The number of fire-related incidents in Sharjah fell by more than half to 130 thanks to increased inspections and awareness campaigns in the emirate last year.
Fires fell 56 per cent from 299 in 2019, to 130 in 2020.
No deaths were recorded in 2020, compared to two fire-related mortalities in 2019.
After a spate of fires in industrial areas in 2019, blazes in those zones now make up less than 10 per cent of the total incidents in the emirate.
Due to Covid-19 we took our awareness campaigns to social media
Sharjah Civil Defence said that adding six vehicles to their fleet has cut the average response time to four minutes and forty one seconds.
“We have also increased the number of fire fighters by 72,” said Col Sami Khamis Al Naqbi, director general of Sharjah Civil Defence.
Also two new civil defence centres opened last year in Al Dhaid and Kalba.
A smart monitoring system which links buildings with the central control room is also credited with improving response times.
“No one in the entire world can reach to zero fires, and our role is not only to combat fires but to also reduce and prevent them by increasing awareness campaigns and inspections,” he said.
With 186 people volunteering to work with the department, around 12 per cent of of Sharjah's residents have been targeted by multiple fire safety messages.
“Due to Covid-19 we took our awareness campaigns to social media.
"We launched several safety messages including being careful when it comes to home appliances, and buying ones that meet safety standards," explained Col Al Naqbi.
Campaigns also successfully targeted building owners and company executives, with a 28 per cent increase in the number of those investing in civil defence related activities.
It is hoped this progress will reap dividends for Sharjah in the future.
“Creating a safe environment brings more investors,” he concluded.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
