The first Middle East Conference on Fire Safety in Aviation was recently convened in Abu Dhabi at which speakers stressed the importance of planning and preparation to build a safe airport environment. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, chairman of ADAC, which is hosting the International Aviation Fire Protection Association, welcomed more than 100 delegates from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East to the two day conference. He told delegates that safety and security were the building blocks on which a successful aviation business is built and that fire safety was a vital part of building a safe environment in which the aviation industry can prosper. “It is through proper planning, coordination and practice that resources can be organized to deal with an emergency. ADAC is pleased to host this conference which is a forum to share expertise and knowledge in crisis management and emergency preparedness and to develop innovative soloutions to enhance aviation safety and security,” he told attendees. The conference showcased the success of Abu Dhabi's emergency exercise, held in late 2007, to test the preparedness of agencies in the capital of the UAE and their ability to respond to a major aircraft incident. Operation Oryx brought together more than 15 different agencies in a test exercise.