In a powerful move to ensure the absolute safety of its citizens and residents, Abu Dhabi has officially launched the highly anticipated National Readiness Forum for First Line Defenders and First Responders. Held in strategic collaboration with the National Training Center, Tadreeb, this vital forum operates under the inspiring theme “Together for a Ready Nation” to drastically strengthen the preparedness of government, private, and community institutions facing unprecedented emergencies, crises, and disasters.
A Unified Approach to Emergency Management
Operating under the esteemed umbrella of the UAE Preparedness and Response Programme, known as Jahiziyah, the National Readiness Forum is specifically designed to elevate the critical skills and functional competencies of first-line defenders and first responders. By utilizing the vast expertise of Tadreeb, the event delivers world-class, specialised training and interactive workshops tailored to modern crisis management.
The rigorous programme requires participants to complete seven intensive training hours. This meticulously structured curriculum comprises three hours of theoretical lectures combined with four hours of immersive practical exercises. These field simulations are conducted in carefully designed environments that accurately replicate vital institutions, public facilities, local neighbourhoods, and residential communities across Abu Dhabi.
The comprehensive training syllabus covers a wide array of essential topics. Participants delve deep into preparedness and response principles, rapid risk assessment, ensuring responder safety, and effective incident site management. Furthermore, the curriculum provided by Tadreeb rigorously trains attendees in casualty assessment, command and control protocols, emergency communications, safe evacuation procedures, and holistic institutional preparedness.
Advancing Real-World Simulation Training
A major highlight of the National Readiness Forum in Abu Dhabi was the official launch of the National Mobile Training Center. This groundbreaking facility is designed to deliver highly specialised training and simulation programmes directly to institutions and communities through a highly flexible, field-based training environment.
The mobile centre boasts 10 specialised training modules, offering unparalleled instruction on multi-agency incident management, responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazards, and executing rapid decontamination. Practical exercises simulate real-life emergencies, forcing teams to focus on emergency plan activation, seamless team coordination, efficient casualty management, and robust cooperation with relevant civil authorities.
Highlighting the importance of this technological leap, Dr. Adel Al Shamri Al Ajami, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative, Chairman of the Emirates Doctors Program, and CEO of Jahiziyah, remarked on the nation’s strategic vision:
“The UAE continues to invest in developing national capabilities through innovative initiatives that strengthen institutional and community readiness under unified training standards. The National Mobile Training Center represents a significant step forward by bringing specialised training and simulation directly to institutions and communities, allowing participants to train in realistic environments.”
Building a Sustainable Safety Ecosystem
The National Readiness Forum targets a broad spectrum of professionals, including government and private sector employees, security and safety teams, healthcare personnel, civil defence officers, and dedicated community volunteers.
Professor Roberto Megavero, President of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, praised the efforts in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the global significance of the event. Emphasizing international collaboration, he stated:
“It is absolutely critical to strengthen the capabilities of first responders and multi-agency teams to operate seamlessly within a unified emergency response system.”
Participants who complete the demanding programme receive prestigious certification from both the Readiness Academy and the European Centre for Disaster Medicine. Through the relentless efforts of Jahiziyah and Tadreeb, the National Readiness Forum ensures that Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE continue to build an integrated, highly sustainable, and globally respected national emergency preparedness and response system.
