"Gulf Emergency": Enhancing Readiness and Managing Risks

The Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Emergency Management Center, Brigadier General Dr. Rashid Al-Mari, emphasized today the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Center and Gulf research institutions, and leveraging scientific and technical expertise to support efforts aimed at enhancing readiness levels and responding to various risks.

Speaking to KUNA after receiving the Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, at the Center’s headquarters, Al-Mari stated that the Center serves as a link to enhance coordination and the exchange of information and expertise among GCC member states during emergencies and crises. This contributes to faster response times, improved readiness, and greater capacity to handle emergency situations, in accordance with joint operational mechanisms.

He added that the Center works to monitor and track potential risks and threats, exchanging relevant data and information with competent authorities in GCC member states. It also supports efforts to develop early warning systems and strengthen integration among agencies responsible for emergency and crisis management.

Al-Mari highlighted the importance of collaborating with scientific and research institutions in GCC countries, leveraging their expertise and capabilities to develop tools for monitoring, analyzing, and predicting risks, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the joint GCC response system.

He noted that during the meeting, an agreement was reached on a cooperation mechanism between the Center and the Institute, aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise and information, and utilizing the scientific, research, and technical capacities of both parties. This will help develop joint work areas related to risk monitoring, prediction, and improving readiness, preparedness, and emergency response levels.

During the visit, Al-Humaidan and the accompanying delegation were briefed on the Center’s functions and mandates, as well as the operational mechanisms of the central operations room, monitoring and early warning systems, and follow-up procedures. They also reviewed coordination mechanisms and information-sharing protocols among competent authorities in the GCC member states in the fields of emergencies, crises, and health risks.