MUSCAT: A high-level delegation from the Sultanate of Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, led by Maj. Gen. Sulaiman Ali Al Husseini, visited the Directorate General of Civil Defence in Riyadh on Wednesday. The visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the area of civil defence and emergency response. The delegation was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Dr. Hamoud Suleiman Al-Faraj and other senior Saudi officials, underlining the importance both nations place on strategic coordination in safety and disaster management sectors.
The primary focus of the visit was to explore avenues of cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two entities. Discussions covered multiple shared interests, including the development of emergency preparedness strategies, advancements in risk mitigation, and innovations in rescue and response technologies. Both sides emphasized the need for joint training programs and real-time collaboration during large-scale emergencies, as well as the potential establishment of bilateral working committees to oversee ongoing coordination efforts.
The Omani delegation also toured the Saudi Civil Defence Institute, where they were introduced to a range of specialized training programs designed for various levels of civil defence personnel. These programs include simulations for fire rescue, hazardous material response, and high-rise evacuation procedures. The officials discussed how similar programs could be adapted and implemented in Oman to enhance the capabilities of its own civil defence force, particularly in dealing with natural disasters, industrial incidents, and large public safety events.
Additionally, the visit included detailed briefings on the state-of-the-art technologies and equipment used at the institute. The Omani officials observed operational systems related to early warning, automated communication, and rapid deployment tools. Special attention was given to preventive systems and the frameworks used in Saudi Arabia for risk assessment and emergency planning. The tour reinforced the value of regional knowledge sharing and served as a foundation for deeper collaboration on civil safety strategies and training enhancements across the Gulf.
