UAE showcases AI-driven innovations at global rescue conference

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of Major General Staff Pilot Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard, the UAE is hosting the 39th International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme Meeting, a key global event focused on satellite-based search and rescue operations. The meeting is organized by the National Guard through the National Search and Rescue Center (NSRC) and will run from May 27 to June 5 in Abu Dhabi. It brings together over 200 experts and specialists from 45 countries.

COSPAS-SARSAT is a global humanitarian initiative that coordinates a satellite-based system for detecting and relaying distress signals. The program supports life-saving operations by ensuring the timely transmission of alerts to relevant authorities. Since its launch in 1982, COSPAS-SARSAT has helped save more than 66,000 lives worldwide.

The organization operates in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), both affiliated with the United Nations.

The UAE became a COSPAS-SARSAT member in 2009 and has since actively contributed to its mission by implementing best practices in search and rescue operations. Hosting this year’s meeting reflects the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian leadership in crisis response.

The UAE’s National Search and Rescue Center (NSRC) is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure. It manages nine advanced ground stations that receive, assess, and forward distress alerts to rapid response teams across the country.

Between 2024 and Q1 of 2025, the NSRC carried out over 1,200 operations, including land and sea rescues, airborne medical evacuations, and emergency signal responses. These missions have saved countless lives and provided urgent medical care both within the UAE and abroad.

Operating 24/7 through a fully integrated coordination hub, the NSRC deploys a fleet of AW139 helicopters outfitted with night vision and thermal imaging systems. These aircraft are strategically stationed across five operational zones, ensuring swift response to emergencies across the UAE.

In addition, the NSRC monitors maritime and terrestrial distress frequencies, reinforcing its capacity to respond immediately to any incident.

The NSRC continues to innovate with the integration of advanced technologies such as the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and AI-powered platforms. These tools are designed to analyze distress signals in real time, significantly reducing response times and improving the accuracy of emergency location tracking.

These advancements are in line with the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which seeks to enhance efficiency and resource utilization across all government operations.

By hosting the 39th International COSPAS-SARSAT Meeting, the UAE underscores its global leadership in humanitarian operations. The event highlights the nation’s commitment to international cooperation, technological innovation, and inclusive humanitarianism—reinforcing its role as a key player in enhancing global safety and resilience.