Latest news with #SharjahCivilDefenceAuthority
Sharjah 24
27-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
"Saned" launches campaign to enhance alarm system efficiency
The campaign is launched as part of joint cooperation between the three entities to address technical faults in early warning systems, based on data provided by the "Aman" system. This system links fire alarm systems in facilities to the operations room of the General Directorate of Civil Defence and Saned's operations room, providing accurate data and indicators that contribute to the early detection of faults, with the goal of reducing response times to fire incidents. The first phase of the campaign focuses on buildings identified by Aman system reports as having technical malfunctions. Property owners and operators are being contacted and informed of the importance of adhering to periodic maintenance through companies approved by the Civil Defence, in order to ensure repairs are carried out and the efficiency of preventive systems is enhanced. Eng. Hamid Al Zarouni, Managing Director- Saned said: 'At Saned, we are committed to enhancing the efficiency of the public safety system in the Emirate of Sharjah through the early warning system 'Aman,' which stands as a top operational priority for us. It is considered one of the key pillars of the smart protection system implemented across buildings and facilities in Sharjah. The system plays a vital role in minimizing the risk and occurrence of fires by enabling rapid response from rescue and firefighting teams at the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, thereby helping to prevent human and material losses through early fire detection.' Al Zarouni added: 'Our ongoing partnership with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority reflects our commitment to supporting government efforts in promoting proactive prevention practices and achieving the highest standards of safety and readiness to protect lives and property. It also contributes to building a safe and sustainable environment in the Emirate of Sharjah.' He also urged property owners, developers, and management and operations companies to swiftly contract with qualified and approved service providers to carry out and continue preventive maintenance operations, ensuring the protection of lives and assets. The Joint Committee affirmed that the campaign will continue across the emirate without a specified timeframe, and will be accompanied by ongoing performance evaluation and analysis to measure improvements in response times and system efficiency. The "Aman" system connects fire alarm systems in facilities directly to the operations room of the General Directorate of Civil Defence and Saned's operations center. This enables immediate notification in the event of a fire within a facility. The system employs advanced technology to accurately pinpoint fire locations upon occurrence and promptly alert the relevant emergency response teams. It is worth noting that Saned Facilities Management is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management Company, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah.
Gulf Today
20-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sharjah honours Emirati man for saving elderly woman and domestic worker from fire
Brigadier General Yousef Obaid Al Shamsi, Acting Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA), honoured Emirati Amer Ali Al Qadiri for his bravery in rescuing an elderly woman and a domestic worker from a fire that broke out in their home. His bravery in fighting the flames until the arrival of civil defence teams contributed to averting a potential disaster. Al Shamsi emphasized that Al Qadiri was honoured as part of the SCDA's commitment to enhancing a sense of social responsibility and encouraging initiatives that contribute to the preservation of lives and property. Praising Al Qadiri's role, courage and bravery, Al Shamsi emphasized that crises reveal the true character and values of citizens, calling on everyone to emulate these honorable models in serving the community.
Sharjah 24
19-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Police, National Guard launch ‘Deterrence 2'
Joint forces participate to boost readiness and coordination The exercise included participation from the Sharjah Police, the National Guard Command, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, and the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Air Wing Department. The initiative was part of ongoing efforts to reinforce security integration and elevate the preparedness of all participating units to respond to diverse field challenges with efficiency and speed. Live scenarios test operational precision and response The exercise featured a range of field-based scenarios designed to evaluate the effectiveness of operational and tactical performance. These scenarios supported the reinforcement of quick-response strategies, accurate planning techniques, and professional execution of security tasks. At the same time, the drill highlighted the advanced state of preparedness possessed by the participating security forces in addressing various threats and emergency situations. Strategic vision for joint action and national security goals Major General bin Amer underlined that such joint field exercises reflect a steadfast strategic approach to measuring the level of security readiness and preparedness in handling a wide range of potential crises and emergencies. He noted that these exercises enhance inter-agency cooperation and help unify the efforts of all security units and support entities toward achieving shared national security and stability objectives. High-level performance reflects strong training and synergy He further commended the high-level performance demonstrated by the security teams and partner entities, noting their advanced capabilities in responding to the simulated scenarios. These scenarios were carefully crafted to test both technical and operational readiness. He affirmed that the outcomes are a strong indication of the effectiveness of training and development programmes, as well as the deep synergy and cohesion among elements of the broader security ecosystem. National Guard praises integration and field preparedness Major General Staff Al Ameri highlighted that the 'Deterrence 2' exercise serves as a concrete example of integration and coordination among various security agencies. He emphasised that the joint effort reflects a collective commitment to enhancing field preparedness and strengthening the capacity to address a range of potential challenges and threats with competence and agility.
Gulf Today
14-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
AUS, Sharjah Civil Defence talk AI's role in fire safety
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Sharjah Civil Defence Authority hosted the First Symposium on Recent Advances in Fire and Life Safety on April 9–10, 2025. Held as part of the Sharjah International Fire Technology and Engineering Conference series, the symposium brought together global experts, researchers and industry professionals to explore the latest developments in fire prevention, detection and emergency response. The first day of the symposium featured seven keynote presentations addressing the latest research and technological innovations in fire safety. Experts explored AI-driven fire detection, robotics-assisted firefighting and predictive modelling for fire risk assessment. Discussions also examined the fire safety implications of lithium-ion battery storage and sustainable construction materials, as well as emerging trends in fire-resistant design for high-rise buildings. The day concluded with the panel discussion 'Current Challenges and Future of Technology in Fire and Life Safety,' where specialists from academia and industry examined the evolving role of AI, robotics and advanced engineering in shaping fire safety solutions for modern urban environments. Day two of the symposium focused on hands-on learning through five specialised workshops, where participants engaged in AI-powered fire safety applications and advanced strategies for enhancing building fire resistance. Interactive activities Sessions included interactive activities such as coding-free AI platforms for fire classification, case studies on structural fire resistance and real-time applications of AI in emergency response. Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, highlighted the significance of collaboration in advancing fire safety research and implementation. 'Innovation in fire and life safety requires strong partnerships between academia, industry and government. By bringing together experts from different sectors, this symposium created a platform to address critical challenges and explore practical solutions. The discussions on AI, robotics and advanced fire engineering technologies are essential for shaping policies and developing safer, more resilient communities. AUS remains committed to working with its partners to drive meaningful progress in this field and safeguard the future,' said Dr. Aloul. AI innovations Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Hamad Abdulkarim Al Maazmi, Director of the Protection and Safety Department at the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, stated: 'This symposium is part of our ongoing commitment to improving fire safety standards and protecting lives and property. We believe that partnerships with academic and research institutions play a vital role in enhancing creativity, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Presenting the latest applications and innovations in artificial intelligence reflects our efforts to provide a safe environment for the community and enhances our ability to face current and future challenges.' The symposium also featured an exhibition where industrial partners and sponsors showcased interactive displays, prototypes and visual materials highlighting state-of-the-art fire safety technologies, educational equipment and services. Symposium chair Dr. Rami Hawileh, Professor of Civil Engineering and Riad T. Sadik Chair in Civil Engineering at AUS, highlighted the significance of continuous advancements in fire engineering. Fire risks are 'becoming more complex' 'With the rapid evolution of building technologies and materials, fire risks are becoming more complex and unpredictable. This symposium provided an essential forum for experts to exchange knowledge, explore AI-driven solutions and advance fire safety practices that protect lives and infrastructure,' he said. The symposium was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors. This symposium builds on the ongoing collaboration between AUS and the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, which has focused on advancing fire safety education, research and professional training. This partnership has resulted in several key initiatives, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in training and knowledge exchange, the launch of the Fire Safety Engineering Training Certificate Programme to enhance industry expertise and the introduction of the Minor in Safety and Fire Protection Engineering to equip students with specialised fire safety knowledge. To learn more about the AUS College of Engineering's offerings and initiatives, visit The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognised by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
Gulf Today
10-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah promotes safety of industrial facilities
The campaign "The Safety of Industrial Establishments Is Everyone's Responsibility" was launched in collaboration with Sharjah City Municipality (SCM) and the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority. The programme also includes the Sharjah Economic Development Department, and it seeks to promote awareness among industrial business owners about the necessity of fire prevention and safety procedures. The advertisement emphasises the importance of following fire safety and prevention procedures in industrial facilities. Proper storage techniques, building setbacks, and clear escape routes are all important considerations. It also emphasises the significance of obtaining permission from the appropriate authorities for licensing and fire prevention before engaging in any industrial activities. The ad highlights the importance of effective fire detection and extinguisher systems, as well as their routine maintenance. It aims to identify possible risks in facilities and encourage proper solutions. Another critical issue is to ensure that fire detection systems are connected to Civil Defence operating rooms and to minimise risky behaviours that may result in fires. The programme also seeks to address typical breaches committed by facility owners, such as unauthorised construction or extensions, high-risk or unregulated operations, and a failure to maintain effective fire prevention equipment. Other breaches include improper or excessive storage, as well as worker housing that does not meet fire safety standards. The campaign includes all industrial regions in Sharjah, including Al Saja'a Industrial Area. The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority emphasises the importance of following regulations, such as not exceeding a storage height of 3 metres in buildings without fire suppression systems, maintaining at least 1 metre of clearance below sprinkler heads, and keeping aisles, structural elements, and walls at least 1 metre away from storage racks. Furthermore, mezzanine floors cannot exceed 50% of the ground floor space. For hazardous or flammable goods, the campaign requires proper separation of incompatible chemicals and storage in fire-resistant or shielded spaces, as specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet. Avoiding electrical overload and ensuring trained technicians perform electrical and mechanical maintenance are crucial. Regular cleaning is essential to reduce combustible items, and escape routes must be kept clear, with a minimum width of 1.2 metres between racks and equipment. Each institution should prominently display evacuation plans and have at least two exits equipped with well-marked signage and emergency lighting. The campaign emphasises the significance of regular maintenance for fire detectors and alarm systems. It also emphasises the importance of acquiring a fire safety compliance certificate via Sharjah Civil Defence's digital platform.
