workers for such roles. Among the most common violations were the use of substandard hoses and gas equipment, reliance on unlicensed gas suppliers, and the storage of gas cylinders without a permit from the Department of Energy — all of which pose significant safety risks. However, these risks can be mitigated through stricter enforcement, certified installations, and increased public awareness. Thousands of inspections To safeguard lives and property, the DoE launched the second phase of its public awareness campaign promoting the safe and responsible use of LPG systems. Held under the slogan 'your safety is our priority', the campaign continues efforts initiated in 2024 and 2025 to reinforce regulatory compliance and embed a culture of safety. Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Petroleum Products Sector, told Khaleej Times, 'We inspected more than 11,000 facilities as part of broader efforts to enhance compliance, encourage the safe use of gas, and instill a culture of safety and accountability across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.' Precautions As part of the gas systems improvement initiative, the Department replaced 450 central gas tanks and control panels, installed over 10,000 gas leak detectors in buildings. It decommissioned outdated or duplicate systems in several properties to reduce risk. Alsheebani added 'This vital project significantly enhanced the safety of central gas systems across the emirate, through thorough assessments and necessary upgrades.' To ensure compliance, the DoE enforces a series of gas safety regulations. These include prohibiting the use of gas cylinders in buildings equipped with compliant central gas systems, ensuring proper ventilation and emergency exits in commercial kitchens, and mandating periodic maintenance by authorised service providers. Leaks must be reported immediately via emergency numbers 997. Requirements Commercial establishments, such as restaurants, must also maintain updated documentation, including: a Certificate of Conformity, a No-Objection Certificate, a Project Completion Certificate, an Annual Maintenance Contract, and a Civil Defense Safety and Prevention Compliance Certificate. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including potential closure. Adopting preventive practices The department advises families and food establishments to adopt preventive practices, like installing gas leak detectors, working only with authorised gas companies, and conducting regular safety checks. For instance, homeowners are encouraged to test for leaks by applying soapy water to gas connections — bubbles may indicate a leak — and to promptly replace any damaged hoses. Alsheebani stressed, 'If you smell gas, turn off the main valve immediately, ventilate the area, avoid turning on electrical switches or flames, and call emergency services or your gas provider.' Through its ongoing awareness campaign, the DoE is promoting safe gas use through a comprehensive outreach strategy. This includes digital campaigns in eight languages across social media platforms, SMS notifications in partnership with government entities, and the distribution of multilingual leaflets to food businesses. Additionally, the department is organising Gas Safety Majlis sessions and interactive workshops aimed at vulnerable groups, including labourers and kitchen workers, utilising educational tools like virtual reality to reinforce best safety practices and alter behaviour.
Al Etihad
04-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy completes remediation project for gas systems in buildings
4 June 2025 14:19 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has successfully completed the Gas Systems Remediation project in buildings with a 100 percent completion rate. Over 200,000 safe working hours were recorded during the implementation of the programme, which began in August 2023, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of gas systems across the Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, emphasised that ensuring the safety of Abu Dhabi's residents, properties, and economy is a top priority for the Qubaisi said, 'Safety is a collective effort and a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in this sector. Building owners play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the community. We began our inspection and remediation project in August 2023 and have successfully inspected over 3,100 buildings across the Emirate.''I would like to express my gratitude to the building owners in Abu Dhabi for their significant efforts and cooperation, which enabled us to focus our efforts on achieving a safer, more stable, and more sustainable energy sector for the Emirate.'The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy revealed the results of the Gas Systems Remediation Project, announcing the successful completion of work on over 2,400 buildings, including more than 200 buildings classified as high-risk, which were addressed urgently. Additionally, 550 previously undetected gas leaks were identified and repaired, and all gas filling lines were relocated outside the buildings, achieving a 100 percent completion rate. The project also included the replacement of more than 450 gas tanks and control panels, as well as the installation of over 10,000 gas leak detectors inside Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at DoE, Eng Ahmed Alsheebani, said, 'Abu Dhabi continues to lead in ensuring the safe use of gas systems, recognising gas as a vital resource that impacts various aspects of daily life and plays a key role, alongside clean and renewable energy sources, in supporting the stability of the energy sector. I urge all Abu Dhabi residents to remain vigilant when dealing with gas; through collective efforts, we will continue to build a safer and more sustainable community.'Alsheebani extended his appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED), the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Police, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA), and the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center, all of whom contributed effectively to the implementation of this to the Executive Regulations for Gas Works in Buildings, property owners are required to sign an annual maintenance contract with a gas operator permitted by the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi. They must also undergo regular inspections and maintenance conducted by an independent, DoE-approved third-party inspection addition, property owners must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi confirming the safety and operability of their gas systems. This certificate has become a key requirement for obtaining the conformity with preventive safety requirements Certificate (ISTIFAA) from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi, Singapore explore collaboration in regulation of petroleum products trading
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory framework governing the petroleum products sector, a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), headed by Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director-General of Regulatory Affairs, undertook an official visit to the Republic of Singapore. The purpose of the visit was to explore leading global practices in the regulation of petroleum product trading, operational management, and inspection procedures, as well as to identify opportunities for joint collaboration with Singapore's regulatory entities, technical institutions, and specialised firms. On this occasion, Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi stated, 'This visit reflects the DoE's commitment to advancing efficiency and sustainability across Abu Dhabi's energy sector by leveraging distinguished international expertise. Singapore serves as a forward-looking example in regulatory oversight and technological innovation. During our visit, we aimed to expand the horizons of technical and regulatory cooperation in a way that supports the Emirate's aspirations for a more secure, efficient, and resilient energy system.' Meanwhile, Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector, stated, 'The DoE endeavors to support Abu Dhabi's strategy focused on creating integrated infrastructure, adaptable procedures, and efficient oversight for petroleum products trading. This aligns with sustainable economic development trajectories and reinforces the Emirate's standing as a global energy centre.' Throughout the visit, the delegation familiarised itself with the procedures in place, along with the regulatory, technical, and operational policies and practices concerning the buying, selling, transporting, storing, distributing, and importing of Natural Gas, LPG, and petroleum products. The visit program also featured field tours of a number of companies active within these sectors. A series of meetings with various government entities and premier institutions, complemented by several site visits, were conducted by the delegation. Engagements included the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Singapore Customs, the Crisis Management and Control Center, and regulatory authorities responsible for safety and technical standards. Additionally, meetings were held with leading companies like Singapore Petroleum Company (SPC), Senoko Energy, City Energy, Vopak, Singapore Power Group, JTC Corporation, and Gas Hub Pte Ltd. These engagements were intended to strengthen cooperation within regulatory domains, facilitate knowledge exchange regarding policies, apply optimal safety and sustainability practices, and encourage compliance with global standards. The visit's findings are projected to contribute to the development of increasingly integrated and preemptive regulatory policies, enhancing the effectiveness of the Emirate's energy system while keeping abreast of worldwide trends concerning energy security, the shift towards carbon neutrality, and the automation of systems. This contribution is set to strengthen Abu Dhabi's pioneering role in the adoption of international best practices throughout the energy sector.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy delegation visits Singapore
Abu Dhabi: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory framework governing the petroleum products sector, a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), headed by His Excellency Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of Regulatory Affairs, undertook an official visit to the Republic of Singapore. The purpose of the visit was to explore leading global practices in the regulation of petroleum product trading, operational management, and inspection procedures, as well as to identify opportunities for joint collaboration with Singapore's regulatory entities, technical institutions, and specialized firms. On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi stated: 'This visit reflects the DoE's commitment to advancing efficiency and sustainability across Abu Dhabi's energy sector by leveraging distinguished international expertise. Singapore serves as a forward-looking example in regulatory oversight and technological innovation. During our visit, we aimed to expand the horizons of technical and regulatory cooperation in a way that supports the Emirate's aspirations for a more secure, efficient, and resilient energy system.' Meanwhile, His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector, stated: 'The DoE endeavors to support Abu Dhabi's strategy focused on creating integrated infrastructure, adaptable procedures, and efficient oversight for petroleum products trading. This aligns with sustainable economic development trajectories and reinforces the Emirate's standing as a global energy center.' Throughout the visit, the delegation familiarized itself with the procedures in place, along with the regulatory, technical, and operational policies and practices concerning the buying, selling, transporting, storing, distributing, and importing of Natural Gas, LPG, and petroleum products. The visit program also featured field tours of a number of companies active within these sectors. A series of meetings with various government entities and premier institutions, complemented by several site visits, were conducted by the delegation. Engagements included the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Singapore Customs, the Crisis Management and Control Center, and regulatory authorities responsible for safety and technical standards. Additionally, meetings were held with leading companies like Singapore Petroleum Company (SPC), Senoko Energy, City Energy, Vopak, Singapore Power Group, JTC Corporation, and Gas Hub Pte Ltd. These engagements were intended to strengthen cooperation within regulatory domains, facilitate knowledge exchange regarding policies, apply optimal safety and sustainability practices, and encourage compliance with global standards. The visit's findings are projected to contribute to the development of increasingly integrated and preemptive regulatory policies, enhancing the effectiveness of the Emirate's energy system while keeping abreast of worldwide trends concerning energy security, the shift towards carbon neutrality, and the automation of systems. This contribution is set to strengthen Abu Dhabi's pioneering role in the adoption of international best practices throughout the energy sector.
