The UAE Search and Rescue Team ended their first progressive drill in preparation for the heavyweight classification by the International Search and Rescue Committee of the United Nations. The drill took place for over 36 hours and occurred with the participation of the Qatari National Search and Rescue Team “Lekhoya.”
Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police Central Operations said that during the drill, the Search and Rescue Team’s responding capabilities to natural disasters and incidents where building collapses were assessed according to the adopted international system, noting that the drill was conducted in two different locations. He also emphasized that the drill is a translation of the UAE’s five-year strategy in the areas of security and safety and is line with the vision of the police command.
Furthermore, during the drill, the field capacity of the team was assessed in terms of management, medical and logistics services, search, rescue, and police dogs (K-9) adding that the assessment will help to determine the current situation of the team in order to achieve the goal of execution and activation.
Major General Al Raisi also mentioned the participation of the Qatari National Search and Rescue Team “Lekhoya,” with fourteen of its members taking part in the drill. They participated in order to benefit from the UAE’s experience in the field of search and rescue. In addition, this will strengthen and activate the Gulf system disaster response and management. The Majesties, Highnesses, and leaders of the GCC ensure to continuously strengthen this system with the support of the GCC Interior Ministers. This system is essential especially in cases when these countries are under natural conditions and variables that directly affect Gulf States such as, earthquakes, hurricanes, and heavy rains.
Furthermore, Lieutenant Ahmed Abdullah Al Kuwari from the Qatari Search and Rescue Team affirmed that the UAE Search and Rescue Team enjoy a truly international reach and a renowned reputation in terms of efficiency and development of performance and achievements. Moreover, he stated that the UAE team is a model in the areas of search and rescue, which motivates them to develop their team and reach the UAE Search and Rescue Team’s high level.
Lieutenant Al Kuwairi affirmed that the Qatari Search and Rescue Team benefited from the UAE experience in search and rescue. This prepared his team to enter the area of the international classification during the next two years, adding that the cooperation with the UAE team is underway and allows the Qatari team to benefit more from its expertise and various experiences.
Additionally, he was impressed by the UAE Search and Rescue Team’s advanced level. He added that the drill, which lasted 36 hours, is very important for the Qatari Search and Rescue Team to enhance the experiences of its members.
The total number of officers and personnel who participated in the drill in preparation for the heavyweight classification was 16 officers and 87 individuals who took part in six training courses during the year 2012.