Al-Attar: Digital Transformation and Technology Reduce Risks in Oil Sector

Deputy Undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil, Nadia Al-Attar, affirmed that the safety of workers and the protection of lives represent a fundamental priority in the oil and gas sector. This responsibility extends beyond merely applying regulations and procedures; it is rooted in building a robust institutional safety culture, ensuring that every individual is aware of their role and responsibility in preventing risks and safeguarding their own safety and that of their colleagues.

Al-Attar added in her speech, delivered on behalf of Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi during the opening of the 13th International Conference on Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment and Loss Prevention 2026, that given the rapid developments and evolving challenges facing the oil sector, it has become essential to shift from a reactive approach to risk management—dealing with risks after they occur—to a more advanced concept based on anticipating, predicting, and mitigating the impacts of risks before they materialize.

She stated that the growing role of modern technology and digital transformation is developing the safety system through monitoring and early warning systems, data analysis, and smart technologies, enabling early identification of risk sources. She noted that these developments support decision-making and contribute to enhancing the efficiency of responses to incidents and emergencies.

She pointed out that developing the safety system is closely linked to developing human capital through continuous training, knowledge and experience transfer, skills development, and improving workers’ efficiency and ability to handle modern technologies and emerging risks. She explained that these interactions enhance the oil sector’s readiness and capacity to confront challenges.

Al-Attar mentioned that the Ministry of Oil is keen on supporting these trends by strengthening the culture of safety and prevention, monitoring the readiness and emergency response system, and participating in exercises and field visits in coordination and cooperation with relevant entities in the oil sector and related government authorities. She clarified that achieving advanced safety levels requires the integration of three main elements: cutting-edge technology, qualified human resources, and the reinforcement of institutional culture, thereby embedding safety as a core value at all levels of work.

She said that such conferences and professional forums represent an important opportunity to exchange experiences and successful practices, discover innovative solutions, and build bridges of cooperation among specialists and institutions alike. Furthermore, translating knowledge and expertise into practical applications positively impacts worker safety and the work environment.

Al-Attar praised the efforts of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) – Kuwait Chapter, as well as the roles of the conference organizers and participants, wishing their work every success. She expressed hope that the discussions and recommendations would contribute to strengthening the safety culture, developing competencies, supporting innovation, and ultimately achieving a safer work environment and a more efficient and sustainable oil sector.

Al-Attar hinted that this event, which brings together a select group of specialists and experts to exchange knowledge and experiences and to learn about the latest practices and technologies in safety, health, and environmental fields, contributes to developing the work environment and enhancing safety and sustainability levels. She hoped that the conference workshops and activities would leverage the experiences and expertise to translate outcomes into practical applications that enhance safety in the oil and gas sector.

In response to a question on the sidelines of the conference regarding the role of the private sector and the extent of cooperation between the government sector and institutions, Al-Attar stated that the private sector is a partner in carrying out tasks, especially in light of current developments. She added that the role of government authorities in relation to the oil sector is highly significant and represents a key partnership in developing environmental safety and enhancing oil and gas operations.

For his part, Fadel Al-Ali, President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Kuwait Chapter, said that the conference aims to reduce accidents and injuries and provide a safe workplace for workers and employees through training and awareness programs, as well as presenting technical papers on the latest developments and technologies in this field.

Al-Ali added that this year’s conference theme is “Introducing Artificial Intelligence to Serve Health, Safety, and the Environment to Achieve Loss Prevention,” noting that AI has begun to encompass all industrial, scientific, and medical fields, and has also entered the health, safety, and environment sector, where it will make a significant difference.

For his part, Ahmed Al-Shatti, Chairman of the 2026 Health, Safety, and Environment Conference Committee, stated that oil sector companies must maintain high flexibility in addressing local challenges in Kuwait and regional challenges in the area. He emphasized that proactive plans are always in place to manage situations, even in the event of a production halt, and that alternative plans and lessons learned from past experiences must always be available to help achieve the desired objectives.