Abu Dhabi, Aug 24 - The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and British Search and Rescue (SAR) have certified the training programmes run by the United Arab Emirates National Emergency Response Programme (Istijaba), WAM news agency reported.

Istijaba chairman Adel Al Shameri said the recognition would ensure implementation of a series of training programmes in conjunction with government and non-government organisations.

'Istijaba, a partnership between the Offset Programme Bureau and government and non-government organisations, is part of national efforts to ensure preparedness of all segments of the community to handle and manage crises and emergencies,' he added.

Istijaba, in cooperation with Emirates National Emergency Medical Response Academy, which is a part of National Training (Tadreeb), trains volunteers in disaster management and emergency response.