Risk Leadership & Safety Consultancy
Health Safety Emirates – Executive Advisory for Complex Operating Environments
When Health Safety Emirates was founded over a decade ago, this level of expert consultancy was always part of our long-term vision. We recognised the need for a regional service that could provide strategic, senior-level safety, resilience, and emergency planning expertise early. While our early years focused on establishing excellence in film and event production safety, we are now proud to bring this broader consultancy offering to life. With the right talent, partners, and regional momentum now in place, our vision has finally come to fruition.
Health Safety Emirates (HSE) has defined the benchmark for safety, risk management, and emergency planning in the Middle East’s most demanding production and industrial environments for over a decade. Building on our legacy of excellence in film and event production risk, we are proud to announce the launch of our Strategic Risk & Resilience Division.
This high-level consultancy supports sovereign entities, government agencies, infrastructure operators, and global corporations across the region. Our expertise spans:
- Fire & Life Safety Strategy
- Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response
- Risk, Crisis and Resilience Management
- Occupational Health & Safety Governance
- Security Threat Mitigation & Command Structures
- Executive Medical Risk & Clinical Resilience
- ESG Integration & Net-Zero Strategy
- Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Risk Advisory
Integrated Capabilities
Our services are supported by strategic partnerships with:
- Transguard Group – for end-to-end security, logistics, and access control
- Amara Healthcare – for clinical risk strategy, onsite medics, and medical governance
Together, we deliver integrated, scalable solutions across film, government, construction, energy, infrastructure, and defence sectors.
At Health Safety Emirates, we don't just manage risk. We build resilience into the fabric of operations.
Executive Leadership
Gareth Thomas MSc, DipIOSH, CMIRM, MIIRSM, GIFireE Managing Director, Health Safety Emirates
Bringing over 25 years of experience in high-risk environments across government, infrastructure, and production. Gareth holds an MSc in Risk, Crisis, and Resilience Management. He is currently completing a DBA focused on Enhancing Risk Management and Safety Culture in the Global Film Production Industry, with a particular emphasis on the GCC region. Gareth has represented the UK fire sector in the Gulf on behalf of the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, CFOA National Resilience Ltd, co-advised on emergency frameworks for the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, and led continuity planning for the Royal Commission of AlUla. Trained in Hostile Intent Detection and Evaluation (HIDE) with the Boston Police Department, he is also a recipient of a Thames Valley Police commendation for public safety leadership. Gareth now serves as the lead safety, security, and emergency response advisor for film production across the Middle East.
Gareth Thomas
Film Production Safety Manager
Based in Dubai, Gareth is the lead Film Production Safety and Security Advisor in the Middle East and the owner of Kensington Event & Media Services FZ LLC, registered in Abu Dhabi, as well as Health Safety Emirates FZE.
In this area of Production Management, Gareth is responsible for Governance and Compliance in all matters related to Production Risk Management, as well as executing Production Operations to mitigate and manage Safety and Security Risks.
Gareth leads the department, directing the production safety framework that covers Production Risk, Safety, Security, Medical Provision, and Emergency Response. He is responsible for managing the department’s budget, ensuring full compliance with studio and insurance standards, and overseeing adherence to local laws and regulatory requirements.
Gareth is responsible for overseeing the full scope of production safety, including the development and management of safety plans, risk assessments, and compliance across all departments. His expertise ensures that safety measures are carefully planned before production begins, addressing potential risks related to the script and the director’s creative ambitions. Gareth collaborates closely with producers and department heads to tailor safety protocols for the specific challenges of each department, such as Stunts, Armourers, Picture Vehicles, Camera, Locations, Construction, and SFX.
Beyond safety management, Gareth is accountable for medical provisions and emergency response plans, ensuring the well-being of the cast and crew from the set to the hospital and all subsequent care. He also oversees the security plans, including the provision of close protection and security measures for Above the Line (ATL) individuals, such as cast members and directors. Gareth ensures that security is robust, with appropriate provisions in place to mitigate risks throughout the production. By effectively communicating with stakeholders, he ensures the production schedule is maintained without compromising safety or the studio’s reputation.
In addition, Gareth has written operational delivery procedures and protocols for Film Commissions in the Middle East that comply with local mandatory regulations and laws while meeting International Studio benchmark standards and deliverables.
Gareth is an OSHAD-qualified practitioner (Abu Dhabi) currently studying a DBA researching "Enhancing Risk Management and Safety Culture in the Global Film Production Industry with a GCC Focus." He is a member of the IRM, IIRSM, and IOSH, a graduate member of the Institution of Fire Engineers, and a registered SIRA member for Security. Gareth is also a registered Close Protection Officer (SIA UK), Range Safety Officer, and a trainer for Highfield International in Security Close Protection, Health and Safety, and First Aid. He is a corporate member of the British Bodyguarding Association.
Gareth has studied Arabic and is currently qualified at an Intermediate Level in spoken and written Arabic.
For further information, contact gareth@healthsafety.ae Mobile: +971 (0) 50 100 1946
| Qualifications / Courses | Discipline | Year |
| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Swiss Business School, Kloten, Switzerland. (Level 8)
Research: “Enhancing Risk Management and Safety Culture in the Global Film Production Industry with a GCC”
*In Progress |
Risk Management |
2025 |
| Master of Science (MSc) in Risk, Crisis, and Resilience Management. University of Portsmouth. (Merit) (Level 7)
Dissertation: “Risk Management Practices and Safety Climate in Abu Dhabi’s Film Production Industry, A Qualitative Study.”
|
Risk Management |
2025 |
| NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management for Professionals (Level 6) | Health & Safety | 2025 |
| IPAF MEWP Operator 3a and 3b | Health & Safety | 2024 |
| IPAF Harness Safety Awareness | Health & Safety | 2024 |
| Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (SIA UK) | Security | 2022 |
| OSHAD SF Practitioners Course ADVETI Abu Dhabi | Health & Safety
|
2022 |
| Range Safety Officer (Firearms) PREPYOU.eu | Security | 2022 |
| NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety | Health & Safety | 2021 |
| Highfield Level 2 International Award in Infection Prevention and Control in the Workplace with Distinction | COVID | 2020 |
| Highfield Level 3 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF) with Distinction | Food Safety | 2020 |
| Highfield Level 3 International Award in First Aid at Work and the Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (Hands-Only CPR) | First Aid | 2020 |
| HABC Level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (QCF) | Health & Safety | 2014 |
| HABC Level 3 International Award in Delivering Training | Training | 2014 |
| HABC Level 2 Award in Fire Safety (QCF) | Fire Safety | 2014 |
| Security Manager -Security Professionals Training Certificate from Dubai Police Academy | Security | 2014 |
| Event Security from Dubai Police Academy (SIRA) | Security | 2019 |
| BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Door Supervisors | Security | 2004 |
| Edexcel Certificate of Unit Achievement in Communications and Conflict Management | Security | 2005 |
| Hostile Intent Detection & Evaluation (Counter Terrorism Course) Boston University | Security | 2013 |
| HND in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management | Management | 1994 |
| Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate with Distinction | Food Safety | 1993 |
| Intermediate Arabic Level 2 Written, Conversational, Reading | Arabic | 2016 |
Film Credits
| 1 | Jack Ryan | Health & Safety Manager | 2025 |
| 2 | APEX Formula One Racing Movie |Health & Safety Manager | 2024 (Dec Shoot) |
| 3 | Now You See Me 3 | Health & Safety Manager , Security HOD | 2024 |
| 4 | APEX Formula One Racing Movie |Health & Safety Supervisor | 2024 (Apr Shoot) |
| 5 | Everything Will Come True (Netflix) | Health & Safety, Security Manager | 2024 |
| 6 | Gran Turismo | Health Safety & Security Advisor UAE | 2023 |
| 7 | Dune Part 2 | Health Safety & Security Advisor UAE | 2024 |
| 8 | Lead Health Safety, and COVID Manager, AlUla Film Commission – Film AlULa |
| 9 | Kandahar | Production Safety & Security Manager | 2023 |
| 10 | Mission Impossible 7 | Local Health & Safety Advisor | 2023 |
| 11 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Ass Location Manager | 2020 |
| 12 | 6 Underground | Location Protection | 2019 |
| 13 | Mission Impossible 6 | Locations Security Advisor | 2016 |
| 14 | Star Trek Beyond | Key Assistant Locations Manager & Security Manager |2016 |
| 15 | Star Wars 7 | Security & Safety Advisor | 2015 |
| 16 | Furious 7 | Locations Assistant & Security Manager | 2013 |
| 17 | Furious 7 (VFX) | Locations Assistant | 2013 |
| 18 | Bourne Legacy | Security | 2012 |
| 19 | Switch | Security Manager | 2013 |
| 20 | Mission Impossible IV | Security Manager | 2011 |
| 21
|
Numerous TV Commercials, including Nike Victory Swim – Health & Safety Manager, Locations, and Security. |
| Sl.No. | Institutions & Centres |
| 1. | Certified Member of the Institute of Risk Management (CMIRM) |
| 2. | Member of the International Institution of Risk and Safety Management (MIIRSM) |
| 3. | Graduate member of The Institution of Fire Engineers (GIFireE) |
| 4. | Technical Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (TechIOSH) |
| 5. | HABC Approved Centre Certificate of Registration to Provide Training & Examinations in Close Protection / First Aid / Health & Safety
|
| 6. | British Bodyguarding Association (Corporate Member) |
Event Credits
Owner and Managing Director of Kensington Event and Media Services FZ LLC, KEMS Event Management LLC, and General Manager of Kensington Design LLC.
Specialist Producer for all Automobile Event Productions in the GCC. Clients include Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Lotus, and Morgan.
Studios / Production Houses
Universal. Paramount, Warner Bros, Walt Disney, Legendary, Thunder Road, Apple, Amazon, MGM, Lucas Film Ltd, Bad Robot and Netflix
Gareth Thomas
Terry Johnson
Terry Johnson FIFireE
A fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers and current President of its UAE/GCC Branch, leads HSE’s Fire and Emergency Response consultancy. With over 47 years of service, including a 12-year tenure as a senior fire service advisor with Dubai Civil Defence, Terry has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's fire safety protocols and emergency response strategies. His experience encompasses overseeing training programs, developing policies and procedures, and contributing to writing the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice. Terry has also participated in many major incident responses, including the Torch Tower and Address Hotel fires, providing incident command support and post-incident investigations.
Terry Johnson
Lead Fire Safety & Emergency Response Advisor
Terry Johnson is a highly experienced and capable fire service professional with over 47 years of dedicated fire and rescue operations service. He began his career with Oxfordshire Fire Service in 1978, serving at Oxford's main City fire stations before progressing to Abingdon and Kidlington Headquarters roles. Additionally, he studied and served at the UK Fire Service College, where he was assigned to the International Development section.
Terry has extensive overseas experience, having been seconded to North Africa with the
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. He was then seconded to the Middle
East, where he had prominent roles within the UAE and Dubai Civil Defense directorates for
the Ministry of Interior. He also served as Director of Emergency Services on two significant
projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong
ability to establish and align standards, always focusing on assurance and competency. He
reviews Fire and Life Safety code compliance, offering engineering and performance-based
solutions while maintaining high safety standards.
Over his career, Terry has received recognition, including a Queen's Award for bravery, for his
actions being above the usual call of duty, two Chief Fire Officers' commendations, and medals
for outstanding contribution to Public and community safety and security. He has also
received praise from senior governmental authorities and industry leaders for his
achievements, commitment during incident responses, and leadership in maintaining high
standards. He has also been involved in various special projects focused on innovative
technologies and enhancing operational readiness and response capabilities.
Terry holds a Fellowship with the Institution of Fire Engineers and currently serves as the
regional President of the UAE/GCC branch.
As a Health Safety Emirates Advisory Board member, Terry will utilise his extensive experience,
expertise, and professional network to provide strategic insights and guidance that support
the organisation’s goals and tasks. His commitment to fire and life safety only adds to the
organisation's efficiency and core values. In terms of operational and emergency response
elements, Terry will contribute valuable advice on operational outcomes and initiatives
relevant to the board. He is dedicated to encouraging innovation and fostering positive
development while focused on providing the ‘best in class ' solutions within the industry.
For further information, contact info@healthsafety.ae
Richard Bate, Richard IOSH President Elect - CFIOSH FIIRSM PMASSP
A Chartered Fellow of IOSH and President-Elect, brings over 30 years of global experience in occupational safety and sustainability. His portfolio includes Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and entertainment events across the BBC, Netflix, and Apple TV+. In the Middle East, Richard has successfully led safety and sustainability operations for multiple mega-events in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where his knowledge of local regulatory frameworks, multi-stakeholder coordination, and grassroots implementation has been instrumental. He complements this with sustainability credentials from Cambridge, MIT, and Imperial College.
Richard Bate
Global HSE & Sustainability Expert
Richard thrives in the high-pressure environment of sports, live music, and entertainment. He advocates occupational health, safety, and sustainability as his first career choice. He is a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, Fellow of IIRSM, and Professional Member of ASSP. He has spent more than 30 years working in the events and entertainment space, working on multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games and two Bollywood movies. More recently, he worked with the World Rally Championship, Formula 1, Formula E, E-Bike Grand Prix, BBC, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
With a focus on driving excellence in safety, he brings a wealth of global knowledge and
experience to enhance organisational safety practices to achieve operational
excellence. He is committed to delivering results and providing effective leadership to
support organisations in achieving their goals through a grassroots, sustainability-
driven approach to health, safety, diversity, equity, and the elimination of harm.
Richard became passionate about event sustainability while working with Formula E.
Over the last two years, he has enhanced his knowledge of sustainability by undertaking
undergraduate courses at Cambridge University, Imperial College London, and the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
As a volunteer, Richard is the President-Elect of IOSH, a Council member of NOEA, and
a passionate trainer and mentor.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bate-vice-president-iosh-cmiosh-fiirsm-
4b547118/
Richard Bate
Dr. Vaibhav Sharma
Dr. Vaibhav Sharma
Founder and Medical Director of Amara Healthcare, leads HSE’s medical consultancy. A graduate of Imperial College London and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health, Dr. Sharma has redefined medical readiness through Amara One, a concierge healthcare model tailored for high-performance environments. His expertise spans preventative health, medical governance, and 24/7 clinical support for complex projects across the UAE. From remote film sets to executive retreats, Dr. Sharma and his team deliver bespoke care with hospital-grade oversight.
Dr. Sharma
Doctor | Amara Healthcare
Dr. Vaibhav Sharma is the Founder and Medical Director of Amara Healthcare, a premium concierge medical service with flagship practices in both London and Dubai. With a background in family medicine and preventative health, Dr. Sharma and his team deliver discreet, high-touch medical care to high-profile individuals, corporate clients, and film productions across the UAE and internationally.
A graduate of Imperial College London, Dr. Sharma has cultivated a reputation for delivering personalised, 24/7 care through Amara’s signature service, Amara One. His approach blends clinical excellence with hospitality-grade service, ensuring clients receive seamless medical support wherever they are — from private residences and hotels to remote film sets.
Through Amara Healthcare, Dr. Sharma provides on-call medical support for major film and television productions, offering services such as on-set medics, wellness screening, and emergency response planning. His team works closely with production safety leads to ensure cast and crew welfare is maintained without disrupting the creative process.
With a commitment to discretion, responsiveness, and world-class care, Dr. Sharma continues to redefine what modern medical support looks like — whether for individuals, families, or entire production units.
Contact us
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Email:
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Phone:
AFFILIATES
Prepyou.eu
The Institution of Fire Engineers
Highfield
iosh International
British Bodyguard Association