In an effort to modernise the country’s civil protection framework, the UAE Government has issued a federal decree-law to reorganise the Civil Defence Authority. It aims to enhance the country’s readiness to respond to emergencies and disasters while ensuring the highest standards of public safety and protection. The decree establishes a new entity named ‘Civil Defense Authority’ that will operate as part of the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority. Earlier, the Civil Defense Department used to operate under the Ministry of Interior. The reorganisation focuses on improving coordination between local and federal entities working in civil defence, developing advanced alert and evacuation systems, providing care for affected individuals, and forming specialised teams for relief efforts. The authority is also responsible for creating hazards prevention programmes and establishing safety standards, securing buildings and facilities against fire hazards, and deploying rapid response teams to incident sites to extinguish fires effectively. The authority’s duties extend to establishing and equipping specialised risk management centres and public alert systems to warn residents of potential hazards. It will also prepare evacuation plans for residents when necessary and ensure residential and institutional buildings are adequately equipped. Medical and social care will also be provided for […]