Ten Years of Technical Excellence: Hisham M Alsiyabi’s Decade-long Journey at Tenable FEC

At Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC), the dedication and growth of our team members are at the heart of everything we do. Today, we celebrate the ten-year journey of Hisham, a valued fire engineer whose calm approach, technical insight and commitment to quality have shaped some of our most complex and high-risk projects. As he marks this milestone, Hisham reflects on his path in fire and life safety engineering, sharing the experiences, challenges and achievements that have defined his career, along with his perspective on what lies ahead for the industry.

Why fire and life safety engineering

From the beginning, I was drawn to engineering because of its potential to positively impact society. Fire and life safety engineering stood out to me because it combines technical problem-solving with a clear and vital purpose: protecting lives and property. I saw an opportunity to design systems that do more than meet regulations; they save lives, reduce risk and ensure buildings are safe, compliant and resilient. That sense of purpose has stayed with me throughout my career.

Team Tenable

Being part of Tenable FEC has meant working alongside some of the most knowledgeable and committed professionals in the field. The team’s focus on continuous improvement, high safety standards and innovation has created a work environment that challenges and supports me. It’s not just about meeting deadlines, it’s about doing things the right way, with precision and integrity.

Career highlights

Over the past decade, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, many of which involved high-risk or large-scale facilities. Leading fire safety assessments, developing emergency evacuation plans and mentoring junior engineers are some of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Seeing a fire suppression system I helped design successfully implemented on-site is a great reminder of why I chose this path.

A standout project

One project I’m particularly proud of was the fire safety design and certification of a complex mixed-use development. It involved integrating advanced smoke control systems, fire-resistant materials and detailed occupant evacuation strategies. The technical challenges were significant and success required close coordination across multiple disciplines. It was a powerful example of how engineering, collaboration and adherence to international and local codes come together to deliver safe outcomes.

Overcoming challenges

One of the consistent challenges I’ve faced is balancing innovation with compliance. Retrofitting older buildings, for example, often involves structural limitations that require creative solutions without compromising safety or falling short of code requirements. Staying up to date with evolving standards like the NFPA and embracing emerging technologies has been key to navigating these situations effectively.

The mentors who shaped my career

 I’ve been fortunate to learn from Tenable FEC’s directors and a senior fire safety consultant early in my career. Their emphasis on proactive risk assessment, clear stakeholder communication and designing beyond minimum requirements left a lasting impression on me. Their mentorship helped shape how I approach projects, not just from a technical perspective, but also from an ethical and strategic one.

Advice to my younger self

 If I could go back, I would tell myself to look beyond the technical details and pay more attention to the broader context. Building strong relationships with architects, contractors and regulators is just as important as calculations and compliance. I’d also encourage myself to explore tools like BIM and fire modelling much earlier as they’ve become essential in how we work today.

Looking ahead

I believe the next decade will bring major change, especially with the integration of AI and IoT into fire detection and suppression systems. These technologies will transform how we collect data, respond to emergencies and manage risk. That said, they also bring new challenges, particularly in cybersecurity and standardisation. I’m excited to be part of an industry that continues to evolve.

As Hisham celebrates ten years with Tenable FEC, his journey reflects the values that shape our organisation: purposeful engineering, a commitment to growth and a focus on protecting what matters most. From guiding complex projects to mentoring future engineers, his contributions continue to make a lasting impact. We thank Hisham for his dedication over the past decade and look forward to the knowledge, leadership and passion he will continue to bring in the years ahead.