Oman Affirms Readiness for UN Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Status

Civil Defense Authority: Omani Team Prepared for Highest INSARAG Rating

Muscat: The Omani Search and Rescue Team of the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority affirmed today its full readiness to advance to the “Heavy Level Classification” of the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)—the highest international classification in the field of urban search and rescue.

This announcement was made during a press conference held under the auspices of Mohammed bin Said Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information.

Brigadier Eng. Ali bin Saif Al Muqbali, Chairman of the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, stated that the Omani Search and Rescue Team has recently implemented a comprehensive preparedness plan, including advanced training programmes conducted in cooperation with the Singapore Civil Defense Academy.

He noted that the programmes focus on upgrading equipment and resources in line with INSARAG’s Heavy Classification standards, as well as completing operational and administrative procedures required for the evaluation.

Al Muqbali said that the team will undergo a series of administrative, technical and field assessments covering readiness and response capabilities, incident site management and “search under rubble” operations. These assessments will be conducted by international evaluators from 12 countries nominated by the United Nations to examine the Omani team’s compliance with global standards.

He added that the final results of the assessment will be announced on 10 December 2025 in the presence of dignitaries, senior leaders, military and security officials, and representatives from GCC states.

Al Muqbali expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve Heavy Classification status, which would mark a major milestone for the Sultanate of Oman within the international humanitarian response system.

The Omani Search and Rescue Team, established as a specialized national force to respond to complex emergencies, has accumulated significant experience through local operations and international missions, including deployments to earthquake responses in Nepal and Türkiye.