In this edition of our Meet the Expert series, we sit down with Sandy Dweik, CEO and Partner at Thomas Bell-Wright, a leading name in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry. With over 30 years of experience spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, Sandy has been at the forefront of façade and fire testing innovation — helping shape safer, more sustainable skylines across the region. From humble beginnings in a small start-up to leading an internationally accredited organisation within the Phenna Group, her story is one of resilience, technical mastery, and visionary leadership.
Introduction
Can you tell us about your background and journey in your industry?
My journey in this industry began 30 years ago, when I moved to Dubai with my husband to work in the façade sector. I first joined a façade manufacturer, and just a year later, I became part of Thomas Bell-Wright — which at the time was a small start-up — as a Façade Inspector. With a background in Architectural Engineering, I immersed myself in the practical side of Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) for façade systems, learning through hands-on experience and hard work. Over the years, I progressed to lead the Façade Consulting Department, and in 2004 I was offered a partnership in the company.
In 2007, we expanded into fire testing, which opened a new and fascinating chapter in my career. Since then, I’ve focused on building expertise in both façade systems and fire testing, two areas that are absolutely critical to the safety and sustainability of modern construction. My journey has taken me across multiple markets — from the UAE to Saudi Arabia and now into the UK — giving me a truly global perspective on the evolving needs, challenges, and regulations shaping our industry.
What is your current role within TBW, and what does it involve day-to-day?
I am the CEO of Thomas Bell-Wright, which today has branches in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UK. My role is both strategic and hands-on, combining long-term vision with day-to-day operations. On any given day, I might be working closely with my team on business development, ensuring testing projects are delivered with precision, or exploring new opportunities in the market. I also make it a priority to share knowledge and insights with the wider industry, particularly through conferences and speaking engagements, where I enjoy contributing to the dialogue on façades, fire safety, and compliance.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I discovered my passion for this work through experience — I didn’t set out knowing I would love it. Over time, I learned to enjoy it by achieving milestones and successfully completing complex projects. Each stage of a project, from inspections to reviews and approvals, gave me a sense of accomplishment and reinforced my commitment to the field.
Technical and Industry Expertise
What is your specific area of expertise, and why is it important to the industries you serve?
My expertise lies in understanding Quality Assurance and the value of Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services for façades, construction materials, and assemblies. Fire testing and certification for façades and construction elements is particularly vital — fire safety is not just about regulations, it’s about protecting lives and safeguarding investments. I have been privileged to work on many projects that now define Dubai’s skyline, and today, alongside my team, we bring our expertise to rapidly growing markets such as Saudi Arabia and India. In regions where development is happening at an enormous scale, trusted and accredited testing ensures that iconic projects are built to last and meet the highest international standards.
Are there any current challenges or innovations in your field that you're particularly excited about?
One big challenge is the increasing complexity of construction systems — new materials, non-standard designs, and ambitious architectural visions. But that challenge excites me, because it pushes us to innovate our testing methods and expand our capabilities. I’m also excited about the role of digitalization in testing and compliance, which I believe will transform efficiency and transparency in our sector.
Can you share a recent project or achievement that showcases your work or your team’s capabilities?
One of our major highlights has been the launch of our brand-new laboratory in Saudi Arabia, inaugurated in November 2024. This was a significant milestone — the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom — enabling us to support major projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea, and Qiddiya directly on site. In addition, our Dubai team conducted the Biggest Thermal Cycling test in the world, demonstrating not only our technical expertise but also our ongoing commitment to investing in the markets we serve.
Read more about the test here.
Company Profile
Tell us a bit about TBW and the services you provide.
Thomas Bell-Wright is a testing, inspection, and certification company headquartered in Dubai, now expanded with a state-of-the-art laboratory in Saudi Arabia. With global accreditations, we serve clients worldwide. Specializing in fire testing, façade testing, and certification services, our work ensures construction materials and assemblies comply with strict safety regulations and international standards. Furthermore, our UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025 has qualified us as an approved body in the UK, enabling manufacturers to declare CE compliance.
What industries or sectors do you typically serve?
We serve the construction and façade industry, partnering with developers, consultants, contractors, and manufacturers worldwide. In fire compliance, our clients span the globe, while for façade quality assurance, we’ve supported contractors on landmark projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, as well as the Museum of the Future and Zayed Museum in the UAE.
What makes your company stand out in the TICC landscape?
What sets us apart is our agility and specialization. Unlike broad, generalized laboratories, we focus deeply on façades and fire safety. The samples we test are integral parts of assemblies destined for construction, making pre-construction verification critical to ensure they meet the design specifications. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team brings unmatched knowledge and experience, serving as a valuable asset to the construction industry.
Collaboration and Integration
How does being part of Phenna Group benefit your clients and your team?
Being part of Phenna Group gives us the backing of a global network while keeping our local agility. It means access to more resources, more technical know-how, and a shared commitment to high standards. For clients, that translates into confidence that we’re not just a local player but part of an international ecosystem.
Have you had any notable collaborations with other Phenna Group companies?
Yes, we have successfully collaborated with companies offering similar services, such as BET in Ireland, and Builcheck and Stroma in the UK. The overlap in our services has enabled us to work together on equipment sourcing, sales leads, and business strategies, creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
How does the Group’s approach enhance the services you offer?
Phenna Group’s deep understanding of the TIC sector has been invaluable in helping us develop more resilient market strategies. Their agility and quick support were crucial in meeting our deadlines to open a new laboratory in Saudi Arabia and expand into the UK, and we greatly appreciate this proactive and supportive culture.
Looking Ahead
What trends do you see shaping the future of your sector?
Sustainability and resilience will dominate. Clients are increasingly looking for solutions that are both environmentally responsible and safe. I also see more integration of digital tools — from BIM to AI-driven analysis — in testing and compliance. Regulations are tightening globally, which will also drive demand for trusted, accredited services like ours.
What excites you most about what’s ahead for you, your company, and Phenna Group?
For me personally, I’m excited about growing our presence in Saudi Arabia and the UK, while maintaining our leadership in the UAE. For our company, it’s about becoming the go-to fire testing and façade partner in the Middle East and beyond. Within Phenna Group, I’m excited to see how collaboration and cross-pollination of expertise will open new doors for us and our clients.
Personal Insight
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy seeing the direct impact of our work on iconic projects. Knowing that our testing helps make buildings safer for thousands of people is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the relationships — our industry is very people-driven, and the trust we build with clients and colleagues is priceless.
What’s one hobby or passion you pursue outside of your professional life?
I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures with my family, which gives me fresh perspectives and inspires my creativity. I’m also passionate about fitness, helping me stay balanced and energized amidst a busy professional life.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?
On my very first week at Thomas Bell-Wright, 30 years ago, I got a “crash course” in glass surveying—literally. I had to jump into a cradle outside a 17th-floor building and spent three weeks inspecting every single pane of glass. Safe to say, I’ve never looked at windows the same way again!
Sandy’s journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing safety, quality, and innovation in the built environment. Her leadership continues to drive Thomas Bell-Wright’s growth across global markets — setting new benchmarks in façade and fire testing while strengthening collaboration within the Phenna Group. As she looks to the future, her focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and cross-border partnerships ensures that the company remains a trusted partner in building a safer, stronger, and more resilient world.