Abu Dhabi, UAE: SANID, the robust emergency response volunteer programme of the UAE, engaged in an important visit to Singapore in collaboration with Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The purpose of the trip was to enrich the skills of SANID volunteers and gain best in class knowledge to enhance capabilities and better serve the UAE community.

This initiative proved an excellent way of incentivizing and motivating SANID’s dedicated volunteers, while also building strong connections with key players in emergency response globally.

The trip fell under the SANID International Knowledge Exchange Programme and was run in collaboration with SCDF – a government agency relying significantly on volunteers to provide emergency response services, boasting over 6,000 active volunteers who offer firefighting, rescue, ambulance services, and community education.

Commenting on the significance of the trip, Mohammed Al Hosani, Director of Programmes at Emirates Foundation, said: “I would like to sincerely thank SCDF for their role in making this trip a success. It has been hugely rewarding to see our dedicated team of emergency response volunteers embark on this transformative mission to Singapore. In an ever-changing global landscape, the importance of exchanging knowledge and staying updated on the latest emergency response practices cannot be overstated.”

“Our partnership with Singapore exemplifies our commitment to international collaboration in the pursuit of safety and resilience. As a country, it is essential we not only strengthen our own capabilities but also contribute to the broader cause of global safety. This journey underscores the UAE’s vision for a safer and more resilient world, where communities are well-prepared for any challenge,” Al Hosani added.

This eight-day visit included workshops and specialized training about planning/building emergency preparedness in the community including drills and exercises, networking and data exchange, as well as several site visits to important SCDF facilities. SANID volunteers also witnessed the Community Resilience Day that aims to raise public awareness about emergency preparedness in Singapore.

About Emirates Foundation

Emirates Foundation was launched on 12 April 2005 as an initiative of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court.

Emirates Foundation is a national organization set up to facilitate public-private funded initiatives to unite social responsibility across the UAE, by implementing research-based programs that meet the country’s needs towards sustainable community development.

The Foundation works with public and private sector partners to meet national goals, respond to society’s most pressing challenges and in the development of national competencies through digital smart platforms and defined through data-driven social needs.

About SANID

SANID (Arabic for ‘Support’) is the robust emergency response volunteer programme of the UAE. Launched in 2009, SANID draws on the strengths of proven international models, particularly the Swedish Civil Defence League and the US Citizen Corps. It unites volunteers throughout the UAE who share a sense of social and civic responsibility and prepares them to cope with national and international emergencies, thus demonstrating the readiness of the local community to manage any crisis situation.