Mr. Emle Pirez, Director of International Cooperation Department at Ministry of Interior in Republic of France, praises during his official visit to Emirates Martyrs Fire Center, the performance of Civil Defence teams in fighting Address Hotel fire accident in New Year eve. Visiting delegation was received by Maj.Gen.Expert Rashid Thani ALMatrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defence , Brig. Ahmed Obaid ALSayegh, Assist Director General and the directors of fire stations who representing ( Address Hotel Knights).


He added:
“ the entire world was fearfully awaited in that night, as more than one million people were gathered around Burj Khalifa, not far from accident scene, Wondering !! What repercussions would result from Address hotel fire accident ?you performance have really impressed the world, we were very interested, while attending World Government Summit, to be here to learn more about how such great success was achieved.. we feel very proud of your professionalism and your quick arrival to accident scene which took one minute only. Such remarkable achievement would not have taken place without well preparation, permanent readiness and strong integration with other emergency services stakeholders. Allow me to convey to you the appreciation from your colleagues Ministry of Interior and Civil Defence in France . I also avail this opportunity to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed ALNahyan,Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister who facilitated this meeting with you to know more about your strategies and tactics implemented while responding to massive fires. We learnt from our experience, successful responding to emergencies can be assured by permanent readiness ,working with one team spirit and exchanging expertize.


From his side Maj.Gen. Expert ALMatrooshi confirmed:

   “ Exchange of visits and experiences between Civil Defence authorities from different countries is very important, as it deepening scientific knowledge, spreading organizational best practices and individual skills in a such way that serves our joint goal aiming at protecting lives, properties and environment”.

Then Brig. Ahmed Obaid ALSayegh, delivered a brief presentation where he explained to the visiting delegation preset plan of Safeguarding New Year celebrations, also demonstrated fundamental factors of Civil Defence services development strategy during the last seven years, that helped available equipments and technologies deployed human forces efficiently carried out their roles during Address hotel fire, without fatalities reported among hotel occupants, public or fire teams.


Visiting delegation escorted by Director General had a exploratory tour to review latest equipments used by Civil Defence in its fire & rescue operations and communications. Head of visiting delegation was awarded Dubai Civil Defence Logo as a commemorative gift on the occasion of his visit.


At the end of his visit, Mr. Emle wrote a comment in visitors log book stated :
(My deepest thanks for this cordiality and overwhelming hospitality  , appreciating at the same time Dubai Civil professionalism which impressed the world, no doubt it is the outcome of the clear vision, of UAE prudent leadership in general and Dubai in particular, about public safety requirements, and its extended development support to Civil Defence and other security authorities working system such as, planning, readiness, integration, harmony between the teams that lead to achievement of excellent results , we look forward for more ties enhancement and exchange of expertize between our departments).


Meeting was attended by Major Jan Newel, deputy of regional security attaché, at French Embassy in UAE and Col. Rashid AbuALFalasah, Director of DCD’s Director General office.