President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority’s UAE Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team on Tuesday to acknowledge their recent achievement. The team successfully completed its third External Reclassification under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) framework, maintaining its prestigious 'Heavy' classification.

INSARAG, a United Nations-affiliated network, sets global standards for urban search and rescue operations, and the 'Heavy' classification denotes the highest level of capability for complex disaster response. This reclassification process evaluates a team’s operational readiness, technical skills, and coordination capacity in large-scale rescue missions following natural or man-made disasters.

Sheikh Mohamed commended the USAR team for their dedication and professionalism, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards in emergency preparedness and response. The UAE team’s success reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

The UAE Urban Search and Rescue Team's consistent performance in meeting INSARAG standards positions it among the elite global rescue units capable of rapid deployment to crisis zones worldwide. Their capacity to operate in challenging environments emphasizes the UAE’s role as a regional leader in disaster management and emergency services.

The ceremony highlights the nation's strategic focus on strengthening civil defense capabilities to protect lives and support international disaster relief operations. Sheikh Mohamed’s recognition of the USAR team aligns with broader government efforts to enhance resilience and humanitarian outreach through advanced training and international partnerships.