UK training for Dubai Civil Defence

Experts to upgrade the officers’ skills and equipment

DUBAI // Officers at Dubai Civil Defence will be trained by Britain’s Chief Fire Officers Association under a bilateral agreement.

The association will analyse the civil defence’s training needs before coming up with the required programmes, and upgrading equipment such as fire doors, fire-resistant material, fire alarms, sprinkler systems and heat-seeking devices.

“It’s a joint sharing of training and best practice,” said Richard Freeman, senior police and security adviser at Britain’s department for international trade defence and security organisation.

“It goes from building design and construction all the way through to the engineering and fire and rescue services, as well as dealing with disaster management and chemical incidents.”

The aim is to increase the Civil Defence’s capability and capacity. “This includes things like fighting fires in tall buildings and working in confined spaces, which is something we’ve got significant expertise in,” Mr Freeman said.

Training will begin this year when the analysis is completed.

“The UK fire initiative is an opportunity to work with the UAE to share ideas for the future and work together to solve our mutual challenges,” said Simon Everest, director of operations and security at the department for international trade defence and security organisation. “The most important thing is right at the planning stage, when you develop and plan, that you’re aware of the fire implications, that you constantly monitor the challenges and make sure your staff are trained for all eventualities.”