UAE Establishes Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence under New Decree Law

President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a Federal Decree Law establishing the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence, alongside a Federal Decree appointing His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, as its Chairman.

 

Under the Decree Law, the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence is established with legal personality, and financial and administrative independence, possessing the legal capacity necessary to act. It shall report to the Cabinet and will replace the Civil Defence Authority and the National Guard Command with respect to the National Ambulance Company (NA).

 

The Decree Law defines the Authority’s responsibilities, making it accountable for ambulance and civil defence affairs. It is tasked with proposing and developing policies, strategies, and legislation related to these areas, in coordination with local authorities concerned with ambulance and civil defence matters and with other relevant entities. The Authority will submit such proposals to the Cabinet for approval.

 

It is also responsible for studying potential incidents, risks, and disasters, and for developing the necessary plans for their management, in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority.

 

The Authority shall prepare risk-prevention programmes and related requirements, as well as the plans necessary for managing such risks, in collaboration with the competent authorities and relevant entities.

 

Additionally, the Authority will establish controls and requirements to secure buildings and facilities and will develop systems to protect them against fire. This includes setting out controls, requirements, scope of application, and other related provisions, in coordination with the competent authorities, relevant entities, the Central Bank of the UAE, and other bodies. These proposals will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

 

Among its key responsibilities are establishing a national alert system for the population in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority; developing and supervising evacuation plans for residents; and overseeing the creation and management of shelter plans, including identifying and equipping shelter locations. The Authority will also coordinate with entities responsible for internal security and safety systems, such as oil companies, airports, and other vital facilities, to organise joint plans and define the mechanisms for providing support upon request.

 

The Authority is further tasked with preparing and implementing training and awareness programmes, mock drills, and joint exercises in the fields of ambulance and civil defence for qualified personnel and volunteers. It will also monitor radiological, chemical, and biological pollution hazards during times of peace and war, and take necessary response measures in cooperation with the competent authorities. Additionally, it will provide consultancy services and establish a comprehensive database related to its areas of competence, in coordination with the relevant entities.

 

Finally, the Decree Law clarifies that the Authority’s responsibilities shall not prejudice the powers of local authorities responsible for ambulance and civil defence affairs, which shall continue to operate in accordance with the legislation governing their functions.

 

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