Eighty-Nine Entities Successfully Comply With Abu Dhabi's National Standard For Business Continuity

The Emergencies, Crisis and Disasters Management Centre - Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) announced that 89 companies have met the compliance standards for the National Standard for Business Continuity in Abu Dhabi. This achievement follows two rounds of external audits assessing local entities' readiness to handle emergencies and their adherence to the standard's core requirements.

Shaikha Khamis Al Azeezi, Director of Business Continuity and Alternative Services Department at ADCMC, stated, "The auditing process is a key component of the ADCMC’s strategic approach to ensure and enhance Abu Dhabi’s preparedness for emergencies and crises. This aligns seamlessly with the Abu Dhabi government’s commitment to ensure the safety and security of all residents. This rigorous process evaluates compliance of entities with the local strategic indicator, Entities’ Compliance percentage to Business Continuity Standard."

Since 2021, audits have evaluated 90 government bodies and three private organisations. The audit team included representatives from ADCMC and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority. The centre's efforts aim to enhance emergency preparedness across Abu Dhabi by ensuring uninterrupted essential services during crises.

The ADCMC has introduced the AE/SCNS/NCEMA 7000:2021 Standard for Business Continuity Management System. This standard ensures efficient management of critical services during disruptions. It plays a crucial role in boosting preparedness across essential sectors within the emirate under various circumstances.

Al Azeezi highlighted collaboration with relevant entities during audits as part of their annual plan. This plan aims to raise awareness about the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) throughout Abu Dhabi. The centre also organises general and specialised workshops year-round.

Key achievements include integrating audits for Data Recovery Requirements, conducting a study on business continuity awareness, and developing a policy manual for backup power systems in critical facilities. Additionally, they established a National Standard for Business Continuity in healthcare as part of broader standards for critical activities.

The centre's dedication underscores its commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi's leadership in emergency management. By ensuring continuous delivery of essential services during crises, it aims to bolster emergency preparedness across various entities in the emirate.

With inputs from WAM