The first edition of the Emergency and Crisis Management...

16 January 2008 News

The first edition of the Emergency and Crisis Management Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi on March 3 and 4, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Organized by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, the conference will feature a selection of specialists in the field. It is set to address numerous critical issues related to emergency and crisis management, making it a unique event in the Middle East.

In a press conference held yesterday at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohamed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Director General of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, announced that the conference aims to enhance the state of crisis and emergency management in the UAE and the region. He praised the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, highlighting the leadership’s commitment to addressing emergency and crisis issues with the utmost professionalism.

Al Romaithi explained that the conference will cover a range of topics related to emergency and crisis management, categorized into seven major issues: preparedness for emergencies in environmental and industrial contexts, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and technology, communications and media, development and construction projects, and medicine and health. He emphasized that this conference is the first of its kind in the region, noting the significance of the participants and topics to be discussed. The primary goal is to enable participants to gain deep insights into coordinating work and managing crises while raising awareness and knowledge about emergency and crisis management in the UAE and the region.

He expressed confidence that the UAE’s initiative in establishing the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority will enhance regional knowledge on managing emergencies and crises and contribute to national and regional efforts in defining and standardizing concepts related to various types of disasters.

Al Romaithi stressed that effective crisis readiness requires diligent cooperation and coordination between government institutions, the public and private sectors, as well as other non-governmental organizations. He is confident that the conference will attract representatives from local and regional organizations to share experiences and expertise. He also believes the conference will lead to a greater understanding in the region of the need for increased information and knowledge in emergency and crisis management.

He noted that the rapid economic growth in the Middle East and the significant role of various emirates and cities as economic and tourist hubs present challenges and threats that cannot be ignored. These include cross-border health risks, terrorism, cybercrime, money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and natural and environmental disasters. Some countries have begun developing comprehensive strategies to manage these challenges, and he takes pride in the UAE’s pioneering role in this field.

The conference will feature a large number of regional and international experts, with delegations from the UAE and the Middle East, including many representatives from government institutions and the private sector. It will cover unique topics for the region such as crisis readiness, environmental and industrial security, and the role of communications and media in crisis management. The National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority is committed to enhancing regional knowledge and bridging gaps in this field.

The conference aims to involve all local and national government bodies, especially those concerned with emergency management, such as the armed forces, Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense, Red Crescent, environmental agencies, and private sector institutions. The list of speakers will include top international experts in emergency and crisis management representing national governments, security, safety, environmental organizations, and international bodies such as the United Nations and Red Crescent, along with several academic institutions. Reed Exhibitions is assisting in organizing the conference, and the platinum sponsors include Sorouh Real Estate, Al Qudra Holding, and First Gulf Bank.