In a significant step toward bolstering national emergency services, the UAE has set up a new Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence. Announced by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the authority will replace existing command structures for ambulance and civil defence functions and operate with full administrative, legal, and financial independence under Cabinet oversight.
A new national framework for emergency services
On October 12, the UAE President issued a Federal Decree Law officially establishing the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence, a central body responsible for managing the country’s ambulance and civil defence operations. The new authority supersedes the National Guard Command and Civil Defence Authority specifically in its oversight of the National Ambulance Company, and will now report directly to the UAE Cabinet.As part of the same decree, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, the UAE’s Minister of Health and Prevention, was appointed as Chairman of the Authority.The authority is legally recognized as a separate entity with full financial and administrative autonomy, and it holds the legal capacity to act independently in its field of operations. Its responsibilities span a wide array of emergency-related functions, policy formation, and coordination with both local and federal agencies.
Mandate and core responsibilities
The Federal Authority has been granted a broad and detailed mandate. Its core responsibilities include:
1. Policy and Legislation Development
- Formulating policies, strategies, and legislative proposals related to ambulance and civil defence.
- Coordinating with local authorities and relevant federal entities to ensure alignment in
civil protection measures . - Studying risks, disasters, and incidents to develop risk prevention programmes and comprehensive response plans, in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).
2. Fire Protection Systems
- Establishing fire safety requirements for buildings and facilities.
- Developing and proposing systems that cover controls, application scope, and technical specifications for fire prevention and response, to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
- This task includes coordination with local bodies, the
Central Bank of the UAE , and other relevant authorities.
3. Ambulance and Emergency Response
- Ensuring rapid ambulance response and the timely transportation of injured individuals.
- Providing on-site field care and supporting the integration of ambulance services across sectors.
4. National Public Alert and Evacuation Systems
- Creating a public alert system to notify residents of imminent threats or hazards.
- Developing and supervising evacuation and shelter plans, including:
- Identification and preparation of shelter locations.
- Equipping and managing shelters during emergencies.
- Coordinating with key stakeholders, such as oil companies, airports, and vital infrastructure operators, to draft joint emergency support mechanisms.
5. Training, Awareness, and Hazard Monitoring
- Conducting training programmes, mock drills, and joint exercises for emergency responders and volunteers.
- Leading awareness campaigns to educate the public and stakeholders on civil defence protocols.
- Monitoring radiological, chemical, and biological threats, both during peacetime and in conflict situations.
- Implementing response measures in collaboration with competent agencies.
6. Consultation and Data Management
- Offering consultancy services in all matters related to ambulance and civil defence.
- Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive central database relevant to its operational scope.
Operational context and jurisdiction
The creation of this authority marks a major restructuring in how emergency services will be managed at the federal level in the UAE. However, the Decree Law ensures that the powers of local authorities responsible for ambulance and civil defence remain intact. Local bodies retain the ability to carry out their responsibilities according to existing legislation.The centralisation of planning, standards, and coordination is expected to enhance national readiness without undermining regional autonomy.
Operational statistics and sector updates
The establishment of the authority follows a series of developments and statistics reflecting the growing demands on emergency services in the UAE:
- The
National Ambulance division , under the National Guard Command, reported completing over 73,000 ambulance missions by the third quarter of 2025. - These missions included traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and various forms of injuries.
- A significant portion of these cases received immediate field treatment, while others were transferred to hospitals for specialised medical care.
These figures underscore the scale and complexity of emergency response operations in the country, reinforcing the need for a central authority with dedicated oversight and resources.