The United Arab Emirates will host the 39th meeting of the International Search and Rescue Organization through the Global Satellite Communications Program COSPAS-SARSAT. This event is organized by the National Search and Rescue Center of the National Guard and is scheduled to take place from May 27 to June 5, 2025, at the Conrad Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Spanning over ten days, this significant gathering serves as an interactive global platform that brings together top stakeholders involved in search and rescue operations. It is the largest of its kind worldwide in leveraging satellite technology for rescue efforts.
The meeting is particularly noteworthy as it will be held in the UAE for the first time, with participation from over 200 experts and specialists representing 45 countries.
Hosting this meeting marks a pivotal moment for the UAE, reinforcing its position as a leading global hub for innovation and humanitarian collaboration. The event enhances the country’s influential presence on the global stage and highlights its capability to foster an ideal environment for dialogue and joint action on critical issues.
Moreover, this hosting opportunity showcases the UAE’s proactive approach to utilizing technology for humanitarian purposes, bolstering its prestigious reputation and reflecting its strategic vision of becoming a center of excellence across various fields, particularly in safety, rescue, and the protection of lives.
The meeting will see the participation of several renowned international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization, and the International Telecommunication Union, all of which play vital roles in developments related to satellite-based search and rescue strategies.
The agenda includes a series of closed sessions that will tackle key issues regarding the utilization of satellites in search and rescue scenarios, alongside discussions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of this critical sector.
Participants will also explore ways to leverage advanced expertise provided by the international bodies involved, facilitating the exchange of best practices and the development of collaborative mechanisms to achieve tangible results.
These discussions are foundational for advancing innovation in this field and improving the global community’s capacity for rapid and effective responses to emergencies, aligning with the UAE’s vision of supporting humanitarian and technical initiatives worldwide.
The event enjoys the support of numerous partners, with a concurrent exhibition featuring local and international entities highlighting the roles and operational mechanisms of each, alongside showcasing the latest systems and advanced technologies utilized in search and rescue efforts, reflecting ongoing advancements in this vital area.
COSPAS-SARSAT is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to coordinating the global satellite-based search and rescue system. The organization oversees policies and processes to ensure timely detection and relay of distress signals, thereby supporting humanitarian missions and search and rescue operations conducted by authorities worldwide.
This organization operates under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), both of which are part of the United Nations.