Drydocks World Dubai has achieved a groundbreaking, world-first milestone with the IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) approval of its virtual reality (VR) safety training programme, the first of its kind to be accredited by IOSH anywhere in the world.
Developed entirely in-house by Drydocks World Dubai’s Learning & Development team, the immersive VR training module represents a major leap in safety education and workforce engagement.
The programme, which has successfully trained more than 15,000 employees and contractors, provides realistic, site-specific learning experiences that mirror the unique challenges of ship repair, construction and offshore environments.
Delivered in four languages, English, Hindi, Urdu and Tamil, the training focuses on 11 key hazards, allowing participants to learn and practise essential safety procedures in a fully immersive environment without real-world risk.
Inclusive and impactful
“Drydocks World Dubai has shown how digital innovation can make safety training more inclusive and impactful, particularly in regions with highly diverse, multilingual workforces. By approving this programme, we’re setting a new precedent for how immersive technology can enhance learning, retention and long-term safety culture,” affirmed Iain Mcintosh, Senior Business Development Manager, IOSH.
“Previously, trainees found classroom sessions lengthy and repetitive. With VR training, they are fully immersed and actively engaged throughout the experience. The feedback has been outstanding, reflected not just in surveys but in meaningful behavioural change,” asserted Mahfoodha Makki, Senior Manager, Talent Development, Drydocks World Dubai.
“A key takeaway for our future regional partners is the importance of involving IOSH at the early stage of the programme design to ensure that content, structure and assessment are well aligned from the start. This collaboration with Drydocks has opened the door to an exciting new generation of IOSH-approved digital training worldwide and transformed how learning is delivered and experienced,” noted Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Executive Officer, IOSH.
Established in 1983, Drydocks World Dubai is one of the leading ship repair, maintenance, and offshore service facilities in the Middle East. Covering more than one million square metres, it provides engineering, procurement and construction services for the global maritime industry, serving vessels and rigs of all sizes.
