National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority

The late PresidentSheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al NahyanMay Allah bless his soul

“... You have to exert all efforts, capabilities and potentials. Blessings never last without effort, activity, hard work and thanking of Almighty Allah. Do not disappoint your families and your country, be as they expect you to be; men and women working hard for the welfare and values of your country ...”

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His Highness

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

President of the United Arab Emirates


“... We are fully aware that protecting the achievements of our country in different fields and sectors requires exerting more efforts from all of us. It also requires coping with scientific research findings and working together to develop performance through continued training and acquiring more experience ...”


His Highness

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai


“... The new world order and where we live, requires us to be aware of what is going on around us and build ourselves to face any emergency, regardless of its origin and its goals ...”



Introduction

H.H. Sheikh Hazza’a Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Speech

General Manager Speech

General Concepts

Establishing the National Emergency, Crisis and

Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA)

Vision, Mission, Goal and Responsibilities

The Organizational Structure of NCEMA

Activities and Events

Foreign Relations and Cooperation Agreements

Business Continuity Management

Conclusion

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Contents


Introduction

Throughout history, countries all over the world encountered a series of crises and challenges that affected their governments, the lives and well-being of their people, and their economy and development. Until recently, the challenges and negative impacts presented by natural disasters, accidents, diseases, and wars left nations fending on their own to deal with the situation.

The nature, scale and impacts of disasters is changing and becoming more complex and larger. With the increase of global warming and climate change, the consequences of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and volcanoes, have increased the threats to people and their communities. Also, disasters have become more wide-spread, diversified and dangerous for individuals, institutions and countries. Today’s threats have emerged with the increase of greed and war, the advancement of technologies and science, and international travel. Moreover, diseases, terrorism, cyber crimes, money laundering, and drug and human trafficking have increased the need for governments to take new preventive measures and participate in joint international efforts to best alleviate the consequences and ramifications.

With regard to these threats, countries must combat such risks and disasters with all their resources. Initially, each nation would confront the situation by


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implementing their emergency plans according to their own laws and systems. Today, events and emergencies are of an international magnitude, and the countermeasures undertaken are well-studied, planned and coordinated by several countries. This has resulted in governments’ developing comprehensive strategies and systems to mange crises and emergencies and working diligently to protect their countries and people in an effort to prevent and minimize future risks and their consequences.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not immune to hazards and risks, even if these threats are considered less dangerous than the ones faced by other countries. With the judicious and wise guidance from our leadership, the UAE established emergency legislation, developed plans and procedures, and has undertaken various measures aimed at protecting it nation and its people.

In this context, the UAE is proud to be in the lead at the GCC regional level, by taking the right initiative in establishing the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, known as NCEMA. This Authority was created by a Federal decree, with a mandate to coordinate all efforts - locally, federally, regionally and internationally, for the purpose of collaborating with other levels of government to effectively and efficiently combat all threats and risks.


H.H. Sheikh Hazza’a bin

Zayed Al Nahyan

National Security Adviser

Chairman of NCEMA

Not all threats facing nations, people and its infrastructure are always man made and technological, thus they may be caused by nature as well. Some threats may be avoided before occurring, and some of the impacts from an emergency are dramatically reduced through preparedness. However, there are some threats that are difficult to predict or avoid. Hence, the only thing that can be done is to mitigate their damages, and implement recovery efforts that will assist people and the country to return to normal.

While key Federal ministries, authorities and emergency response agencies have major roles and responsibilities regarding the preparation of and the response to emergencies and crisis, a national organization with a mandate to coordinate the system, its efforts and resources within the UAE provides an effective mechanism to achieve the best results.

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority: Necessity and Role


Taking this view into consideration, coupled with the vision of the UAE leadership, NCEMA was established to coordinate the UAE’s emergency management program across Federal ministries and all organizations that have a responsibility to prepare for, respond to, and assist the country recover from major crisis and disasters.

Therefore, through NCEMA’s mission, planning efforts and strategies, the UAE is effectively preventing and minimizing various threats that might face the country. Such strategies would aid in reducing the negative consequences of an emergency, and protect citizens, and the country’s well-being.

Managing emergencies requires exerting national efforts to support local governments, the private sector and the volunteer community. In protecting the nation, it is key for all organizations with emergency management responsibilities to be aware of their roles and perform them efficiently and professionally.

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Mohamed Khalfan Al

Romaithi

Director General

NCEMA is a Federal entity under the jurisdiction of the Supreme National Security Council, as the lead national authority responsible for managing and coordinating emergencies and crises in the UAE.

NCEMA was established to be a coordinating link among and between all organizations in the country. NCEMA is responsible for unifying emergency management programs, developing national policies and procedures, conducting training, hosting national-level exercises, and providing guidance and oversight to all agencies.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE, H.H Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoom, Vice-President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and with the continued support of H.H.

Looking Ahead


Sheikh Hazzaa bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Security Adviser, NCEMA has emerged to achieve its objectives of coordinating national efforts, protecting the lives of citizens and residents, and securing the nation’s achievements.

The new Federal Law concerning NCEMA and its role and responsibilities is finalized. NCEMA is now completing its plans and strategies pertaining to the National Response Plan (NRP), emergency support functional plans, and plans for hazard or incident-specific events. NCEMA is currently assisting all organizations in the UAE with their readiness to perform their roles when a disaster strikes.

NCEMA has accomplished a great deal of initiatives in a short period of time, including the preparation of the NRP, the establishment of the National Operations Center, a new national emergency management system and Concept of Operations, and the inter-agency communications operability among federal and local agencies.

NCEMA has signed several international emergency management agreements, with such countries as Italy, United Kingdom and the United States of America. This will permit and facilitate NCEMA to benefit from international expertise and enable the coordination of scientific, technical and human efforts in confronting emergencies.

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General Concepts


The Decree for establishing the NCEMA defines the following terms:

Critical InfrastructurePublic establishments and infrastructure that have economic, social, health,

environmental and political importance whether they are federal or local.

Precautionary EvacuationTemporary evacuation of residents in an affected area or an area expected to

be affected.

EmergencyAny major incident or incidents resulting in serious damage to individuals or

properties, or threatens the general order, the continuity of government functions, the safety and health of the population, the environment, or threatening the economy, and which requires special mobilisation and coordination between multiple agencies.

CrisisIncident or incidents that are more complicated than an emergency, and which

threatens the stability of a large portion of society, and affecting the government’s ability to carry out its functions.


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DisasterAny incident or incidents causing very serious damage, and which require the

cooperation of the government and society as a whole in order to achieve recovery, and may require the support and help of the international community.

PreparednessTaking the procedures related to preparing resources, capabilities, and plans to

respond to emergencies, crises and disasters that might occur in the future. This stage includes developing, co-ordinating and training on the National Response Plans.

Prevention and ProtectionActivities that aim to remove the causes of the emergency, crisis, or

disaster and reduce its probability. This involves a number of actions such as threat and risk assessment and establishing priorities, proposing necessary legislation, and the undertaking of all security and preventative measures by all concerned agencies.

ResponseAll procedures taken as a result of an emergency, a crisis, or a disaster, mitigating

their effects and offering aid and support for society.


RecoveryAll actions and procedures taken after an emergency, crisis or disaster, aiming

at re-building affected infrastructure and returning all aspects of life to a normal state. This stage consists of short-term, intermediate and long-term procedures and measures.

RisksThe probability of events or incidents occurring, natural and man-made

(mistakes, or as a result of negligence in following correct procedures, or gaps that might lead to the occurrence of emergencies, crises or disasters), resulting in material and non-material damages for members of the society including injuries, deaths and loss of property as well as environmental, economic, social and health damages, and which can cause anxiety or grave concerns among members of society.

ThreatsActions that threaten the society, or the environment, or public health, or main

services, or public safety.

Business ContinuityAll procedures and measures taken by agencies with the aim of continuing

their vital services to society during emergencies, crises and disasters that might affect these agencies or organisations, whether partially or fully. These procedures and measures include development of alternative plans for facilities, services and individuals to ensure the continuity of delivery of their services.

Relief

Provision of necessary relief and aid in the form of material and non-material support for those affected by emergencies, or crises, or disasters.


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Affected AreaAny area in the state affected by emergency, crisis or incident that did not reach

the degree of a disaster.

Disaster ZoneAny area in the state that suffered an incident that exceeds the degree of an

emergency or crisis and reached the degree of a disaster.

Professional and Institutional Safety and Security A collection of procedures that lead to the protection of life of workers and

reduce the danger of equipment and machines in the work environment, or reduce the number of accidents, or limit their effects. These procedures lead to a safe working environment which helps in the continuity of business, and ensures a work place free from whatever can damage general health such as air pollutants, noise, heat, humidity, light and others, and which might lead to an increased number of illnesses.

Risk and Threat Register

A register established at the national and local level which identifies risks and threats that the State or the Emirate might face, as well as the capabilities required to respond to them.

InformationInformation relating to any situation detailed in this Federal law.



Establishing the National Emergency,Crisis and Disaster Management Authority


Pursuant to the decision of H.H. Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE, NCEMA was established on May 14th, 2007 under the jurisdiction of the Supreme National Security Council, in order to protect UAE citizens and residents and maintain the country’s achievements and possessions.

NCEMA is responsible for:

Participating in and supervising the preparation and coordination of strategic plans to manage emergencies and crises and take all necessary measures in order to implement these plans in cooperation with organizations that have key responsibilities. Issuing necessary directives to define the roles of concerned agencies when crises occur.Establishing and managing the National Operations Center. Providing emergency management guidance and oversight to Federal ministries, authorities, and agencies. Designing and implementing joint emergency management training programs. Participating and supervising the preparation and coordination of necessary plans to protect national critical infrastructure.

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Setting standards to evaluate an agencies’ performance or establishing emergency management performance standards for evaluating agencies. Conducting studies and scientific research to anticipate emergencies and crises, and how to effectively manage them. Recommending any necessary emergency management legislation and regulations in order to manage emergencies and crises. Performing any other designated tasks as required.

Board of Directors

On July 25th, 2007, H.H. Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE, as the Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, issued a decision to establish the Board of Directors of NCEMA under the Chairmanship of the National Security Adviser H.H. Sheikh Hazzaa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Board of Directors consists of representatives from several ministries and public agencies.

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Vision Mission

GoalResponsibilities


VisionExcellence in the management of emergencies, crises and disasters.

MissionTo enhance the capabilities of the UAE in managing emergencies, crises

and disasters, and to coordinate all national efforts to save lives, preserve property and assets by minimizing the effects of emergencies and crises, and coordinating the national recovery efforts.

GoalAchievement of State policy with regard to procedures for managing

emergencies, crises and disasters.

Responsibilities• Participating in and supervising the preparation and coordination of strategic

plans to manage emergencies and crises, and taking all necessary measures in order to implement these plans in cooperation with organizations that have key responsibilities. Issuing necessary directives to define the roles of concerned agencies when crises occur.

• Providing emergency management guidance and oversight to Federal ministries, local authorities, and agencies in the development of enhancing their capability to respond to an emergency, crisis or disaster. Where possible, design and implement joint training programs.

• Leading the preparation of the National Risk Assessment in cooperation and coordination with stakeholders, and update the Risk Assessment periodically. Participate in the Risk Assessment program at the local level.


• Performing a coordinating role among all responding organizations during and following a crisis or emergency. Establish and manage the National Operations Center.

• Participating and supervising the preparation and coordination of necessary plans to protect national critical infrastructure.

• Participating in proposing and developing policies and standards of safety and professional institutional security, and business continuity plans and standards in coordination with the competent authorities in the State.

• Participating in the development of criteria for evaluation of procedures for NCEMA in cooperation and coordination with the Federal State authorities concerned.

• Establishing an Emergency and Crisis Resource and Information Center that will conduct the necessary studies and scientific research to anticipate emergencies and crises, and prescribe how to effectively manage them.

• Participating in the preparation, coordination and implementation of emergency, crisis and disaster management exercises in coordination with stakeholders. Prepare after-action exercise reports, and ensure the implementation of exercise recommendations and lessons learned.

• Recommending any necessary emergency management legislations, regulations and policies in order to manage emergencies and crises.

• Performing any other designated tasks as required.

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The Organizational Structureof NCEMA

• Operations Department

• Planning and Preparedness

Department

• Support Services Department

• Information and Communication

Technology Department

• Media and Public Information

Department

• Safety and Prevention Department


The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority consist of the following six Departments:

• Operations Department The Operations Department is responsible for the management and operation

of the National Operations Center, which provides the 24/7 monitoring of all incidents. The Operations Department gives support and resources to various agencies as needed during major incidents and emergencies, including staffing of its Regional Centers to assist local governments. The Operations Department ensures the effective implementation of emergency response plans when emergencies or crisis occur.

• Planning and Preparedness DepartmentThe Planning and Preparedness Department is responsible for undertaking

preparedness activities and initiatives that improve the readiness of the UAE. This includes enhancing the capabilities of the government and the agencies to prepare for, respond to and recover from an emergency or major crisis incident. This involves the preparation and continual update of the National Risk Assessment in collaboration with key organizations. The Department is also responsible for the preparation of the NRP, and to provide guidance and oversight to agencies in the preparation of their emergency response and support plans. The Department designs and administers a national emergency management training program for all agencies involved, and conducts emergency exercises and tests in cooperation with other government departments, the private sector, and the volunteer community.

• Support Services DepartmentThe Support Services Department is responsible for the administrative support,

which includes human resources, professional development of staff, finance and budgeting, contract negotiation and administration, and the management of buildings and facilities. During an emergency or crisis, the Department is responsible for acquiring any needed goods and services that will be necessary


to mitigate the event. The Department is also responsible for developing and administering a Supply and Procurement Emergency Plan for the procurement of food, equipment and materials that may be needed during and following an emergency and major crisis incident.

• Information and Communication Technology DepartmentThe Information and Communication Technology Department is responsible

for providing the organization’s information technology systems, hardware, software and telecommunications services. The Department improves NCEMA’s performance by using the best and the latest technologies available. It also seeks to establish and maintain an excellent infrastructure of systems, networks, electronic communications and databases to contribute to the establishment of a national integrated umbrella electronically linking all governmental entities.

• Media and Public Information DepartmentThe Media and Public Information Department is responsible for raising the

public’s awareness and knowledge regarding potential hazards and emergencies in the country, and educating the public on how they can prepare themselves and their family. During a disaster or major crisis, the Department liaises with the public through the media to disseminate key messages from the government and emergency public information, such as warning messages, evacuation and sheltering designated areas, protective measures, and status of the crisis situation.

• Safety and Prevention DepartmentThe Safety and Prevention Department is responsible for developing quality

assurance and quality control standards for all agencies in addition to NCEMA that are involved in emergency management. The Department contributes to disseminating the culture of innovation and excellence, developing standards and supervising the application of safety and industrial security among all stakeholders. The Department conducts emergency management research and specialized studies that are utilized to support the organization’s decision making.

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Activities and Events

• Conferences

• Programs and Training Projects

• Corporate Social Responsibility


1 - Conferences

Regardless of the progress achieved and the emergency management capabilities of a country and its organizations, all countries tremendously benefit from participating in conferences where they learn from others’ experiences, expertise, and scientific discoveries. NCEMA, like many other countries’ national emergency management organizations, recognizes the importance of sharing and learning from others in the emergency management field.

Complying with the directives of our wise leadership, NCEMA pays great attention to host international emergency and crisis management conferences in the UAE. These conferences provide a forum for international experts and specialists from various institutions and organizations around the world to share their knowledge and expertise. This knowledge is of tremendous benefit to NCEMA, as it enables the organization to enhance its role and abilities to face emergencies and crises.

Such conferences aim at promoting emergency and crisis management in the UAE particularly, and also in the GCC region. The main goal of hosting the conferences is to enable participants to enhance their knowledge and to gain insight from the experience of experts regarding how to best prepare for, response to, and recover from disasters and major crisis incidents. This knowledge promotes a greater awareness of the need for effective emergency management programs in the UAE as well as the need for regional preparedness and a response strategy in the GCC.

By hosting the conferences, this goal is achieved through the following objectives:

Creating knowledge, readiness and familiarity in emergency and crisis management.

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Encouraging joint cooperation among neighboring countries at the regional level.Promoting public awareness of emergency and crisis management through the Internet.Exchanging expertise relevant to emergencies and crises at an international level, andDiscovering best practices and lessons learned in emergency and crisis management.

These conferences provide participants from the UAE and other countries the opportunity to be familiar with creative and practical ideas, as well as concepts and strategies regarding interagency cooperation, communication and collaboration during and prior to an emergency or crisis at a local, national, regional and international level.

The International Annual Crisis and Emergency Management Conference

hosted by NCEMA in Abu Dhabi, attracts international experts and key officials from across the world. It is the first-of-its-kind in the Gulf and the Middle East, as it forms a platform to exchange the visions of elite international emergency and crisis management experts through a series of lectures and workshops. This conference aims at demonstrating the best solutions and procedures that could be implemented to deter risks and to reduce the negative consequences, damages and losses should a disaster strike.

These conferences focus on important strategic issues and discuss current and relevant topics ranging from improving disaster resiliency, readiness of government and agencies, effective leadership, counter terrorism strategies, environmental, industrial, cyber security, crisis communications, media management, emergency public warnings, telecommunications, protecting critical infrastructure, and the role of public health during emergencies.

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These conferences also aim at providing benefits for the UAE, the Gulf

and the Middle East through enabling local and national organizations in the

public and volunteer sectors to benefit from the experiences and expertise of

other countries. Moreover, they enable these agencies share their methods

and systems with international experts.

Despite the fact that the UAE, GCC countries and the Middle East have

distinguished individual expertise, in addition to being fully equipped with

the resources that enable them to deal with emergencies and crises efficiently,

they are in great need of a coordinated emergency response strategy and

operational plan.

The UAE’s initiative to create NCEMA enhances the region’s knowledge

of emergency and crisis management, and contributes to establishing joint

national and regional efforts that define and form unified concepts on all types

of possible risks. Furthermore, readiness towards dealing with crises cannot be

fully accomplished without the intensive cooperation and coordination among

government institutions and the public and private sectors, as well as among

individuals and other non-government entities.

Today, countries face many complex threats, risks, and challenges that

transcend international boundaries. These include, at minimum, such threats

as human and animal diseases, natural, man-made and technological disasters,

terrorism, cyber crimes, money laundering, human trafficking, and drug

trafficking. In order to combat such challenges, some countries commenced

developing comprehensive strategies for emergency and crisis management.

We are proud that the UAE is a leading country in this field.


2 - Programs and Training Projects

NCEMA coordinates with key Federal ministries, and Federal and Local

agencies and authorities to establish and implement emergency management

programs, including joint training exercises. These initiatives raise the level

of readiness of the nation, as well as heighten the community’s awareness and

education regarding how to be prepared and what to do should an emergency

or major crisis occur.

Raising public awareness aids in protecting the citizenry from various

threats. The new phase of national work requires a generation that is aware of

the importance of facing emergencies and crises. Among these initiatives are:

the National Project on the Security and Safety of Educational Institutions,

and the National Volunteer Emergency Response Program.

• The National Project on the Security and Safety of Educational Institutions

The National Project on the Security and Safety of Educational Institutions’

slogan is “Our Schools - Security and Safety”. The Project aims at raising

awareness and creating a security and safety culture within the educational

community that will protect students and schools, while educating the next

generation on safety and security.

The project objectives are:

- To introduce NCEMA and its role and mission to the community.

- To promote a citizen and organizational preparedness culture towards 12

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emergencies and crisis through the educational community.

- To upgrade the level of discipline in educational institutions by encouraging

students and teachers to contribute to saving lives and property and

maintaining public order.

- To create and build an educated generation of future volunteers.

- To create a community that is able to deal with emergencies and crises

effectively by supporting NCEMA’s mission.

- To create a channel of communication and establish a strategic partnership

between NCEMA and the educational community.

- To bridge the information gap between schools, parents, and the whole of society regarding safety, security and emergency preparedness.

- To reiterate the importance of the educational community’s role as a vital component of the nation’s emergency program.

• The National Volunteer Emergency Response Program - SANID

Under the patronage of H.H. Hazzaa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, and Chairman of NCEMA, the national volunteer emergency response program, known as SANID, was launched on January 11, 2010. SANID is a volunteer program designed as an integral component for maintaining the security and safety of the UAE during crisis and emergencies.

The SANID Program was established to enhance the voluntary culture within the country. SANID benefits from utilizing available human resources and by the creative solutions of the volunteers in meeting the needs of the UAE community. SANID was created through the implementation of the directives

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of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as a partnership between Takatof (the social volunteering arm of Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy) and NCEMA. The SANID Program is an initiative that aims to recruit and train volunteers nation-wide, enabling them to respond to national and local emergencies and crises.

SANID is considered one of the most important programs among UAE social welfare organizations. The program provides the necessary training to enable UAE citizens and residents to effectively respond to emergencies and major crisis situations, permitting them to protect themselves and their community while reducing damage and loss.

SANID is managed through a centralized structure that is based on international best practices. Volunteers will work alongside, and in support of, existing civil defense, police and various other emergency response organizations.

Interested individuals in participating and registering in the SANID Program must be a UAE citizen or resident, 18 years old or above, and have great sense of national responsibility.

There are two levels of SANID volunteers. Level 1 emergency response volunteers receive 36 hours of primary training with the emergency response teams. Volunteers are trained to assess crisis situations and to determine what response is required. At minimum, these volunteers are able to assess injuries, extinguish small fires, administer first aid and CPR, and perform other emergency response actions. After this training period, practical exercises

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are conducted to enable volunteers to implement acquired skills.

After completing Level 1, many volunteers progress to Level 2, and will

receive an additional 36 hours of training. This training is focused on

communication skills, emergency reception of displaced persons, volunteer

management, advanced first aid and CPR, organizing SANID teams, local

program orientation, and leadership.

Following the completion of their Level 2 training, volunteers may be

called upon during an emergency exercise or an actual event at the local

and/or national level. Volunteers receive on-going training, and participate

in specialized courses in cooperation with all official agencies involved in

emergency response and emergency management.

3 - Corporate Social Responsibility

NCEMA participates in numerous national events and activities to enhance

and build partnerships with UAE local organizations involved in safety

and security. This enhances and heightens the awareness of individuals in

the community. Also, NCEMA aims to educate UAE community groups in

safety and security methods, thus instilling emergency and crisis management

principles. These efforts build the communication bridge between government

and civil organizations.


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• National Response Plan

The NRP is a strategic document that was prepared under the leadership of NCEMA in cooperation with numerous organizations involved in emergency and crisis management throughout the country.

The NRP is an “all hazards” plan to establish a single comprehensive Federal framework for the effective management of major incidents and emergencies in the UAE. This plan is in place for facing all types of threats or major events, regardless of their nature, size, or geographical location within the country.

The NRP details the mechanism of the national emergency management system, and its three main factors: (1) leadership, (2) communication; and (3) national resource allocation. This system ensures the best utilization of effort, time and resources to achieve an effective response, thus reducing the impacts to people and property caused by disasters.



NCEMA aims at enhancing its relations with similar authorities and administrations at local, regional and international levels, in order to strengthen its role, exchange benefits, and achieve its objectives. As such, NCEMA has signed a series of agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with national and international organizations.

NCEMA signed three MOUs on January 13th, 2010 at the national level; with the Department of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi, the National Media Council, and Thruway for telecommunications. These MOUs pertain to exchanging information and data, expertise, and services related to the welfare of the country and our citizens.

At international level, NCEMA signed agreements with other countries, including Italy, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

On April 21, 2009, the UAE, through NCEMA, received an invitation from The World Bank’s International Unit for Disaster Reduction and Reconstruction to join the group of donors in the unit.

On October 11, 2010, at the International Association of Emergency Managers’ (IAEM) Global Board meeting held in Singapore, the International Board of Directors selected to hosts its next meeting of 2012 in the UAE. This country was selected because of its ambitious national projects in dealing with emergencies and crises.

IAEM has more than 5,000 emergency management professional members worldwide. IAEM provides information through its monthly newsletter and professional development opportunities, while being the largest network of emergency management’s experts in the world. IAEM offers expertise in providing recommendations, consultation and assistance. The organization awards professional credentialing, and provides accredited programs and annual scholarships to emergency managers and new incoming professionals.

Foreign Relations and Cooperation Agreements



In line with the wise directives of our leadership regarding the importance of providing safety and security during various emergency and crisis situations, and according to the directives of the National Security Adviser and NCEMA Chairman and the follow-up of NCEMA Director General, the Safety and Prevention Department has established a Business Continuity Management Standard. This Standard aims to assist government, semi-government organizations, and the private sector in establishing their business continuity management program, which enables them to provide key and critical services, and conduct its main activities when a disaster or crisis happens. This Standard is based upon international best practice, and explains the ideal methodology to undertake and follow in achieving business continuity.

Business Continuity Management



Conclusion


History has shown that societies cannot prevent all emergencies, disasters and crises, but that countries’ and its people and organizations are able to minimize their negative impacts through effective hazard mitigation, readiness and taking the necessary precautions.

Preparedness and response are essential in reducing the consequences imposed by such emergencies and crises. Such events require good leadership and management, and a framework for coordinating the priorities, roles, activities and tasks of government, the private sector and voluntary community-based organizations.

In order to achieve this in the UAE, the wise leadership of the Federal government created NCEMA for the purpose of having an emergency management authority that could coordinate and communicate among ministries, local government and all agencies concerned with crisis and emergency management.

Protecting the nation’s achievements and infrastructure is a collective responsibility


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The UAE is aware of its risk environment and key critical infrastructure, and as such have prepared hazard mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery emergency plans that will minimize the consequences should an event occur. These plans have been developed by NCEMA leadership, and by the leadership of all organizations and stakeholders involved in emergency management.

The protection and safety of the UAE and its people is the responsibility of government at all levels and its associated agencies. The full support and efforts of all organizations is paramount. Joint initiatives, collaboration and teamwork builds the resiliency of our nation in the face of crises and disasters. Enhancing our disaster resiliency requires the exertion of continual great effort from organizations and individuals, to keep on top off scientific discoveries and new research, and to progress the performance of its organizations and people through on-going training and education.

ISBN: 1/100122/29752

Documents

National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority