Health and Safety at Sports and Major Events

Analysis

With the number of sports and major events taking place across the GCC on the increase (not least the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the annual Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, and many international rock bands attracting large crowds) the international spotlight turns on whether health and safety management at major events has been afforded a sufficiently high priority, and whether applicable standards are being maintained.

Regional laws

The GCC countries have implemented laws to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public, which provide a certain level of protection. The standards vary across the region. While a detailed examination of the differences is beyond the scope of this article, we use the developments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as an indicator of the pattern of improvements taking place across the region. In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Executive Council Resolution No. 42 of 2009 (concerning the system of environmental, health and safety management for the Emirate) establishes mandatory laws through partnership between all government and private sectors, to ensure that activities within the Abu Dhabi are undertaken in a responsible, safe and sustainable manner.