MUSCAT: A high-level delegation from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) of Oman, led by Maj. Gen. Sulaiman Ali Al Husseini, visited the Directorate General of Civil Defence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in civil defence. The visit aligns with both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and improving joint response strategies for emergencies and disaster management. Discussions focused on building a framework for mutual support, knowledge exchange, and integration of advanced methodologies in civil protection.
During the official visit, the Omani delegation was received by Maj. Gen. Dr. Hamoud Suleiman Al-Faraj and senior Saudi civil defence officials. The dialogue encompassed strategic topics including cross-border coordination, response capabilities, and integration of innovative technologies in disaster risk reduction. The meeting also reaffirmed both countries’ desire to align civil defence practices with international standards, ensuring stronger regional resilience to natural and man-made hazards.
The programme also included a comprehensive field tour of the Saudi Civil Defence Institute, where the delegation was given an in-depth overview of the specialized training programmes offered for various operational levels. These programmes cover firefighting, search and rescue operations, and emergency medical response. The Omani team observed the institute’s simulation techniques, equipment usage, and risk prevention frameworks, highlighting the scope for replicating similar training initiatives in Oman.
The visit concluded with a mutual agreement to further deepen cooperation through regular exchange of expertise and joint training exercises. Both sides emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and institutional preparedness to confront evolving challenges in the civil defence domain. This collaboration marks another step in reinforcing Gulf-wide emergency readiness and reflects the Sultanate’s proactive approach to regional security and public safety.
