Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Several UAE entities are taking part in the international Cospas-Sarsat meeting in Abu Dhabi, showcasing their contributions to global emergency response efforts. From an advanced 'life detector' to data analytics, these teams are harnessing cutting-edge technologies to help save lives during crises.
Among those working with the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) during emergencies is the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). At the Cospas-Sarsat meeting, the authority highlighted the importance of live tracking data in life-saving missions.
Speaking to Aletihad, Eng. Saleh Al Musabi, Director of Spectrum Services, Eng. Saif Khalid Al Naqbi, and Eng. Hessa Ahmed Al Mahmoud elaborated on the TDRA's pivotal role in rescue efforts.
"We are responsible for registering three categories - individuals, aircraft, and vessels - on the 406 MHz emergency frequency used for rescue operations. We have developed a dedicated portal to handle this registration efficiently," they said.
The TDRA team manages "a modern, advanced database for all beacons registered in the UAE, whether on land, sea, or air," they added.
This technology uses satellite systems with global coverage. "We have a major centre that receives distress signals from individuals, planes, or ships via satellites and forwards them to the appropriate authorities," they added.
The Dubai Police are also showcasing the wide range of devices they use in search-and-rescue operations - from ropes to high-tech detectors.
Ropes may sound basic, but these effectively help rescuers reach stranded victims faster, "without the need to build a full system to descend", Hassan Almuaini, an instructor at Dubai Police HQ, told Aletihad.
In the event of a building collapse, a more advanced tool - a life detector - is used to identify movement and sounds beneath the rubble, Almuaini explained. The device is equipped with sensors strategically placed around the site to aid in detection.
The monitors on the sensor provide readings that allow responders to pinpoint victims quickly and accurately.
"Search always comes before rescue. Once we identify a victim using this technology, we begin extraction," Almuaini said.
Another helpful device on display is the Dubai Police's Rescue Radar. "It detects objects under the ground up to 10 metres deep. It is one of the most advanced tools we have, and every second counts during a rescue operation," the instructor added.
The most versatile tool, however, is the drone system, Almuaini said.
"The drone assists in wide-area searches - especially at night - with spotlights and thermal cameras. It's an ideal tool for locating people lost in dunes or difficult terrain," he said.
At the ongoing Cospas-Sarsat meeting, the Sharjah Airport Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international search and rescue efforts.
Abdelaziz Sahoo Alsuwaidi, Acting Director of Emergency Planning and Standards at Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasised the platform's vital role in facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening global collaboration in rescue operations.
Sharjah Airport has incorporated international best practices into its emergency response framework, particularly early incident reporting and multi-agency coordination.
Alsuwaidi explained: "Within our operational system for Airport Emergency Services (AES), we've implemented the METHANE framework to enable immediate reporting of air incidents, and adopted the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) to streamline and unify field operations."
"These tools have significantly improved coordination during drills and real-world responses, enhanced operational readiness, and ensured compliance with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority requirements," he added.
