Rapid economic growth and industrialization increases the demand for labor. Euler Hermes Economic Outlook Report predicts that most GCC countries would expand at or above the regional average, where the UAE only is expected to witness a growth of 4 percent. Reports published by the Economist Intelligence Unit states that the GCC will remain dependent on foreign labour by 2020 despite a range of efforts to encourage the employment of nationals. Immigration therefore poses a threat of pandemic diseases like the current Ebola outbreak. Safeguarding and promoting the health and safety of workers, therefore remains the prime concern for every organization.

Themed as 'Sustaining Operational Performance with Better Safety Culture', the 4th Middle East OHS Strategy Forum organized by Fleming Gulf at Abu Dhabi, UAE between 5-7 May 2015 intends to bring a change in the workplace safety culture by recognizing job hazards and implementing safer practices. The past two editions witnessed an overwhelming response of over 150 attendees and 16 participating countries contributing to the success of the event. Safety Supervisor at Riyadh Cement Company expressed his opinion about the forum, “The event was really informative and productive and can help in building individual strategy according to regional strategy and remodelling according to annual or periodic changes in the required strategy.”

This year's forum will feature national and international industry experts from Alstom, Etihad Airways, ADNOC, Qatar Petroleum, Aluminium Bahrain, Saudi Aramco, IOSH, and many more sharing their knowledge and practical examples on topics such as industrial hygiene lapse, HSE through design and other topics related to occupational health and safety. Running industrial hygiene programs have always been a challenge in most of the industries.

Bronze sponsor Medgate, a global leader in EHS software, helps in overcoming occupational health and industrial hygiene challenges by providing EHS software solutions. Ma'aden, whose representative is speaking at the forum, has implemented Medgate’s EHS Data Management Software. Alongside the two day forum, the delegates will have access to 2 strategic workshops on the third day.

An article published in the Gulf News stated that chronic fatigue and stress caused by long working hours are taking a heavy toll on UAE's workforce which has led to staggering increase in stress-related illnesses such as heart ailments and diabetes. Keeping this in mind, one of the workshop sessions will focus on fatigue management as it is one of the most predominant issues prevailing in the industry.