JEDDAH: British and Saudi firefighters have joined forces for the Formula 1 Ƶn Grand Prix in Jeddah.
Professional crews from the UK have been training with their Saudi counterparts as fire marshals for the upcoming race in the Red Sea coast city.
Nine members of Britam Arabia, a Saudi and British joint venture that provides private fire and rescue services at 11 sites throughout the Kingdom, have been undergoing specialist training in support of the Saudi Civil Defense at the prestigious sporting event.
The Britam Arabia volunteers, who protect some of Ƶ’s most vital infrastructure, are relishing the chance to hone their skills and experience at the big race both for the qualifying stages and the main event.
British fire chief, Iqbal Ali, originally from the UK but now working for Britam Arabia in Makkah and living in Jeddah, praised the quality of training they had received.
He said: “Fire safety at Formula 1 events requires a special skill set and the training our firefighters are receiving from the race organizers is first class.
“We are delighted to support this exciting event and are relishing the chance to be part of the fire safety support team track side. We are stood by to provide any assistance in any way we can whenever we are called upon,” he added.
Britam Arabia provides a full range of professional firefighting services in the Kingdom, from fire safety consultancy to station operations, in support of the Vision 2030 reform plan.
