- The United Arab Emirates will host the next World Fire Congress in 2028 following the formal handover in London.
- The 2026 Congress brought together fire and emergency service representatives from more than 60 nations.
- Discussions covered climate-driven disasters, structural fires, emerging technologies, prevention, response and firefighter health and safety.
The second World Fire Congress, hosted by the UK’s National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) at the QEII Centre in Westminster on 8–9 September, brought together fire and emergency service leaders, government representatives, researchers and industry stakeholders from more than 60 nations.
The event focused on shared challenges facing fire and emergency services, including prevention and protection, disaster readiness, firefighter health and wellbeing, emerging technologies and lessons learned from major incidents. Climate-driven disasters, structural fires and the changing demands placed on emergency services were also among the issues addressed.
The Congress builds on the inaugural event held in Washington, DC, in 2024, which established the international forum and its founding principles. The 2026 meeting was intended to strengthen collaboration between Congresses, with the development of ongoing Communities of Practice supporting continued knowledge-sharing and international cooperation.
For the Middle East fire and life safety community, attention now turns to the UAE’s hosting of the 2028 Congress. The handover represents an opportunity to bring the global fire and emergency services community to the region and provide a platform for sharing regional experience and expertise alongside international approaches to emerging fire risks.
The World Fire Congress is designed as a biennial forum, with its steering committee comprising international fire service organisations from Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other participating nations.