UAE To Celebrate World Civil Defense Day On March 3

Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Civil Defense Acting General Commander-in-chief, reiterated the Directorate General of Civil Defense’s commitment to engage members of the public in its strategic plans and educational awareness programs. This approach stems out of the firm belief that enhancing prevention awareness among community members can contribute to instilling safety-oriented behavior within society, ultimately resulting in a decrease in the number of accidents and the size of damages and losses, should they occur.

This statement was made by Major General Al Matroushi during the press conference he held at the Ministry of Interior’s Headquarters. He also announced that the UAE will join the rest of the world in marking the “World Civil Defense Day” on March 3. “This year’s celebrations will be held under the slogan ‘Civil Defense and Culture of Prevention for a Safer Society’,” he said.

Major General Al Matroushi added that the MoI, represented by the Directorate General of Civil Defense Directorate, spares no effort to boost community members’ confidence in the services it offers, through multiple awareness, educational, and scientific activities. This embodies the MoI’s strategic goal, which falls in line with the government’s vision, to have the UAE become one of the best countries in the world in terms of excellence and public services.

Furthermore, Major General Al Matroushi said that the main tasks carried out by the Civil Defense, notably protection, prevention, and control, are a set of integrated services, motivated by awareness. “Enhancing community members’ awareness of potential risks is a key prerequisite to support our goals of protecting lives, property, and the environment,” continued Major General Al Matroushi.

Major General Al Matroushi also noted that all Civil Defense Departments across the UAE will simultaneously organize celebrations to mark this occasion, as per the program set by the Higher Organizing Committee of the World Civil Defense Day celebrations. Additionally, he said that the UAE Civil Defense’s 4th Annual Fire Safety Technology Forum will be part of the Civil Defense’s activities on the occasion, and will be held at The Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi. It will showcase the latest applications and international practices in the field of public safety. The forum will host a number of prestigious international experts and leading industry professionals who will share their experiences, which could become part of the development components of the Civil Defense’s future plan.

“The UAE Civil Defense’s 4th Annual Fire Safety Technology Forum, which tackles the issue of ‘Emergency Planning and Recovery’, aims to enhance awareness and promote technological innovations locally and internationally, by inviting firefighting and fire safety specialists to share their expertise and knowledge in this area,” he added.

The 4th Annual Fire Safety Technology Forum will collocate with the World Civil Defense Day celebrations for 2014. This annual event acknowledges the efforts and sacrifices made by firefighters all over the world. Five international experts have been invited to review land and sea-based emergency management and fire investigation techniques.

In conclusion, Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Civil Defense Acting General Commander-in-chiefexpressed his thanks and appreciation to the forum’s sponsors, for their role in achieving the Civil Defense goals, and supporting this vital body. He also answered the questions and queries of media representatives.

The press conference was attended by Brigadier Mohammad Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of Ras al-Khaimah Civil Defense Department, in addition to a number of General Directors, Civil Defense Heads of Departments, and a number of senior officers from the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Feb 22, 2014

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