• Riyadh clear sky
  • 21-October-2025
  • 05:28 pm
Definition of Civil Defense

Civil Defense, as defined by the Civil Defense Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/10 dated 10/5/1406 H (20/1/1986), is a set of measures and actions necessary to protect the population as well as public and private property against the hazards of fires, disasters, wars, and other incidents, in addition to providing relief to victims, maintaining the safety of transportation, communications, and the proper operation of public utilities, and protecting national resources at times of peace, war, and emergencies.

Brief History

The first fire brigade was formed in Makkah Al Mukarramah in 1346H. (1927). It was attached to the Public Security Department and was called The Head Department of the Fire Brigade. On 15 Rajab 1376H. (23 May 1945), Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Fire Brigade was formed. Two other brigades were later formed in Riyadh and Jeddah. In 1380H. (1960), the Head Department of the Fire Brigade, renamed the General Directorate of Fire Brigade, was separated from the Public Security Department and became under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior. On 24 Rabi' al-awwal 1385H. (22 July 1965), the Royal Order No. 6858 was issued. In accordance with this order, the General Fire Brigade Department was renamed the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Vision

The excellence in performance to protect lives and properties regionally and internationally.

Message

Work professionally to preserve lives and properties, protect them from risks and disasters during peace and war times, spread preventive awareness through qualified personnel, modern equipment, and excellent partnerships and collaboration.

Values

Piety, courage, humanity, cooperation, loyalty and honesty.

A word from the Director General of Civil Defense

Major General Dr. Hamoud bin Sulaiman Al-Faraj

A word from the Director General of Civil Defense

Safety in our daily lives requires active participation from all segments of society. It is the first pillar to build a way of life characterized by security and safety through preventive awareness measures that lead to a safe society free of risks. The General Directorate of Civil Defense implements all of its capabilities, workforce, equipment, and knowledge to protect lives and properties from all sorts of dangers. The General Directorate of Civil Defense also promotes safety and awareness by conducting activities, events, and various media means to achieve security and safety for the public and the prosperity of our homeland. The General Directorate of Civil Defense has received unlimited support from the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince. Furthermore, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has the care, follow-up, and direct supervision of HRH, the Minister of Interior, to enable it to perform the tasks and responsibilities in the face of risks and accidents. Due to that, it acquired highly qualified manpower, advanced vehicles, and equipment to tackle any danger that may occur – may Allah forbid. The General Directorate of Civil Defense contributes to the support of friendly countries through the Saudi Search and Rescue Team, which is internationally classified and specialized in responding to disasters and major accidents. The General Directorate of Civil Defense is always ready to respond to emergencies, work with all state bodies, and coordinate constantly to achieve the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, to help achieve a better quality of life for the public and create a safe environment for investments, in cooperation with all relevant authorities. We proudly remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to save others and properties, asking Allah Almighty to bless them with His mercy. The General Directorate of Civil Defense extends its communications with all segments of society through digital channels, applications, and social media to receive ideas and insights that may contribute to elevating our services and enhancing our capabilities to perform our tasks to the fullest.

Last Updated: 2025-08-31 10:17 Saudi Arabia Time