HOW UAE IS REDEFINING EMERGENCY READINESS

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) stands as a cornerstone of the UAE government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens, residents, and critical assets.

- BY KRISTIAN P. ALEXANDER | Special to Gulf News

Far from being merely a reactive institution, NCEMA is a proactive, strategic agency whose relevance extends across all levels of governance — playing a central role in strengthening national resilience in an increasingly volatile world.

At the core of NCEMA’s mandate is the development and management of a comprehensive national system for emergency, crisis, and disaster response. This system spans the full lifecycle of emergencies: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Acting as the central coordinating body, NCEMA brings together federal and local government entities, alongside private sector stakeholders, to ensure unified and efficient responses. In a federal system like the UAE, such coordination is crucial to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure agility in crisis scenarios.

NCEMA’s broad remit reflects a holistic approach to national safety. On the prevention and preparedness front, it formulates national strategies, policies, and legislation for emergency management. It conducts rigorous risk assessments to identify threats — ranging from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods to industrial accidents and public health emergencies. Just as crucial are the national training exercises and simulations it oversees, which ensure all relevant stakeholders are equipped and ready to respond effectively.

The Covid-19 response