IQ and National Safety Institute in UAE sign MoU
Memorandum of Understanding marks key milestone in supporting growth of vibrant professional community in United Arab Emirates
THE Institute of Quarrying (IQ) President Ben Williams recently welcomed distinguished representatives from the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) National Safety Institute (NSI) to the National Stone Centre (NSC) in Derbyshire, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration for the quarrying and extractives industries.
The NSI visiting team included: Nahayan Alteneiji (chief executive officer); Dr Kamal Saleh (chief operating officer); Ghazanfar Imran (chief financial officer); and Ageel Bishara (executive office manager).
The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IQ President Mr Williams and NSI CEO Nahayan Alteneiji. This agreement establishes the foundation for creating an IQ branch in the UAE, aimed at promoting professional development, enhancing safety standards, and advancing educational excellence across the region’s extractives sector.
Underscoring the importance of this emerging relationship, the NSI representatives demonstrated their commitment by flying in and out on the same day, highlighting their dedication to forging strong ties with the IQ and supporting the growth of a vibrant professional community in the UAE.
During their visit, the NSI team received a comprehensive presentation from Mr Williams on the Institute of Quarrying’s century-long legacy, its mission, and its vision for the future, including the development of the new Centre of Excellence at the NSC site.
The guests were given a tour by the IQ President around the Millennium Wall, the M1 Quarry, and other key features of the NSC site, engaging in discussions about potential cultural contributions to the walls and collaborative opportunities in training and education going forward.
Mr Williams remarked: ‘The visit from NSI was a powerful reminder of the global relevance of our work. We were proud to share our history and ambitions, and we’re excited about the potential for this partnership to bring our educational programmes, such as the Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering, to a wider international audience.’
The partnership was made possible through the efforts of Javier Muñoz, IQ Honorary Vice President and head of training and education (Asia Pacific region) at EPC Groupe, whose work in the UAE has been instrumental in building bridges between the two organizations.
‘This collaboration is a testament to the shared values of safety, education, and professional excellence that both NSI and IQ uphold,’ said Mr Muñoz. ‘It’s an honour to help bring our communities together and lay the groundwork for a thriving IQ presence in the UAE.’
James Thorne, chief executive officer of IQ, added: ‘We were delighted to welcome NSI to the National Stone Centre. Their commitment to advancing safety and professional standards aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to supporting their journey in establishing a strong IQ branch in the UAE.’
