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Dubai Civil Defence will forge partnership with private sector

DUBAI — The Dubai Civil Defence has approved its plans for the year 2006 with the thrust on developing more infrastructure for enhancing its services, with private sector participation.

The plans have received the nod of the His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Colonel Rashed Al Matroushi, Director of the Dubai Civil Defence, said that in order to adapt to the economic developments witnessed in Dubai and to discharge the responsibilities of fire-fighting, rescue and safety, various infrastructure projects would be undertaken in the current year.

Al Matroushi disclosed that the private sector will participate in fire fighting with the largest companies which have huge projects proposing to establish civil defence centres as part of their projects. These companies will install the necessary equipment and the Civil Defence will train the staff to work at the centres, he said, adding that Emaar will be the first company which will start this initiative.

He said Dubai Civil Defence has submitted a proposal to the Dubai Executive Council to establish permanent rescue and fire fighting teams in the hotels. During the year, Civil Defence will also introduce a 'smart system' to monitor safety aspects at buildings. During the first phase of the project, the factories, hotels, residential flats and hospitals will be linked to the advanced operations room of Civil Defence, he added.

The control room in the Dubai Civil Defence and at different civil defence stations will manage all electronic signals received regarding accidents and emergencies.

According to Al Matroushi the Dubai Civil Defence will, in collaboration with private sector, produce electronic services systems as well as the Intranet and the staff will be trained for using this advanced system. The Civil Defence will also revive the distinguished rescuer project which was implemented in Dubai four years ago under which society members will be trained to get into the rescue act in case of accidents.

Al Matroushi said during the current year five new civil defence centres and stations will be opened in Jebel Ali Centre, Umm Suqueim Centre, Deira Centre, Al Barsha Centre, Sea Rescue Centre and Liseili Fire Station. Civil Defence will use helicopters for skyscrapers.