UAE, Syria launch program to train 10,000 healthcare workers in emergency response

The United Arab Emirates and Syria launched a joint initiative on Tuesday to train 10,000 Syrian healthcare workers over the next five years, aiming to strengthen the country’s medical response to emergencies and disasters, WAM reported.

The “Emirati-Syrian Readiness” program, unveiled in Damascus, will provide internationally accredited training through a standardized curriculum developed by the European Centre for Disaster Medicine and specialized centers in the UAE, the United States, and Europe.

At the launch, Syrian Minister of Health Musab Al-Ali signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the UAE-backed Readiness Academy. He said the program will bolster partnerships between health institutions, attract expert personnel, and build local capacity through certified trainers trained to international standards.

“The program will enhance hospital readiness, develop national trainers, and utilize advanced simulation technologies for emergency scenarios,” he said, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to improving Syria’s healthcare system and rapid response capabilities.

Dr. Adel Al-Shamry Al-Ajami, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative and head of the Emirates National Readiness & Response Program, said the initiative will standardize medical procedures, expand hospital capacity, and improve ambulance and first responder services. The program will target healthcare workers in public and private hospitals, emergency teams, ambulance personnel, and national defense staff.

He noted that the UAE’s previous preparedness programs have trained more than 20,000 frontline healthcare workers, enhancing hospital readiness and developing the national health sector. “This initiative will transfer UAE expertise to Syria, enabling the country to benefit from international best practices and advanced medical training,” he said.

Dr. Iyad Baath, Director-General of the Syrian Board of Medical Specialties, said the program will begin with a three-month pilot phase training 200 healthcare professionals.

A joint committee of Syrian Ministry of Health officials and the National Training Academy will oversee the program, ensuring sustainable capacity building and long-term hospital, ambulance and field medical readiness.