Touted the largest of its kind worldwide, the event reflects keenness to ensure safety of all community members

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Friday, April 4th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

The Higher Organizing Committee for the International Security, Safety and National Resilience Exhibition and Conference (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2014) crowned the winners of the UAE International Firefighter Challenge 2014. It is worth mentioning that the challenge was organized by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with 911 Occupational Safety and Fire Fighting Training Company at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The closing ceremony held on Thursday, was attended by Major General Staff Dr. Obeid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the International Security, Safety and National Resilience Exhibition and Conference (ISNR Abu Dhabi 2014); in the presence of Major General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Civil Defense Acting General Commander-in-chief. Also present were Major General Yusuf Al Ansari, Director of the Fire Brigade in Kuwait; members of the accompanying delegation; Brigadier Al Tayeb Hassan Al Othman, Head of the Sudanese delegation and  heads of guest delegations participating in the exhibition; along with Brigadier Saeed Salem Al Henki, Director General of Finance and Support Services, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the International Conference on Security Challenges; Mr. Frederic Theux, President, Reed Exhibition Middle East; as well as  a large number of police officers and fans.

As many as 170 male and female participants from 13 countries competed in the three-day tournament in a thrilling  atmosphere that reflected participants’ intensive preparations, especially the UAE women team, who registered a first-ever participation in such competitions. It is worth mentioning that the UAE is one of the very few countries in the world that recruit women to work in this challenging sector, not to mention the significant physical, mental and professional strength required by the challenge.

Major General Staff Al Ketbi expressed his admiration of the prestigious international stature attained by the championship. He also praised the considerable efforts exerted by the Directorate General of Civil Defense to enhance readiness of the firefighting teams across the country, according to the highest international levels, in light of the economic boom witnessed by the UAE. “This reflects an unwavering commitment to provide protection and safety to citizens and residents, and to preserve public property,” added Major General Al Ketbi.

“The international participation in this challenge held in Abu Dhabi reflects the advanced positions attained by the Civil Defense body in enhancing security, preventing risks, and protecting lives and property,” noted Major General Al Ketbi. Furthermore, he stressed the need to further prepare for upcoming challenges, by pursuing intensive training and adopting international best practices.

For his part, Mohammed Al Ahmadi, CEO of the UAE-based 911 Occupational Safety and Fire Fighting Training Company, said: “We are honored by your presence to attend the challenge’s Grand finale. This is a clear testament to our higher leadership’s commitment to ensure the highest standards of safety and security for all and to make the UAE a global and regional platform to develop security and risk prevention sector.  

Major General Staff Dr. Obeid Al Kutbi, accompanied by Major General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matroushi; Major General Yusuf Al Ansari; and Colonel Walid Al Shamesi, distributed medals and shields to the top three achievers in the singles, doubles and relays competitions. They also honored the sponsors and all participants as an appreciation of their outstanding efforts that contributed to the success of the championship.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com