On October 21, 2024, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, announced the Kingdom’s growing prominence in global search and rescue operations. In his address at the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Programme (COSPAS-SARSAT), Al-Duailej proposed the establishment of an "International Search and Rescue Day" to be observed annually on September 10. As part of this initiative, Saudi Arabia will contribute $200,000 to support international search and rescue efforts.
The meeting, held from October 15 to 24 in Riyadh, marks the first time the COSPAS-SARSAT conference is being hosted outside the founding countries—United States, France, Russia, and Canada. The event brings together participants from 45 countries and international organizations and is chaired by Henrik Smith, the current Chairman of the COSPAS-SARSAT Program Council. Al-Duailej, in his speech, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in global search and rescue missions since joining the program in 2000.
Over the years, Saudi Arabia has built advanced capabilities in search and rescue operations, solidifying its position as a regional leader. The Kingdom has established the Saudi Center for Search and Rescue Missions in Jeddah, which serves as a key hub supporting operations across seven neighboring countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, and Yemen. Al-Duailej also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to complying with the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) and the adoption of Autonomous Distress Tracking technology to enhance the safety and coordination of rescue missions. These systems ensure that aircraft operators and rescue coordination centers are fully aligned with international safety standards.
Furthermore, the Kingdom is integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as drones, into its search and rescue operations to improve efficiency and response times. This technological adaptation not only enhances aviation safety but also ensures that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of advancements in the field.
In his remarks, Al-Duailej announced that Saudi Arabia will host the Central and Southern Regions Meeting in Jeddah from February 24 to 27, 2025. This upcoming event will feature specialized training workshops aimed at enhancing the skills and capacities of search and rescue personnel in the region.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for greater collaboration among the international community to ensure a safer and more secure future in civil aviation. Saudi Arabia’s active involvement in satellite-based search and rescue operations underscores its growing influence as a key player on the international stage in aviation safety and rescue efforts.