By Lieutenant Colonel Dr Humaid Al Ali, Deputy Director of Fire Affairs, UAE Civil Defense GHQ

The UAE has established a pioneering model for addressing the challenges in firefighting and societal protection through clear strategies, best practices and the adoption of modem technologies.

By enhancing the capabilities of its civil defence forces, the UAE has effectively tackled the global challenges faced by civil defence teams worldwide.

The UAE’s efforts have yielded tangible results, positioning the nation at the forefront of international rankings in security, protection and community prevention.

The global firefighting sector faces numerous challenges due to rapid urbanisation and population growth, necessitating improvements in efficiency and capabilities to meet these demands.

Here are some of the key challenges and strategies:

1. Increased costs and urban density

The expansion of urban areas and rising population density require the establishment of more civil defence stations and a larger workforce, which, presents significant financial challenges.

Shifting the focus from immediate response to proactive fire prevention and safety is crucial.

For instance, the UAE Civil Defense has effectively implemented the Hassantuk smart system, which monitors, predicts and prevents fires.

2. Adoption of modern technology and artificial intelligence

Incorporating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, is essential for realising potential benefits, though it involves substantial costs.

A comprehensive technology strategy is needed, encompassing the setting of future goals) enhancing IT efficiency and establishing performance indicators.

Streamlining procedures, transitioning to paperless management and unifying data on a single platform are vital steps toward smart management.

3. Balancing fire code standards and economic considerations

Civil defence departments must strike a balance between enforcing fire safety standards and considering the economic implications for local communities.

Utilising specific tools and models for law compliance can help reduce fire-related incidents and fatalities.

Departments with direct control over law enforcement tend to perform more effectively than those managed by other local entities.

4. Coordination with various stakeholders

Many fire incidents cannot be mitigated without collaboration with other communities, organisations, or stakeholders, posing a significant challenge for local civil defence department.

For example, reducing fire-related deaths in residential buildings requires joint efforts between civil defence and local authorities responsible for managing and supervising these buildings.

5. Addressing diverse fire incident types

As the world rapidly changes, new inventions, ideas and challenges emerge daily, necessitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among global civil defence departments.

While global warming and its side effects may not be directly linked to civil defence, they undeniably impact the environment, prompting a re-evaluation of current strategies.

Emphasising international cooperation and the exchange of best practices can lead to better outcomes in managing these unique threats.

Collaboration among global civil defence departments is essential for a safer future, highlighting the importance of proactive strategies, technological adoption and international cooperation in the evolving landscape of fire and safety management.

About the IFSJ Influencer

Humaid Al Ali holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and is a Lieutenant Colonel serving as the Deputy Director of Fire Affairs with the UAE General Command of Civil Defence.

He is a visionary leader in safety and fire station operations and has a distinguished record of service, having been named “Best Officer in the Civil Defense Sector” three times.

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This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal.

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