Building a community committed to safety needs collaboration at its core. That’s why in October 2025, RTITB Middle East and key partners from the region visited RTITB in the UK. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the RTITB Safety Chain and the proven methodologies and technologies that can help transform lifting equipment and road transport operations in the Middle East.
On the trip, we were delighted to welcome Mr. Mohammed Al-Naabi, the CEO of Oman Energy Association (OPAL Oman), Dr. Mohamad Mustafa Al-Najjar, General Director of the General Directorate of Training from the Ministry of Labor (Sultanate of Oman), and Hamad Al-Huqail, Director of Jeddah Branch, of the Saudi Logistics Academy. Also Syed Mohamed Hashem AlAwi, Chief Inspector, Ministry of Labor Bahrain, and Mr. Khalid Al Syiabi, General Manager Oman, representing Oman Logistics Association (OLA) and OPAL.
The honorable guests were hosted during the visit by Abdullah Al Busaidi, Regional Director, RTITB Middle East, and Laura Nelson, Managing Director, RTITB.
The first day included some local sight-seeing opportunities, and a tour of the RTITB headquarters and RTITB Instructor Academy training center. As well as a presentation and discussion session that provided an overview of the RTITB Safety Chain, an approach which is at the center of everything that RTITB does and its mission to save lives.
Collaborating to raise safety standards with the RTITB Safety Chain
The Safety Chain approach outlines the path to safe workplace transport operation, through:
- Content that is credible and delivered in a compelling way
- Confidence from both the Instructor and the learner, supporting community knowledge sharing and courage in communication
- Compliance through bespoke IT systems and customer-made software
- Consistency to create momentum and culture change and to create value
It is proven to deliver measurable operational and safety improvements. This approach is an essential part of the journey towards raising safety standards in the Middle East.
The visitors received demonstrations of the latest technologies and practices used in transport and lifting equipment training. As one of the big benefits of meeting in person is the opportunity to collaborate, there was also time in the agenda to share knowledge, skills, and experience. Discussions included a review of international best practices and future cooperation opportunities.
Collectively, the group also addressed ways to work together to achieve the goal of meeting the needs of the Omani and Gulf labor market, and talked through ideas around enhancing the quality of vocational training programs with consistent, high-quality content, and confident instruction.
Celebrating partnership at the RTITB Safety Summit and Training Awards
On their second day in the UK, the delegation had the opportunity to attend the RTITB Safety Summit and Training Awards 2025 in Manchester, UK. The daytime conference consisted of inspiring stories, insightful panel discussions, and trending topics all focused on one shared goal: promoting human safety in the workplace. It highlighted the importance of working together to help promote a safe and sustainable work environment, and spread the culture of safety and professional excellence in our region.
In the evening, the Middle East Accredited Partners attended the RTITB Training Awards dinner, an event exclusively for RTITB Partners and Instructors. Here, the visitors were collectively honored, to show appreciation and recognition for their outstanding efforts and support in championing safety in the Middle East.
The group was awarded the appreciation shield in acknowledgment of their roles as effective strategic partners in 2025. The award celebrates their combined efforts in developing competencies and raising the levels of safety and professionalism in the logistics and transport sector.
The mission of RTITB and RTITB Middle East is to keep people safe. Working together with local authorities and organizations to strengthen safety, quality, and skills across the region helps to drive excellence and make training more impactful than ever.
We would like to extend our thanks to our stakeholders for joining the team on this visit to the UK and to express our gratitude for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to raising standards and supporting workforce development.
Get in touch with the RTITB Middle East team
If you’re interested in raising your safety standards or implementing an innovative approach to training, contact the RTITB Middle East team and learn how the Safety Chain can benefit your operation.
Call/WhatsApp: +968 92806270 or email our team on middleeast@rtitb.com.
Author: Abdullah Al Busaidi, Regional Director Middle East, RTITB
As Regional Director for RTITB Middle East, Abdullah Al Busaidi is based in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, where he works closely with regional stakeholders, training institutes, and industry representatives.
He is a knowledgeable and experienced leader, coach, and training practitioner. He has worked in relevant industries for more than two decades. These include oil and gas, logistics, and aviation.
Abdullah is passionate about raising standards and safety in workplace transport operations in the Middle East, helping support efficiency, and ultimately help save lives.
Find Abdullah Al Busaidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-al-busaidi-90570361/