Muscat, Oman, 9-13 November 2025 – Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Salim Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation, and with co-funding from the European Union (EU) within the framework of the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centres of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) Initiative, the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman successfully organized the National Workshop on Medical Handling and Responding to CBRN incidents. The five-day event brought together national experts, first responders, and EU instructors to enhance national readiness and response capabilities.
Participants and National Commitment
The workshop convened approximately 40 participants, primarily frontline medical professionals from the Ministry of Health who play a critical role in managing casualties during CBRN emergencies. Their engagement throughout the training reflects Oman’s growing commitment to strengthening national readiness and enhancing multisectoral coordination for CBRN incident management.
CBRNe Symposium: Strategic Foundations
The program opened with a one-day Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosives (CBRNe) Symposium, which introduced participants to a range of strategic topics, including national resilience against emerging CBRNe threats, principles of risk management, and an overview of radiological, biological, and nuclear emergencies. In addition, a dedicated session on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) activities implemented under the EU CBRN CoE in the region was delivered. The symposium set the stage for deeper technical engagement during the practical training sessions that followed.
Technical Training on Medical Preparedness and Response
Over the next three days, participants took part in a training course on “Capacity Building for Medical Preparedness and Response to CBRN Incidents.” The program aimed to improve early recognition of CBRN-related events, familiarize participants with the nature and consequences of various CBRN emergencies, and reinforce fundamental principles of site management during emergency response operations. Practical components of the course included demonstrations and hands-on practice with personal protective equipment (PPE) and related safety protocols at the incident scene.
The training was delivered by EU CBRN CoE instructors in close cooperation with national coordinators and Omani experts, who together developed a comprehensive program tailored to national needs. Despite the varying levels of technical experience among participants, the course effectively enhanced general knowledge and essential operational skills relevant to CBRN incident management. Participants demonstrated strong motivation and actively engaged in discussions, practical exercises, and scenario-based activities.
A Milestone for National and Regional Preparedness
The workshop marks an important milestone in Oman’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacities of its medical and emergency sectors, and forms part of broader regional cooperation under the EU CBRN CoE Initiative aimed at enhancing preparedness to CBRN risks across the GCC region.