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The authority continues its efforts to develop a comprehensive safety and prevention system through proactive strategies focused on reducing accident rates, raising public awareness, and applying the highest global standards in training and preparedness. Every centre, patrol, and member of the civil defence forms part of a connected network spanning the emirate, working around the clock to ensure that security and safety are not accidental, but the result of meticulous planning and collective determination within a professional, committed, and socially responsible work environment.
Brigadier General Yousef Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director-General of SCDA, stated: “The authority’s vision is based on the UAE’s approach of prioritising human safety as a national priority above all else. We work within a comprehensive national strategy guided by wise leadership and translate this vision into practical action plans built on sustainability, innovation, and community partnership. Our goal is for Sharjah to serve as a model in risk prevention and forward-looking emergency management.”
He further explained that SCDA aligns all operational plans with government performance indicators and national strategies, focusing on human resource development and empowering personnel with knowledge and modern technologies. He added: “We do not wait for emergencies to act; we act before they occur. We plan, monitor, analyse, and build our capabilities on solid scientific and field foundations. The ultimate goal is to build a societal safety culture in which every individual in Sharjah becomes part of the prevention and awareness system, making civil defence a shared responsibility.”
SCDA manages an extensive network of centres across the emirate, supported by advanced communication and monitoring systems and field teams ready to respond in various
circumstances. These centres undergo continuous development and updating plans, including equipment, vehicles, and training programmes, enhancing their ability to handle all types of incidents with speed and precision. Operations rooms are continually upgraded and electronically linked with relevant authorities to ensure maximum coordination during emergencies.
Major General Saeed Obaid Rashid Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director-General of SCDA, confirmed that field readiness represents one of the authority’s main work pillars. He noted that daily performance relies on the integration of human resources with smart infrastructure. He said: “Today, the authority has 14 centres equipped with the latest specialised equipment and vehicles, alongside deployment points in vital locations such as industrial areas, ports, and commercial and tourist complexes. This wide coverage enables rapid response within minutes, reflecting the investment in developing our human and technical capabilities and our commitment to reaching every incident site as quickly as possible.”
He added that SCDA relies on advanced training programmes, regularly updated and informed by international experiences in firefighting, rescue, evacuation, and marine firefighting, ensuring its field teams can handle any emergency, no matter the severity. He highlighted that the smart systems adopted by SCDA connect command centres with the field around the clock, enhancing coordination, speeding up decision-making, and ensuring precise, data-driven responses based on actual geographic location.
SCDA runs extensive community awareness programmes throughout the year, covering nurseries, schools, universities, and government and private institutions, in addition to field workshops in residential areas. These initiatives teach the public basic prevention, evacuation, fire extinguisher use, and proper handling of hazards. These awareness efforts are an essential part of civil defence work, which views prevention as the first line of defence for lives and property. The authority also launches innovative initiatives to boost community participation and instil shared responsibility for prevention and public safety.
SCDA supports sustainable development by integrating environmental sustainability into its operations, updating its vehicle fleet for better fuel efficiency and using eco-friendly lighting systems in centres. These initiatives reflect Sharjah government’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving quality of life, alongside adopting advanced electronic systems that facilitate quick, efficient access to services without the need to visit field centres.
As civil defence personnel continue their duties around the clock, the objective remains clear: Sharjah must remain a safe city for all residents and visitors. Every incident is not merely a report but a new test of readiness and a daily embodiment of teamwork and national loyalty. The achievements of civil defence heroes each day reflect the Emirati spirit of generosity and the deep-rooted values cultivated across generations in public service and loyalty to the nation.
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