Emirati to head UN search and rescue body

Abu Dhabi: The International Organisation for Search and Rescue has selected Major Mohammad Abdul Jalal Al Ansari, an Abu Dhabi police officer, as regional chairman for Europe, Africa and the Middle East sector.

The Emirati national becomes the first Arab national to occupy this post. However, Al Ansari has been deputy chairman of the organisation since 2008.

He is currently a member of the UN team for disaster assessment and the coordination and liaison officer between the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations in the area of disaster management.

Commenting on his selection, Al Ansari thanked Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for his sustained support that helped him attain this achievement.