His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defense, along with another decree appointing Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, as its Chairman.

According to the decree-law, the newly established Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defense will be an independent federal entity with legal personality, financial and administrative autonomy, and will operate under the supervision of the UAE Cabinet. The new authority will replace both the Civil Defense Directorate and the National Guard Command in matters related to the National Ambulance Company.

The authority will serve as the federal body responsible for ambulance and civil defense affairs, tasked with drafting and proposing national strategies, policies, and legislation in coordination with local authorities and relevant federal entities before submission to the Cabinet for approval.

It will also be responsible for studying potential emergencies and disasters, preparing risk management and prevention plans, and setting safety and fire protection standards for buildings and facilities, in cooperation with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the Central Bank, and other competent authorities.

Among its key responsibilities is the development of a national public alert system to warn residents of potential risks, the preparation and supervision of evacuation and shelter plans, and coordination with security and safety entities such as oil companies, airports, and other critical infrastructure to ensure readiness and joint response.

The new authority will also focus on training, awareness, and simulation exercises in the fields of ambulance and civil defense, in addition to monitoring radiological, chemical, and biological hazards during both peace and wartime, and implementing the necessary countermeasures in collaboration with relevant agencies.

Furthermore, the Authority will be in charge of providing emergency medical and rapid response services, including pre-hospital care and the transportation of injured individuals to the nearest medical facility. It will also offer consultancy services in ambulance and civil defense operations and establish a comprehensive national database to manage related information and statistics.

The decree clarifies that the powers of the new federal authority do not override those of local entities responsible for ambulance and civil defense, as these authorities will continue to operate according to their respective local legislations.