President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a Federal Decree Law creating the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence, along with a Federal Decree appointing Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, as the Authority’s Chairman.
According to the Decree Law, the newly formed Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence will operate as an independent legal entity with full financial and administrative autonomy and legal capacity. Reporting directly to the Cabinet, it will take over the responsibilities previously held by the Civil Defence Authority and the National Guard Command concerning the National Ambulance Company (NA).
The Decree Law outlines the Authority’s mandate, designating it as the main national body responsible for ambulance and civil defence affairs. Its duties include proposing and developing policies, strategies, and legislative frameworks related to these sectors, in coordination with local authorities and relevant national entities engaged in civil defence and emergency response. The resulting policies and proposals will be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
The Authority is further tasked with assessing potential risks, disasters, and incidents and preparing corresponding management strategies in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority. It will also design risk‑prevention programmes, define necessary operational requirements, and coordinate with relevant agencies to implement effective risk management plans.
Among its major functions, the Authority will set safety regulations and security measures for buildings and facilities and develop comprehensive fire prevention and protection systems. These systems—including their guidelines, conditions, and scope of application—will be designed in cooperation with relevant organisations such as the UAE Central Bank and other federal and local entities, and later submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
Other responsibilities include establishing a nationwide alert framework for public safety in partnership with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority, creating and supervising evacuation plans, and coordinating shelter management during emergencies. The Authority will also collaborate with vital sectors such as oil companies, airports, and critical infrastructure facilities to create joint response mechanisms and protocols for emergency assistance.
Furthermore, the Authority will oversee the development and implementation of training and awareness programmes, practical drills, and simulation exercises in ambulance and civil defence operations for both professionals and volunteers. It will monitor radiological, chemical, and biological hazards in both peacetime and conflicts, ensuring rapid response actions in coordination with relevant authorities. In addition, the Authority will offer consultancy and expertise in ambulance and civil defence services and build a centralised national database containing information relevant to its operational scope.
The Decree Law also clarifies that the Authority’s powers will not override those of local entities responsible for ambulance and civil defence, allowing these authorities to continue exercising their jurisdiction as per existing legislation.
