MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), will join the other world countries to mark the World Civil Defence Day.
Observed annually on March 1 by the International Civil Defence Organisation, the occasion underscores the importance of establishing public safety, where lives are protected, the environment is preserved, and risks are managed efficiently.
This year’s theme, 'A Safe Environment for a Sustainable Future,' shows that true development begins with prevention, and that community security is not merely an emergency measure, but a culture of life and continuous action upon which the sustainability and stability of societies are built. It is where preparedness meets professionalism, and science is combined with practical application, to create a more secure future for future generations.
As part of efforts aimed at enhancing the operational system and monitoring performance, Maj Gen Sulaiman bin Ali al Husseini, Chairman of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), chaired a meeting with directors general and unit commanders at the Civil Defence and Ambulance Unit in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
The meeting reviewed the latest developments and approved development plans. It also discussed performance indicators and operational readiness to ensure rapid response and enhance the efficiency of services provided to the community.
The meeting also addressed the most prominent field and administrative challenges and explored ways to address them in accordance with the best practices thereby enhancing operational efficiency and improving performance quality.
The CDAA firefighting teams combat fires in buildings, facilities and open areas and handle vehicle fires involving flammable materials according to precise professional procedures that limit the spread of fires and reduce their environmental impact. In 2025, firefighting teams responded to 5,560 reports, ranging from fires in residential and commercial buildings to vehicles and farms.
The CDAA provides emergency medical care for critical illnesses and injuries at the spot. Supported by qualified personnel and vehicles equipped with the latest technology, every minute counts, and rapid response becomes the bridge between danger and life. In 2025, the CDAA responded to 19,068 medical and injury cases, handling them professionally in the field. Emergency medical care was provided, and the injured were transported to healthcare facilities in a timely manner.
The CDAA’s water rescue teams conduct operations in seas, valleys (wadis) and dams. They respond to drowning incidents, flash floods, and landslides utilising specialised boats and diving equipment, while ensuring the safety of individuals and protecting the water environment. In 2025, the teams handled 174 rescue operations on beaches and wadis saving many lives.
In the field of land rescue, the CDAA’s specialised teams rescue people trapped in traffic accidents and respond to landslides and falls in mountainous and rugged areas using advanced equipment and technologies that enable highly efficient operations.
The search and rescue team also plays a prominent role in responding to disasters and landslides and searching for missing persons using advanced equipment and trained dogs. In 2025, the team responded to 38 reports in various environments, demonstrating its technical readiness and ability to manage delicate and complex situations.
Regarding hazardous materials incidents, the CDAA’s teams respond to chemical, radiological, or biological leaks, carrying out isolation, decontamination, and hazard containment operations using specialised protective equipment.
This prevents the spread of contamination and protects people, the environment, and property. In 2025, the teams responded to 83 reports related to hazardous materials, handling them according to the highest approved safety standards.
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