Sharjah CP lauds national teams’ port fire response

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, affirmed that crises and emergencies serve as a true test of the high readiness and excellence of national teams.

He emphasised that the national teams’ quick preparedness and effective response played a crucial role in preventing human casualties and reducing environmental, technical, and infrastructural damage during the recent fire at Al Hamriyah Port.

Sheikh Sultan remarks came during a reception at the Ruler’s Office, attended by Sheikh Khaled Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, along with senior officials from federal and local government entities involved in the emergency response.

The Crown Prince conveyed the greetings and gratitude of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to all teams involved in extinguishing the fire.

He praised their sincere and dedicated efforts in swiftly managing the situation, ensuring that there were no casualties.

He emphasised how these circumstances highlight the unity and collaboration among national teams and state institutions.

He commended the strategic plans in place, which demonstrate the wise leadership’s commitment to optimal readiness and quick response.

The Crown Prince recognised the organisations involved in the fire response efforts.

He conveyed his sincere gratitude to all individuals for their contributions and concluded the ceremony with a commemorative group photo of the honourees.

On June 1, the Local Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team in Sharjah has confirmed full containment of the fire that broke out at 6:10am at Al Hamriyah Port, caused by the ignition of petrochemical materials.

The incident was met with a rapid, highly prepared, and coordinated field response marked by institutional integration and precise task execution.

Major General Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and Head of the Local Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team, stated that specialised teams successfully achieved full containment of the fire by 6:25am on Sunday - within 24 hours of the initial outbreak.

Major General Bin Amer emphasised that the teams responded to the incident with high professionalism from the very first moment, following a structured plan focused on firefighting, securing the perimetre, and isolating risk sources.

They, he added, used the latest equipment and machinery, supported by specialised technical teams from both local and national entities. These included the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), civil defence departments across the UAE, Joint Aviation Command, Sharjah and Hamriyah municipalities, Sharjah Civil Aviation Department, Sharjah Airport Authority, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

This comprehensive effort contributed to containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to neighbouring facilities.

The head of the local emergency team credited the successful outcome to divine favour first, followed by the swift response, field efficiency, and effective coordination.

These factors demonstrated a well-studied readiness within the emergency response system and reflected a strong institutional work ethic that prioritises the safety of lives and protection of property above all.

He confirmed that this response represents a practical application of Sharjah’s crisis and emergency management strategies, aligning with the national response framework and showcasing the UAE’s ability to handle various challenges with competence and resilience.

Recently, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed received the local emergency management team at the Rulers’ Office.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince recognised the substantial efforts of the local emergency management team and its sub-teams, as well as local, federal, and private institutions and community volunteers.

He praised their sacrifices and dedication to supporting affected people, particularly during extraordinary circumstances like weather changes.

WAM