Red Sea Global Launches First Health and Safety Training Academy

Red Sea Global (RSG) has officially opened its first Health and Safety Training Academy, following a successful pilot phase that trained 1,000 workers. The academy, announced by RSG in a press release cited by the Saudi Press Agency, is designed to provide free, high-standard safety training for the company’s workforce, partners, and contractors. Located within RSG’s development area, the facility aims to set a new benchmark for occupational safety in the Kingdom, aligning with the highest international standards certified by organizations such as Highfield, IOSH, and NEBOSH.

Context and Background

The establishment of the Health and Safety Training Academy reflects Red Sea Global’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and operational excellence as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The academy addresses a critical need for skilled and safety-conscious labor in the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding tourism and construction sectors. By offering free, accessible training, RSG is not only enhancing the capabilities of its own projects but also contributing to the broader national goal of building a world-class, safety-oriented workforce. This initiative follows RSG’s recent milestones, including 10 million hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on Shura Island and 11 million hours without an LTI on Shebara Resort, demonstrating a proven track record of safety leadership.

Key Details

The academy offers a unique, practical curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning over traditional classroom instruction. Group Head of Health and Safety at RSG John Dunne stated, “By ensuring exemplary safety protocols across all RSG’s developments, the academy aims to become the benchmark institution for health and safety training for Saudi Arabia and beyond.” The facility features modern indoor classrooms, outdoor training stations, and specialized safety areas equipped with scaffolding, walking work platforms, gantry cranes, confined space chambers, and CPR training equipment. Trainees build critical safety competencies through vivid simulations that demonstrate real consequences of safety violations. Additionally, RSG has secured an official license to deliver IOSH Working Safety Training in English and Hindi, enabling in-house training that reduces reliance on third-party providers.

Implications and Impact

This development positions Red Sea Global as a regional leader in occupational safety, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s reputation for rigorous standards in mega-project management. The academy’s focus on inclusive training, including courses in Hindi, supports a diverse workforce and fosters a culture of safety across all RSG projects. By obtaining IOSH accreditation, RSG elevates its training standards and sets a precedent for other developers in the Kingdom. The initiative also contributes to the stability and efficiency of major tourism projects, such as the Red Sea destination, which is expected to attract international visitors and investors. Enhanced safety protocols reduce operational risks, improve worker morale, and support timely project delivery, all of which are vital for sustaining Saudi Arabia’s economic growth.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Red Sea Global’s Health and Safety Training Academy directly supports Vision 2030’s objectives of diversifying the economy, developing human capital, and creating a vibrant society. By investing in world-class training infrastructure, RSG is helping to build a skilled and safety-conscious workforce that will underpin the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to international best practices in occupational safety, ensuring that its megaprojects meet the highest global standards. As the Kingdom continues to open its doors to the world through projects like the Red Sea destination, the academy will play a vital role in delivering safe, sustainable, and memorable experiences for visitors, while providing rewarding careers for Saudi nationals and residents alike.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Red Sea Global Health and Safety Training Academy?

A1. It is a new training facility opened by Red Sea Global to provide free health and safety training to its workforce, partners, and contractors, following a pilot that trained 1,000 workers.

Q2. Where is the academy located?

A2. The academy is located within Red Sea Global’s development area in Saudi Arabia, though the exact address was not specified in the official announcement.

Q3. Who can attend training at the academy?

A3. Training is available for RSG’s workforce, partners, and contractors, offered free of charge as part of the company’s safety commitment.

Q4. What certifications does the academy adhere to?

A4. The academy adheres to international safety standards certified by organizations such as Highfield, IOSH, and NEBOSH.

Q5. Who is the Group Head of Health and Safety at RSG?

A5. The Group Head of Health and Safety at RSG is John Dunne, who oversees the academy’s operations and safety protocols.

Q6. What is unique about the academy’s training method?

A6. It is the first academy in Saudi Arabia to emphasize practical, construction-themed training with vivid simulations over traditional classroom instruction.

Q7. What equipment does the academy use for training?

A7. Equipment includes scaffolding, walking work platforms, gantry cranes, confined space chambers, and CPR training facilities.

Q8. How many workers were trained during the pilot phase?

A8. During the pilot phase, 1,000 workers were trained at the academy.

Q9. What languages are available for IOSH training at the academy?

A9. IOSH Working Safety Training is offered in both English and Hindi.

Q10. Why did RSG obtain an IOSH license?

A10. The license allows RSG to deliver IOSH training in-house, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on third-party providers.

Q11. What safety milestone did Shura Island achieve?

A11. Shura Island achieved 10 million hours worked without a Lost Time Injury (LTI).

Q12. What safety milestone did Shebara Resort achieve?

A12. Shebara Resort achieved 11 million hours worked without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) since its opening in October 2024.

Q13. How does the academy support Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030 by developing a skilled, safety-conscious workforce for Saudi Arabia’s tourism and construction sectors.

Q14. What is the academy’s primary goal?

A14. The academy aims to become the benchmark institution for health and safety training in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Q15. Is training at the academy free?

A15. Yes, training is provided free of charge to RSG’s workforce, partners, and contractors.

Q16. What type of training does the academy focus on?

A16. It focuses on essential construction skills and safety capabilities through theoretical and hands-on training.

Q17. How does the academy foster a safety culture?

A17. By using practical equipment and simulations to demonstrate real consequences of safety violations, promoting proactive safety awareness.

Q18. What is the significance of the IOSH accreditation?

A18. It marks RSG as an approved partner and licensed provider, reflecting dedication to safety excellence and inclusive work environments.

Q19. How does the academy benefit RSG’s partners?

A19. Partners and contractors gain access to free, certified training that enhances their safety skills and project performance.

Q20. What future role will the academy play?

A20. It will continue to set safety standards for Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainable development.

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