ABU DHABI 2nd May 2023 (WAM), The Emirates Foundation’s SANID Programme – the National Emergency Response Volunteer Programme in the UAE – has conducted a series of training sessions throughout the country in collaboration with Majalis and other entities in the UAE, as part of their ‘Civil Protection and Safety Initiative’.

This initiative aimed at equipping citizens and residents with skills and training that would enable them to maintain safety and well-being in their communities during times of crisis. It was in line with SANID Programme goals of building specialised teams composed of volunteers well-prepared to protect the civil safety in their residential neighbourhoods. Volunteers received 2303 hours of training at different locations in the UAE, with a satisfaction rating of 94.2%.

Khaled Altenaiji, Manager at SANID Programme, highlighted the importance of the training program. “For over 12 years, SANID Programme designed initiatives and programs that engaged thousands volunteers from across the UAE and encouraged a shared responsibility towards the society.” The Civil Protection and Safety Initiative is an example of SANID Programme’s tireless efforts to provide emergency response volunteers that can assist local and federal authorities in crisis or emergency situations.

“Four training sessions were held in the Northern Emirates this year, following the successful launch of the pilot phase in 2022. It also held two other sessions in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. These sessions were organized in collaboration with Majalis, entities and other organizations. These sessions were attended by 384 volunteers. Of these, 50 percent are UAE citizens and 192 of them are expatriates from 31 different countries. Al Tenaiji said that the sessions helped to build teams prepared for civil protection in all parts of the country.

The training sessions took place in collaboration with Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi; Al Khawaneej Majlis, Dubai; Mughaidir Suburb Majalis and Al Subaihiya Suburb Majalis, Sharjah; Ras Al Khaimah Al Bida Center, Ras Al Khaimah and Karat Majlis Fujairah.

The Civil Protection and Safety Training programme covered a wide range of topics, including volunteer ethics, disaster types and how to best respond to them. The course also included first aid, how to treat the injured and crowd control, among other topics.