UAE President Establishes Federal Authority For Ambulance And Civil Defence With Ahmed Al Sayegh As Chairman
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has enacted a Federal Decree Law to form the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, has been appointed as its Chairman. This new Authority will replace the Civil Defence Authority and the National Guard Command concerning the National Ambulance Company.
The Authority is tasked with managing ambulance and civil defence matters. It will propose and develop policies, strategies, and legislation related to these areas. Coordination with local authorities and relevant entities is essential for implementing civil defence measures. These proposals will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
One of the primary responsibilities includes establishing a national alert system in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority. The Authority will also develop evacuation plans for residents and oversee their implementation alongside competent authorities.
The Authority is responsible for studying potential incidents, risks, and disasters. It will create management plans in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority. Risk-prevention programmes will be prepared along with necessary requirements for managing such risks.
Additionally, it will establish controls to secure buildings against fire hazards. This involves developing systems to protect facilities from fire in coordination with relevant entities like the Central Bank of the UAE. These systems require Cabinet approval before implementation.
The Authority will coordinate with entities responsible for internal security systems such as oil companies and airports. Joint plans will be organised to provide support upon request from these entities. This ensures a unified approach to safety across vital facilities.
Training programmes are another focus area. The Authority will prepare training sessions, mock drills, and joint exercises for qualified personnel and volunteers in ambulance and civil defence fields. This aims to enhance preparedness among those involved in emergency response.
Monitoring Pollution Hazards
Monitoring radiological, chemical, and biological pollution hazards during peace and war times is crucial. The Authority will take necessary response measures in cooperation with competent authorities to address these threats effectively.
The Decree Law clarifies that while the new Authority has extensive competences, it does not infringe on local authorities' powers regarding ambulance and civil defence measures under existing legislation governing their affairs.
A comprehensive database of information related to its competences will be established by the Authority. This database aims to facilitate better coordination among competent authorities by providing access to essential data when needed.
With inputs from WAM
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