UAE Hosts 39th International COSPAS-SARSAT Meeting To Enhance Global Search And Rescue Operations

The UAE is hosting the 39th International Meeting of the COSPAS-SARSAT Programme, a global satellite-based search and rescue initiative. Under the patronage of Major General Staff Pilot Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard, this event will occur from May 27 to June 5 in Abu Dhabi. It will gather over 200 experts from 45 countries.

COSPAS-SARSAT is an international humanitarian organisation that coordinates a satellite-based system for search and rescue operations worldwide. The programme ensures distress signals are detected and transmitted promptly to relevant authorities, aiding life-saving missions globally. Since its inception in 1982, it has contributed to saving over 66,000 lives.

The UAE became a member of COSPAS-SARSAT in 2009 and has since been actively involved in enhancing its mission. By adopting top-tier standards in search and rescue operations, the country plays a significant role in shaping global policies. This meeting aims to foster international cooperation and reinforce the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.

The National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) operates with advanced technologies and a strong response infrastructure. It manages nine sophisticated ground stations that receive, analyse, and relay distress alerts to dedicated rescue teams across the nation. These efforts have led to numerous lives being saved both domestically and internationally.

In 2024 and early 2025, the NSRC conducted over 1,200 operations. These ranged from land rescues to maritime missions and airborne medical evacuations. The Centre's fully integrated coordination hub operates round-the-clock using advanced AW139 helicopters equipped with night vision systems and thermal imaging cameras across five operational zones in the UAE.

The Centre also monitors maritime and terrestrial distress frequencies for immediate response capability. It leverages cutting-edge technology by integrating the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and developing an AI-powered platform for real-time analysis of distress signals. These innovations aim to reduce response times significantly during emergencies.

Commitment to Innovation and Humanitarianism

These technological advancements align with the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which seeks to optimise technological resources across government entities for improved efficiency. By hosting this international meeting, the UAE reaffirms its leadership in humanitarian operations while showcasing its dedication to innovation, cooperation, and strategic foresight.

The event highlights the nation's values of inclusive humanitarianism by enhancing global resilience through collaboration. The UAE's enduring commitment to supporting life-saving missions is evident as it continues to lead efforts in advancing global search and rescue initiatives.

With inputs from WAM