Coinciding with World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Training in Riyadh launched the “Occupational Health and Safety Exhibition 2026,” a strategic step aimed at promoting preventative practices and building safe and sustainable work environments. The event witnessed broad participation from five vital sectors, including health, education, and volunteer organizations, with the goal of establishing a culture of safety as an integral part of the Kingdom's work system.
Background and importance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Every year on April 28th, the world celebrates World Day for Safety and Health at Work, a day designated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to raise global awareness about preventing occupational accidents and diseases. This event in Riyadh underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to these international standards and their integration into its ambitious development plans, particularly in light of the mega-projects underway as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the safety of human capital.
Exhibition details and strategic objectives
Engineer Abdullah Al-Kathiri, Assistant Deputy Governor for Support Services, inaugurated the exhibition on behalf of the event's patron, Dr. Bader Al-Ahmad, in the presence of leaders from training institutions in the region. The event aimed to raise the level of adherence to regulations that ensure the protection of human resources and the sustainability of training and work environments. The activities included presentations and messages of support from training institution leaders, all emphasizing the necessity of integrating health and safety concepts into daily operational plans.
Engineer Al-Kathiri toured the exhibition halls, where he reviewed the preventative contributions of the participating entities, which included: technical colleges, secondary industrial institutes, the First Health Cluster, the Injad Search and Rescue Association, and the National Building Academy. These entities showcased a range of their field initiatives aimed at enhancing individuals' preparedness to deal with potential risks.
Impact of the event at the local and national levels
The impact of this exhibition extends beyond Riyadh, reflecting the national drive to establish global standards in occupational safety. By enabling visitors to acquire practical preventative skills through interactive exhibits featuring live demonstrations in first aid and safety measures, the event contributes to building a more aware and responsive society for emergencies. Developing a skilled workforce equipped with a safety culture enhances the efficiency of the labor market and reduces workplace accidents, positively impacting productivity and the national economy.
In a humanitarian and voluntary gesture reflecting a spirit of social responsibility, the scout troops made a remarkable appearance in organizing and welcoming guests, with active and distinguished participation from scouts with hearing impairments and girl scouts. This highlighted the inclusiveness of the message and the importance of the solidarity of all segments of society. The event concluded with honoring the participating entities in recognition of their contributions to the success of this important awareness campaign.
