Mohammad Hassan Al Ahmedi grew up in a family of police officials and firefighters, so it’s no surprise that he went down the emergency-services path himself.
“I wanted to be like them,” he says. “It’s a noble job: saving people or even animals has a great effect on me. It feels precious.”
Al Ahmedi says he wanted to be a pilot in the army early on, but was knocked back twice, so he decided to study civil engineering at Dubai Men’s College.
“One day a friend of mine offered me [the chance] to go to Canada and study fire and safety. I then came back to the UAE and worked for the Dubai Civil Defence [as a firefighter],” he says.
The Emirati resigned from the Dubai government department in 2006, a year after being awarded a best employee honour by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was then that he decided to use his skills and knowledge to improve the sector he had grown to love.
“I wanted to contribute directly in improving the process,” he says. “At first I hesitated, but then I decided to take the chance. I needed to try to apply my experience in the way I see to contribute to the development of civil defence.”
Al Ahmedi is now the chief executive of 911 Challenge – the company that hosts the UAE World Firefighter Challenge. Organised by the Ministry of Interior, the event offers firefighters the opportunity to test their skills and improve their abilities.
“Being the CEO involves a lot of brainstorming, planning, meetings, routine management and being self-controlled, creative and patient enough to see the opportunities.”
If you haven’t been to watch the firefighters in action yet, Al Ahmedi says you’re missing out.
“Living the atmosphere of our championships [which were held last month] is fantastic,” he says, adding that aspiring firefighters should join the Civil Defence department and help make their country a safer place.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are the three things you would like to have with you, and why?
My wife; my mobile to stay connected with my employees; and the Quran.
What are the five things you never leave home without?
My mobile, laptop, passport, training shoes and the newspaper.
Which is your favourite holiday destination, and why?
Canada, because I know the place and its people.
When you’re not working what’s your favourite pastime?
Going to the desert, gathering with my family, and hanging out with my friends.
What music do you currently have playing in the car or on your iPod at the moment, and why?
Classical music, as it helps me to relax.
What do you do to relax when you have some downtime?
Pray and read the Quran. If I have more time I will travel to Umrah.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, and by whom?
It was given by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: wake up early and fight for your goals. And what he wrote in his book – in Africa, the deer wakes up every day knowing it needs to run faster than the lion, or it will be the victim, and the lion knows he needs to run faster than the slowest deer, or he will be hungry for a while.
What is your favourite food?
Sushi, and I will eat it anywhere.
What is your favourite tourist attraction in the UAE?
The beaches in Fujairah.
Where’s your favourite place to spend time in the UAE?
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah.
mhealy@thenational.ae
