Sharjah Ruler Appoints New Leadership to Sharjah Civil Defence Authority

In a strategic move underscoring Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to civil safety and public preparedness, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued a pivotal Emiri decree. This formal decision appoints Brigadier General Yousef Obaid Yousef Harmoul Al Shamsi as the new Director General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA). In tandem, another decree sees Brigadier General Saeed Obaid Rashid Al Suwaidi taking the role of Deputy Director General within the same authority. The dual appointments, effective from the date of issuance, reflect a broader vision for elevating the operational readiness and governance structure of Sharjah’s civil safety systems.

As Sharjah continues to expand both economically and demographically, the need for a robust and agile civil defence force is paramount. These new appointments signal an era of refined strategy, coordinated crisis management, and forward-thinking leadership, all essential components in ensuring the safety and resilience of the emirate and its people.

Background of the New Director General: A Policing Veteran at the Helm

Brigadier General Yousef Obaid Yousef Harmoul Al Shamsi brings with him decades of high-level policing experience, most recently serving as the Deputy Director General of Comprehensive Police Stations at Sharjah Police. His tenure in that role involved leading major operational frameworks that spanned several precincts, focusing on crime prevention, community outreach, rapid-response systems, and coordination during emergencies.

His knowledge of integrated law enforcement practices is particularly valuable in a civil defence context, where rapid decision-making, coordination between agencies, and structured communication play vital roles in reducing disaster impact. Brigadier Al Shamsi’s leadership style is expected to usher in a new level of operational efficiency, where safety initiatives and emergency protocols are supported by data, discipline, and innovation.

Profile of the New Deputy Director General: Strategic Support and Future Planning

Brigadier General Saeed Obaid Rashid Al Suwaidi, now serving as Deputy Director General of SCDA, complements this transition with his strong background in strategic security planning, emergency logistics, and interagency collaboration. His approach to crisis management is known for its emphasis on preemptive preparedness and long-term resilience.

Together with Al Shamsi, his appointment solidifies the authority’s capacity to plan for the future while managing today’s demands. Their combined expertise will form the core of a leadership team equipped to deal with increasingly complex civil threats, including natural disasters, urban fires, industrial accidents, and public safety breaches.

Significance of the Emiri Decrees: Aligning Leadership with Sharjah’s Development Vision

The issuance of these decrees by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi signifies more than just an administrative reshuffle. It highlights a deliberate and strategic alignment between civil institutions and Sharjah’s broader urban development and safety strategies. These decisions are rooted in the emirate’s long-standing focus on governance excellence, public wellbeing, and emergency readiness.

Under the new leadership, SCDA is expected to further align with the Emirate’s Smart City aspirations, which incorporate intelligent infrastructure, real-time surveillance, and digitized emergency response systems. This alignment will support long-term goals, especially as Sharjah continues to grow as a centre of education, culture, tourism, and commerce.

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness Through Integrated Leadership

One of the primary roles of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority is to lead the emirate’s emergency preparedness programs, and this is an area where the new leadership team is expected to drive meaningful transformation. Brigadier Al Shamsi’s history in managing crises such as floods, fires, and other emergencies gives him an edge in reconfiguring the authority’s rapid-response systems.

From emergency drills to crisis communications and resource allocation, Al Shamsi’s role will be pivotal in modernising SCDA’s approach to safeguarding lives and property. The presence of Brigadier Al Suwaidi as his second-in-command ensures that strategic planning and implementation go hand in hand, with operational excellence meeting long-term vision.

Strengthening Public Trust Through Community Engagement

One of the cornerstones of effective civil defence is public awareness. The SCDA under its new leadership aims to boost community engagement by expanding public safety campaigns, disaster awareness workshops, school drills, and public exhibitions that focus on fire safety and emergency responsiveness.

New digital platforms are also expected to be developed to reach a wider audience. These platforms may include mobile applications, SMS alert systems, interactive websites, and social media campaigns to ensure timely dissemination of information during emergencies.

By reinforcing public trust and participation, SCDA will help foster a culture of shared responsibility and preparedness across all sectors of Sharjah society.

Interagency Collaboration for Unified Crisis Management

Effective civil defence requires the seamless collaboration of multiple departments and agencies. The leadership change is expected to accelerate SCDA’s ability to work cohesively with other key institutions such as Sharjah Police, municipal authorities, public health agencies, and transport departments.

Brigadier Al Shamsi’s former role within Sharjah Police offers a unique advantage, as he is already familiar with interagency coordination protocols. His experience will help establish clearer lines of communication, unified command structures, and joint training exercises designed to enhance synergy and eliminate delays during critical moments.

This collaborative approach will ensure faster responses, better resource management, and ultimately more lives saved.

Technological Innovation and Data-Driven Safety Solutions

With urban landscapes evolving rapidly and new types of risks emerging—from high-rise fires to industrial hazards and even cyber threats—SCDA’s role must evolve to incorporate the latest in technological innovation.

Under the direction of its new leaders, the authority is expected to invest in next-generation civil defence systems. This includes the use of drones for aerial surveillance, thermal imaging tools for fire detection, AI-based analytics for real-time risk assessment, and smart firefighting gear for better on-ground efficiency.

Data will play a key role in these initiatives. By analysing past incidents, monitoring real-time conditions, and simulating disaster scenarios, SCDA can improve its predictive capabilities and reduce the response time to emerging threats.

Supporting Urban Expansion and Risk Management

Sharjah’s rapid urbanisation and infrastructural development bring with them heightened risk factors. From residential towers to commercial hubs, industrial zones to public landmarks, the need for a robust civil defence apparatus is more critical than ever.

SCDA, under the new leadership, is expected to introduce stricter regulatory measures for fire safety compliance, conduct thorough inspections of new construction sites, and ensure the installation of standardised alarm and sprinkler systems across high-risk zones.

Moreover, training programs will be enhanced for civil defence teams to handle high-rise rescues, industrial accidents, chemical leaks, and other complex emergencies, ensuring preparedness at every level.

Commitment to Long-Term Institutional Excellence

Brigadier Al Shamsi and Brigadier Al Suwaidi are not merely temporary appointments but are envisioned as the architects of long-term excellence for the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority. Through institutional reform, policy upgrades, international collaboration, and staff development programs, they aim to elevate SCDA into a regional benchmark for safety, readiness, and innovation.

They are also expected to initiate partnerships with international civil defence bodies, attend global safety conferences, and host knowledge-sharing events to keep SCDA at the forefront of emergency service innovation.

Building a Safer Future Through Visionary Leadership

His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s decision to appoint these two experienced professionals marks a renewed commitment to public safety. It reflects an understanding that proactive leadership is central to navigating the complex and unpredictable risks of the modern world.

The trust placed in Brigadier General Yousef Al Shamsi and Brigadier General Saeed Al Suwaidi sets the stage for a transformative period in the SCDA’s journey—one that will redefine the authority’s capabilities, community connection, and commitment to safeguarding lives.