Interview with Dr Naseem Rafee, CEO of the Environment, Health, and Safety Agency, Dubai Municipality
Growing inclusiveness in the world of security and safety continues to bring fresh perspectives, ideas, energy and leadership to the table. In honour of International Women’s Day, we spoke with Dr Naseem Rafee, this year’s winner of Intersec’s Women Trailblazers in Security/Fire Safety Award.
During this short interview, Dr Rafee outlined how women’s contributions to the industry are being increasingly recognised and valued. However, there is still more work to do, and more to be gained from the increased presence of female leadership at every level.
Intersec Pulse: You have a remarkable track record of delivering impactive projects (the Montaji project, introducing advanced air quality monitoring systems to municipal buildings, to name a few). Which one are you most proud of?
Dr Naseem Rafee: In health and safety, every initiative we develop is designed to work seamlessly as part of a comprehensive and integrated health and safety approach that aligns with Dubai Municipality’s Vision and Strategic Plan 2022–2026. Rather than viewing individual projects in isolation, we ensure that each one complements and reinforces the other. Everyone at ESH was very proud of Montaji, and it’s a good example of this approach; it’s not just a consumer product compliance system — it plays a crucial role in occupational safety by ensuring that Business-to-Business (B2B) products and chemicals are registered in accordance with the highest international standards.
Intersec Pulse: Now that Montaji has been in place long enough to fully assess its efficacy, what would you say it has achieved since its launch?
Dr Naseem Rafee: It’s now a well-established set of product registration processes and standards. This contributes to fire safety through proper labelling and storage requirements for highly flammable products. By increasing compliance rates from 67% in 2021 to 80% in 2023, Montaji has directly contributed to reducing fire hazards associated with unsafe products.
Intersec Pulse: Do you have any other recent milestones you would like to share?
Dr Naseem Rafee: Our smart inspection system is another milestone that means a lot to me and the rest of the agency, as it integrates fire safety, occupational health, and environmental compliance into a unified risk assessment framework. With over 60,000 establishments monitored, this system has enhanced compliance rates, improved response times, and significantly reduced incidents. We also have a number of workforce safety programmes to our credit, including leadership training in risk assessment, fire drills, and emergency preparedness, ensure that safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a shared responsibility at all levels.
Intersec Pulse: How can the UAE build on its recent successes to accelerate improvements in safety and health standards?
Dr Naseem Rafee: The UAE has made significant strides in health, safety, and fire prevention, but future advancements require a multifaceted approach that integrates technology, collaboration, and education. Firstly, a tech-driven approach is essential, particularly with the adoption of AI-powered risk assessment tools, predictive analytics for fire hazards, and IoT-based monitoring systems. These innovations will enhance real-time safety interventions and data-driven decision-making.
Intersec Pulse: And as these technological innovations improve data management and decision-making, do you feel that there is greater opportunity for collaboration between government entities and private enterprises?
Dr Naseem Rafee: Absolutely, and greater cooperation between the public and private sectors will amplify existing safety improvements as we pool both sides’ strengths and resources. Leveraging the agility and innovation of the private sector alongside the regulatory expertise of government bodies will create more sustainable and effective safety frameworks.
Intersec Pulse: Where should the emphasis be placed when considering the UAE’s future strategy for improving safety across all parts of society?
Dr Naseem Rafee: Future strategies should focus on embedding safety into sustainability initiatives, ensuring that fire prevention, occupational health, and environmental safety are integrated into green building standards and climate adaptation strategies. Continuous investment in workforce training and competency development is also key. Safety should not just be a compliance measure but a core value embedded across whole industries.
Intersec Pulse: When you think about the future of safety in the UAE, what sources of strengths can the country rely on to create a safer living environment for everyone to enjoy?
Dr Naseem Rafee: The UAE’s future in safety will be shaped by a balanced strategy that merges innovation, regulatory strength, and public-private collaboration. These are three things we do very well, and will keep improving. This approach will ensure that safety standards evolve ahead of emerging risks rather than merely reacting to them.
Intersec Pulse: As a woman who is a trailblazer in your industry, do you think female contributions to the security and safety industries are being fully recognised?
Dr Naseem Rafee: Female contributions to safety and security are increasingly being recognised and valued, but more structured efforts are needed to accelerate gender inclusion in leadership roles. While women have taken on key roles in fire safety, risk management, and policy development, increasing representation at the decision-making level is essential to shaping industry policies and practices from a diverse perspective.
Intersec Pulse: What needs to be done to drive further female inclusion?
Dr Naseem Rafee: Three main elements are required: mentorship, education, and stronger diversity policies. Targeted mentorship and leadership development programmes will ensure that young professionals have access to role models and career guidance. Meanwhile, education initiatives can encourage more women to enter technical and leadership roles in safety. Crucially, industry-wide diversity policies will not only encourage hiring but also ensure retention and professional growth opportunities for women in safety and risk management.
Intersec Pulse: Is supporting these three elements a strong priority for ESH?
Dr Naseem Rafee: It is. I am proud to have led initiatives that empower teams with specialised safety training, making my department the first in Dubai Municipality to achieve NEBOSH Leadership Excellence certification — setting a model for industry-wide adoption. In 2024, we also earned five prestigious certifications from Great Place to Work, reflecting our commitment to maintaining a high-performing and safety-focused work environment. Also, we’ve found that showcasing success stories of women in safety inspires more young professionals to break stereotypes and take on leadership roles in security and risk management.
Intersec Pulse: What are you currently focused on, project-wise? Do you have specific ambitions or new projects planned for the near future?
Dr Naseem Rafee: My focus is on advancing smart technology, data-driven safety solutions, and continuous education to enhance resilience and position Dubai as a global leader in safety innovation and best practices. Right now, I am leading a safety culture transformation programme to ensure Dubai Municipality remains a model for proactive risk management, moving beyond regulatory compliance. Expanding fire safety education also remains a priority, and we have plans to scale the Junior Safety Ambassadors programme to more schools and universities over the next two years.
Intersec Pulse: Are you confident about the future of female leadership in the safety and security industries in the UAE?
Dr Naseem Rafee: The progress we have made in recent years is promising, but ensuring that women have equal opportunities to shape safety policies and innovations is crucial for long-term industry growth and resilience. With greater inclusion, we can collectively strengthen Dubai’s leadership in health and safety, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for us all.