Abu Dhabi Launches Dh100 Million Annual Training Plan for 20,000 Frontline Emergency Responders

Abu Dhabi has launched a Dh100 million (annual) strategic training plan to prepare 20,000 frontline emergency responders across healthcare, ambulance, security and other critical sectors, authorities announced during the opening of the National Emergency Response Forum “Istijaba” in Abu Dhabi. The programme, delivered through the UAE National Program for Preparedness and Response “جاهزية” (Jahezia), will operate on a unified, integrated and internationally accredited framework and is backed by an annual budget exceeding AED 100 million.

"The UAE’s experience represents a global model in institutional integration, capacity building, and the standardization of training methodologies within a comprehensive national framework," said Professor Roberto Mugavero, President of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, praising the country's level of preparedness and response.

The forum, organised by Jahezia and running for a week across multiple emirates, marks the launch of a nationwide initiative aligned with the strategic training plan. Sessions will move from Abu Dhabi to Ajman on Tuesday, Fujairah on Wednesday, and conclude on Sunday in Dubai. The event includes panel discussions, specialised presentations and workshops that showcase national and international experiences and trends in emergency preparedness.

• Scope: 20,000 frontline personnel from healthcare facilities, emergency medical services, security entities and other critical response sectors.
• Funding: Annual budget of Dh100 million (noted as exceeding AED 100 million) to ensure sustainability and qualification of certified trainers.
• Framework: A unified national methodology combining theoretical and practical elements, simulation exercises and multi-agency response scenarios, internationally accredited and developed with leading global institutions.
• Partnerships: Endorsed by more than ten universities and training centres in the United States and Europe.

Dr. Adel Al Shamri, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative and the UAE National Program for Preparedness and Response “Jahezia”, and President of the Emirates Doctors Initiative, described the forum as central to institutional cooperation. "The forum serves as a strategic platform to enhance cooperation and integration among institutions supporting emergency and crisis operations, as well as local and international training entities," he said, highlighting the role of knowledge exchange and advanced technologies — including artificial intelligence — in addressing current and future challenges.

Officials emphasised that the programme combines classroom learning with practical drills and multi-agency simulations to elevate operational performance during major incidents. The initiative will certify trainers to ensure consistent, accredited delivery across sectors and emirates, drawing on methodologies developed with international partners.

Looking ahead, organisers said the plan aims to build a proactive, integrated crisis response system that strengthens institutional integration, unifies national concepts and brings the UAE’s emergency and crisis response capabilities in line with global best practices and standards. The forum and accompanying training roll-out are intended to sustain continuous development of national talent and to reinforce the UAE’s readiness to manage complex risks with high efficiency and professionalism.