‘1 Billion Readiness’: Dubai launches world’s biggest fire safety drive for 1 billion people

Dubai: The Dubai Civil Defence on Tuesday launched the ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative, the world’s largest programme to train and raise awareness among 1 billion people globally on fire prevention techniques.

The UAE-led two-year project from 2025 to 2027 involves 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations. It has been launched under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

A key component of the initiative, the ‘Hope Convoys’ project, will provide critical support to developing countries by supplying essential equipment and establishing fire stations to enhance preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence, said: “These efforts will be supported by specialised digital platforms available in multiple languages worldwide. Additionally, the programme will provide participants with certified electronic certificates upon course completion, issued by the Global Wildfire Monitoring Centre and the Dubai Civil Defence Readiness Programme.”