Sharjah Delegation Explores AI, Robotics and Firefighting Technologies at SIDEX 2026.
Sharjah: Sharjah Civil Defence Authority is exploring the latest advances in firefighting, rescue and emergency management at SIDEX 2026 in Singapore, as it seeks to improve operational efficiency, enhance firefighter safety and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
A delegation led by Major General Yousuf Obaid bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, is attending the Singapore International Disaster and Emergency Management Exhibition, which runs from October 28 to 30 at the Singapore EXPO convention and exhibition centre.
The visit aims to assess technological advancements across the civil defence sector, review solutions developed by specialised organisations and evaluate their potential to support prevention, firefighting and rescue operations in Sharjah. The delegation is also exploring innovations that could meet evolving operational needs and improve the efficiency of emergency services.
Robotics, AI and firefighting equipment
The exhibition showcases a range of technologies and equipment, including robotics, artificial intelligence applications, communication systems, personal protective equipment, firefighting solutions, vehicles and specialised rescue equipment.
The delegation is assessing how these innovations could support different stages of emergency response — from detecting potential hazards and gathering accurate incident information to assisting firefighters and rescue teams at emergency scenes.
The visit also offers an opportunity to examine how equipment, software and related services can be integrated to improve information sharing and coordination between incident sites and control rooms.
“Our visit to SIDEX allows us to keep pace with technological developments and the latest innovations in civil defence equipment, while gaining first-hand insight into solutions being developed by technology providers and manufacturers,” Major General Al Shamsi said.
“We are particularly interested in technologies that help detect early warning signs of potential hazards, provide accurate information about incidents, and reduce the risks faced by firefighters and rescue personnel while carrying out their duties.
“We are keen to harness these innovations in ways that address Sharjah’s operational needs, support the development of the Authority’s services and improve their efficiency.”
Focus on reliability and operational needs
Major General Al Shamsi said the adoption of new technologies requires a comprehensive assessment of their reliability, ease of use and compatibility with existing systems, as well as maintenance requirements, data protection and service continuity.
“These are essential considerations to ensure that investments in development deliver long-term benefits,” he said.
He added that learning from the experiences of users and specialised organisations enables the Authority to evaluate products more thoroughly and determine their suitability for the conditions in which they will be deployed.
The objective is to identify solutions that improve team performance, optimise the use of available resources and support the Authority’s operational priorities.
Delegation attends opening ceremony and VIP tour
On the first day of the event, the delegation attended the joint opening ceremony of SIDEX 2026 and the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR), followed by an official VIP tour.
The event brings together emergency services leaders, disaster management specialists and representatives from specialised institutions and companies. It provides a platform to explore emerging industry trends, showcase technological innovations and discuss the practical requirements of organisations tasked with protecting communities and managing risks.
Organised by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the exhibition draws specialists in emergency medical response, safety and firefighting, alongside service providers, software developers and equipment manufacturers.
The diverse range of participants allows visitors to assess solutions from different perspectives, including equipment design, operational applications and the support services required for implementation. It also offers an opportunity to learn about the organisations developing and deploying these technologies.
Conference sessions continue until October 30
The Sharjah Civil Defence delegation will continue its participation in SIDEX 2026 by attending conference sessions at the Singapore EXPO convention and exhibition centre through October 30.
The sessions address key issues in disaster management and emergency response, offering opportunities to hear expert insights, learn from international experiences and engage in discussions on the challenges facing the sector.
By combining the exhibition’s technology showcases with the conference’s specialist discussions, the delegation aims to deepen its understanding of emerging trends and approaches that could help advance civil defence services in Sharjah.
