UAE to Build Multi-Million Dollar Security and Rescue Training Center by 2028
A new state-of-the-art Security and Rescue Training Center (SRTC) is set to be developed in the UAE, marking a first-of-its-kind commercial facility globally dedicated to advanced emergency response and mission-based training.
The project is being led by Sahra Group in partnership with AMST Group, with completion scheduled for the first half of 2028.
With an investment of approximately AED 180 million ($50 million), the facility aims to serve as a regional hub for world-class training for sectors including law enforcement, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), special forces, and commercial industries.
Advanced Simulation for Real-World Rescue Scenarios
The SRTC will feature cutting-edge simulation technologies, including helicopter hoist systems, rappelling and fast-roping towers, and Helicopter Underwater Egress Trainers (HUET). It will also incorporate maritime vessel simulators and a specialized water rescue pool to replicate high-risk, real-life emergency conditions.
A standout feature of the center is its high-fidelity helicopter simulators, suspended on cranes to mimic real flight conditions, complete with environmental elements such as darkness, rotor downwash, and high noise levels.
These innovations will enable 24/7 training for a wide range of operations, including medical emergencies, disaster response, water rescues, counter-terrorism missions, and high-speed maritime operations.
Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability
The facility is designed to address the limitations of traditional training, which often relies on real helicopters and can be costly, weather-dependent, and risky.
Simulation-based training at SRTC will allow personnel to gain up to ten times more experience compared to conventional methods, while significantly reducing operational risks. Costs are also expected to decrease substantially, as real helicopter training can reach up to $10,000 per hour, whereas simulators operate at a fraction of that cost.
Additionally, the center will contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions by over 99% per training hour compared to live helicopter operations.
Capacity and Strategic Importance
The SRTC will have the capacity to train up to 4,500 personnel annually, including teams from police, coast guard, civil defense, fire services, armed forces, and medical responders, as well as commercial sectors such as oil and gas, energy, and tourism.
It is also expected to play a critical role in disaster management and emergency preparedness, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in safety infrastructure and operational excellence across the MENA region.
Industry Leaders Highlight Global Impact
Jamal Alkaf, CEO of Sahra Group, stated that the facility represents a major investment in mission-critical training, positioning the UAE at the forefront of global capability development. He added that the center is designed as a scalable platform capable of expanding its technologies and international partnerships over time.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Lindlbauer, Senior Business Development Manager at AMST Group, emphasized that the facility will enable teams to train in high-pressure, life-saving scenarios within a controlled environment, helping build precision, confidence, and readiness for real-world operations.
Supporting Broader Industrial Applications
Beyond emergency response, the center will also support helicopter-assisted industrial operations, including maintenance of power lines, wind turbines, telecommunications systems, cranes, and offshore oil and gas installations.
The development of the SRTC highlights the UAE’s continued investment in innovation, safety, and advanced training solutions, setting new global benchmarks for emergency preparedness and operational efficiency.
