The UAE: An Inspiring Model in Crisis Management

By: Dr. Hamada El-Antably

The United Arab Emirates has succeeded in proving that it is the nation of the impossible. Thanks to wise crisis management and swift responsiveness in handling the situation, it restored life to normal and remedied the effects of the environmental crisis resulting from the heaviest rainfall recorded in the UAE in 75 years—according to the National Center of Meteorology—in a manner that exceeded all expectations. This was achieved through the efforts of civil defense, ambulance, rescue, and police patrol teams, which played an exceptional role in securing roads, water flow paths, valleys, and dam outlets, organizing traffic, and pumping away accumulated water. At the onset of the crisis as a proactive measure, the government announced the transition of schools, universities, and work across various governmental and private entities to remote modalities. As the situation escalated, it announced the continuation of remote learning and work to safeguard lives, while continuous warning announcements and government statements issued by competent authorities were released, presenting the entire world with an effective model in managing and handling natural crises with minimal losses and in record time.

The UAE Ministry of Interior announced at the time, in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the National Center of Meteorology, the end of the weather depression that affected the country after the rains receded and weather conditions gradually improved, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The Ministry of Interior stated that “field work teams operated in a preventive manner, and the Higher Committee for National Security was in permanent session throughout the weather event to ensure rapid response and business continuity, and these teams will remain active in their work until the recovery phase is fully completed.”

Not only that, and emphasizing the value of the human being to the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State—may God protect him—affirmed that the safety and security of citizens and residents stand at the top of the UAE government’s priorities. His Highness expressed his appreciation for the level of awareness and responsibility demonstrated by everyone during the weather conditions witnessed across the country.

His Highness directed the concerned authorities to promptly study the state of infrastructure in various regions of the country and assess the damages caused by the record heavy rainfall witnessed nationwide, which is the highest since meteorological data recording began in 1949.

Thus, the UAE presents the world with an integrated model in environmental crisis management, just as it has previously provided numerous models in managing various crises and handling them efficiently and proficiently before, during, and after the crisis. Salutations of honor and appreciation go to all the efforts exerted during that crisis.

By Dr. Hamada El-Antably