New Civil Defence Centre Inaugurated in Riffa
His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, officially inaugurated the new Civil Defence Centre in the Riffa area this morning.
The Minister was received by Chief of Public Security Lieutenant-General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Southern Governor His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.
Honouring Leadership's Vision for Safety
Upon arrival, the Interior Minister unveiled a commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the facility. He praised the continuous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing the Ministry's development strategy. The Minister emphasized that the new initiatives and integrated safety programs are part of a modern security framework designed to protect the public and enhance national preparedness.
Commitment to Excellence and Readiness
Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa commended the Civil Defence teams for their professionalism, field expertise, and dedication in responding to emergencies. He noted that their courage and commitment play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property.
He also stressed the importance of equipping Civil Defence centres with the necessary manpower, machinery, and technology to ensure swift and accurate emergency response operations. The Minister underlined the significance of adhering to safety regulations and maintaining high operational standards.
Public Awareness as a Pillar of Safety
Highlighting the role of education and community outreach, the Minister noted that modern technology and awareness programs are essential to building a security-conscious society. He referred to the launch of the National Civil Protection Platform in November 2023 as a key national initiative to enhance disaster preparedness and public safety.
Centre Equipped for Growing Urban Needs
During the visit, the Minister received a detailed briefing about the capabilities of the new centre, which is designed to provide rapid and effective emergency response in light of Riffa's expanding residential, commercial, and service infrastructure.
The briefing highlighted the government's 2023–2026 action plan, which prioritizes ongoing readiness for exceptional circumstances and disasters. The Ministry of Interior is committed to achieving a secure environment by reducing emergency response times and improving crisis management strategies. Notably, the new centre aims to bring emergency response time down to just 6 minutes.
Modern Facilities and National Coordination
Officials from the Works Directorate and the National Ambulance Service also provided briefings on the centre's facilities. The Minister toured the new premises, including the operations room, emergency vehicles area, and the national ambulance coordination unit.
He concluded the visit by reaffirming the ministry's commitment to continued efforts and fast response protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both citizens and residents across the Kingdom.
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