AED 100 Million Allocated to Train UAE First Responders

The UAE is allocating AED 100 million in specialised training grants to strengthen first responder capabilities, as part of broader efforts to enhance national emergency preparedness.
The funding will support internationally accredited programmes delivered in partnership with global institutions, including the American Disaster Foundation, European Center for Disaster Medicine and the American College of Surgeons, alongside organisations in the United Kingdom.
The announcement coincided with the opening of the National First Line of Defense Forum in Abu Dhabi, which brings together personnel from medical institutions, ambulance services, civil defence, police and disaster response entities.
Organised by the National Unified and Integrated Training System for Readiness and Response under the supervision of the UAE National Medical and Volunteer Reserve Team, the forum is structured around a unified training methodology aligned with international standards.
During the event, a national operational and training model was introduced, focusing on mass casualty incident management, disaster response and coordination between hospitals, emergency services and security agencies. The model integrates theoretical training, practical application and high-fidelity simulation to support faster decision-making and more efficient resource deployment during emergencies.
The European Center for Disaster Medicine also confirmed the accreditation of Abu Dhabi as the first licensed centre for emergency and disaster medical training in the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting expanded capacity in advanced training, simulation and technology-led preparedness systems.