UAE Hosts 39th International Meeting on Search and Rescue Operations

This event will take place from May 27 to June 5 in the capital city of Abu Dhabi and will feature the participation of over 200 experts and specialists from 45 countries, under the patronage of Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Maqren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard.

Monitoring Distress Signals

The "COSPAS-SARSAT" program serves as an international humanitarian organization dedicated to coordinating the global satellite-based search and rescue system. It oversees policies and operations to ensure that distress signals are detected and transmitted promptly, thereby supporting humanitarian missions and search and rescue operations conducted by various authorities worldwide.

The organization collaborates with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), both of which are United Nations agencies, and has successfully saved over 66,000 lives since its inception.

Adhering to Global Standards

The United Arab Emirates joined the COSPAS-SARSAT organization in 2009 and has since been committed to enriching the operational framework of the program, which includes approximately 45 member countries, while adhering to the highest global standards in search and rescue operations.

This upcoming meeting will provide a platform for envisioning the future of global search and rescue policies and supporting multilateral efforts aimed at serving humanity. It showcases the UAE's soft power and its pioneering humanitarian efforts both regionally and internationally.

The search and rescue missions carried out by the National Search and Rescue Center operate using advanced and effective mechanisms that ensure prompt responses and high precision in saving lives. Currently, the center manages approximately nine advanced ground stations that receive, analyze, and distribute distress data and calls to the relevant rescue teams.

Immediate Responses

In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the center executed over 1,200 search and rescue operations that included rescuing individuals in both terrestrial and maritime environments, air medical evacuations, and rapid responses to distress signals. These operations significantly contributed to saving lives and providing swift medical assistance in critical situations, both domestically and internationally.

The center operates through a fully integrated coordination center that runs 24/7 and utilizes a fleet of advanced AW139 helicopters, equipped with night vision systems and thermal cameras, strategically distributed across five regions of the nation. Additionally, it operates a monitoring center for marine and terrestrial distress frequencies, enhancing rapid responses to emergency calls throughout the country.

Employing state-of-the-art technology, the National Search and Rescue Center has adopted the TCAS system, which significantly enhances air operation safety. Furthermore, it is developing a comprehensive system for analyzing distress signals using artificial intelligence technologies to reduce response times and increase location accuracy.

Leveraging Technology

The center is committed to leveraging technology in its search and rescue operations by utilizing artificial intelligence in services and data analysis. It aims to efficiently use modern technology to summon nearby resources for prompt intervention and ensure that aid reaches those in need swiftly, minimizing loss of life.

These initiatives align with the UAE's Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which seeks to optimally invest all available resources and capabilities across various state institutions, fostering innovative approaches to harnessing human and material assets.

Hosting the 39th COSPAS-SARSAT meeting reflects the UAE's leadership in humanitarian efforts and highlights its core values that emphasize sustainable humanitarian assistance for all, regardless of distinctions. This commitment is a fundamental part of the UAE's national identity and international mission.