The Chief of Public Security, Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan, chaired a meeting to review the Wireless Emergency Alerts Project. The Interior Ministry Undersecretary, Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, CEO of the Information & eGovernment Authority and representatives from concerned entities attended. The project aims to enhance the capabilities of concerned authorities to immediately and actively send alert and warning messages to the public during emergencies.
The Chief asserted the project's significance in promoting general safety and protection of lives and properties. He affirmed the necessity to work within the highest technological standards to ensure the efficiency and activeness of the system. He said that the project aims to achieve swift and active response by sending second messages to citizens and residents to contribute to taking precautionary procedures and reducing potential risks.
He said the project is based on developing an integrated system for sending alert messages via various communication channels, such as text messages, phone applications, radio, television, and sirens, to ensure that the information reaches the largest possible segment of the population, including remote areas. The project includes updating the infrastructure of wireless communication networks, developing specialised software for managing alerts, and training the workforce assigned to operate the system to ensure speed and efficiency.
The Chief highlighted the importance of accurate information in messages to avoid the circulation of incorrect or exaggerated information. He noted the importance of cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities, including government organisations, telecommunication companies, and civic organisations, to ensure integration, activeness and the utmost benefits from the system.
Finally, the Chief thanked all entities associated with the project and directed them to speed up work to complete the implementation phases within the schedule. He continued that this would allow the Kingdom to achieve its goals of strengthening the emergency response system and keeping pace with the latest technical developments in this field.
