Civil defense and ambulance evolution

The article addresses the development of Civil Defense and Ambulance services in the Sultanate of Oman from their inception in the 1970s up to the unveiling of their new identity today, October 14, 2026. The firefighting service was established in 1972 within the Royal Oman Police, initially as a simple unit relying on light vehicles, and has evolved into an integrated system that includes advanced vehicles and a variety of equipment to combat fires and carry out rescue operations. The modern ambulance service appeared in 1998, with a focus on road accident injuries, and was linked to specialized training and the qualification of local personnel. In 2013, the two services merged to form the General Directorate of Civil Defense and Ambulance, which now boasts a rich history of centers, training programs, and expertise. It has benefited from technological advancements and state-of-the-art rescue tools, with the goal of protecting lives and property and improving emergency response.