The normal functioning of life was not affected by regional conditions

The Executive Director of the Response and Recovery Sector at the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Dr. Abdullah Hamarain Al Dhaheri, confirmed that the Center deals with the current regional situation through an integrated system, focusing on monitoring and evaluating the potential effects on the emirate, and not on the event itself, so as to ensure the preservation of public safety and the continuity of daily normal life.

Al Dhaheri told Emirates Today that the center adopts an institutional approach, based on analyzing potential risks locally and developing flexible operational scenarios that address various relevant aspects, including the continuity of basic services, health preparedness, and the smooth operation of vital sectors.

He added that these scenarios are updated periodically through continuous evaluation, and the implementation of specialized training and joint exercises with partners, within a clear framework of coordination and integration, each according to its specialization, and in a way that enhances response efficiency and speed of decision-making.

He stressed that this proactive and integrated approach contributed to the continuation of normal life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and not being affected by regional conditions, which reflects the high level of preparedness and the effectiveness of the emergency, crisis and disaster management system at the emirate level.

Regarding how the center ensures the flexibility of its operational plans and its ability to adapt to developments, Al Dhaheri stressed that flexibility is a pivotal element in the emergency, crisis and disaster management system, as the center relies on dynamic operational plans, designed to be subject to continuous review and development, to ensure its ability to adapt to various possible developments.

He stated that the center works within a clear institutional framework based on continuous assessment of potential risks and impacts locally, and analysis of available data in coordination with relevant authorities, in a manner that supports making informed and flexible decisions in a timely manner.

He explained that this system relies on approved mechanisms for managing change and updating procedures, ensuring that plans are aligned with developments in the situation, while at the same time maintaining the continuity of basic services and the functioning of daily life in the emirate without being affected.

He stressed that this flexible and integrated approach contributes to enhancing the centre’s readiness and ensuring that these plans remain effective and adaptable to various circumstances in a way that consolidates stability and community confidence in the emergency, crisis and disaster management system.

In response to a question about how the continuous assessment of developments contributes to the development of emergency and crisis management plans in the emirate, and what are the most important lessons learned to enhance future preparedness, he stressed that the continuous assessment of developments plays a pivotal role in developing the crisis management system in the emirate, as the assessment is an essential part of the sustainable institutional improvement and development approach adopted by the centre.

He pointed to working to enhance integration in the exchange of information between entities in the emirate, in addition to developing mechanisms for analyzing and continuously updating data, so as to support the expansion of the scope of some operational scenarios, to include possible indirect effects that may not be apparent in the early stages.

The Center is also keen to continue developing community awareness programs and adapting them to the changing nature of risks, with the aim of enhancing community readiness alongside the readiness of entities, and devoting the role of the individual as an active partner in the crisis management system.

Al Dhaheri confirmed the use of the “Our Society is Ready” campaign, which the Center launched last year, as part of preparedness plans, with the aim of raising the level of community awareness and promoting sound behaviors when dealing with various risks, in a way that supports community stability and enhances public safety.

In parallel, he stated that the center continues to work on updating plans, raising the efficiency of training and exercises, and enhancing the use of modern technologies in the areas of forecasting and response, to contribute to building a more integrated, flexible and proactive system, and enhance the future readiness of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.