His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday inaugurated the new Civil Defence Department (CDD) headquarters equipped with the latest technological devices.

The King toured the five-storey building and was briefed on the latest communication technologies installed there, including an audio-video system that is designed to connect the 12 CDD directorates in the Kingdom.

In his opening address, CDD Director Major General Mahmoud Abbadi said the new premises, with its advanced technological equipment, would help the CDD accomplish its mission of safeguarding the public and protecting their property.

“The building is equipped with the latest technological devices that will help us perform our national duties efficiently and professionally,” Abbadi said.

Abbadi announced that King Abdullah had decided to bestow the Order of Military Merit of the First Class on the CDD staff “in appreciation of their efforts to protect people's lives and properties.”

The King also honoured former CDD directors who played a role in advancing the department's humanitarian mission, and the engineering companies that supervised the construction.

Several Royal family members, senior officials, Parliament members, representatives of diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, former prime ministers and veteran security personnel attended the inauguration.