Federal fire protection framework reshapes ambulance and civil defence remit in UAE

New federal authority for ambulance and civil defence

The UAE President has established the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence to oversee national ambulance and civil defence functions, replacing existing arrangements and reporting directly to the Cabinet.

The decision was taken on Sunday 12 October, and the authority will be chaired by Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh.

According to Khaleej Times, the new body assumes the role previously held by the National Guard Command and Civil Defence Authority in relation to the National Ambulance Company.

The authority has legal, financial and administrative independence, with full legal capacity to act within its mandate.

Its responsibilities cover policy development, risk assessment, public alerting, specialist consultancy and training related to ambulance and civil defence.

New federal fire protection system remit

Khaleej Times reported that the authority will propose and prepare policies, strategies and legislation for ambulance and civil defence, working with relevant local authorities and national bodies.

It will study potential incidents, risks and disasters in order to design risk prevention programmes and risk management plans in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority.

Within fire protection, the authority is tasked with setting the controls and requirements needed to secure buildings and facilities against fires.

It will develop systems to protect buildings and facilities against fire, defining controls, requirements, scope of application and related provisions for those systems.

These fire protection systems and requirements will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Public alert, evacuation and shelter planning

The new authority will ensure ambulance services are provided and that emergency cases receive rapid response and transport for injured people.

Khaleej Times stated that it will establish a national public alert system to warn residents about potential hazards, again in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority.

Its remit includes developing evacuation plans for residents and supervising how those plans are carried out during hazards.

The authority will oversee shelter plans, including identifying locations, arranging equipment and managing shelters when hazards occur.

It will coordinate with entities responsible for internal security and safety systems, including oil companies, airports and other vital facilities, to agree joint plans and procedures for providing support when requested.

Consultancy, training and relationship with local authorities

Khaleej Times noted that the authority will provide consultancy services in ambulance and civil defence fields and build a comprehensive database covering information related to its remit.

It will prepare and deliver training and awareness programmes, mock drills and joint exercises for qualified personnel and volunteers.

The authority will monitor radiological, chemical and biological pollution hazards in times of peace and war and take the necessary response measures in cooperation with competent authorities and other relevant entities.

The Decree Law clarifies that these federal tasks do not affect the powers of local authorities responsible for ambulance and civil defence, which may continue to act under their own governing legislation.

Relevance for emergency and civil protection planning

The creation of a single federal authority responsible for ambulance and civil defence policy will be directly relevant for civil defence chiefs and senior officers who must align local procedures with national requirements.

Central control of building fire protection systems, including the development of controls and requirements for securing buildings and facilities, will affect fire safety officers, fire engineering consultants and system installers working on code compliance.

A national public alert system and federal oversight of evacuation and shelter planning will have practical implications for emergency and disaster response managers, particularly those coordinating multi-agency incident responses.

Formal coordination with oil companies, airports and other vital facilities means oil and gas safety officers and airport and mass transit facility managers will need to engage with the authority on joint planning and support mechanisms.

The authority’s role in monitoring radiological, chemical and biological pollution hazards, combined with its consultancy, training and data-gathering functions, will also be relevant for risk assessors and specialist emergency planners involved in CBRN preparedness.