Business Continuity And Alternative National Service Forum Concludes With Key Insights On Crisis Management

The annual Business Continuity and Alternative National Service Forum, known as Murona, was recently concluded by the Emergencies, Crises, and Disasters Management Centre - Abu Dhabi (ADCMC). The event was attended by Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Chairman of ADCMC and Abu Dhabi Police Commander-in-Chief, along with various dignitaries and officials. It aimed to enhance crisis management capabilities across the emirate by bringing together public and private sector entities.

On the first day of the forum, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Business Continuity Standard. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, is a pioneering global standard. It forms part of a broader series of continuity management standards intended for all critical activities in Abu Dhabi to bolster resilience.

The forum also highlighted discussions on best practices and strategies for ensuring business continuity. Experts shared their insights and experiences, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge. Additionally, 21 local organisations that effectively implemented the Alternative National Service Program were recognised. Furthermore, 10 local entities were honoured for meeting the requirements for compliance with the National Business Continuity Standard in Abu Dhabi.

Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of ADCMC, stressed the centre's commitment to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s preparedness. This aligns with the emirate’s vision to establish itself as a leading model in emergency, crisis, and disaster management. He emphasised ADCMC’s dedication to ensuring compliance with the National Standard for Business Continuity Management System through comprehensive audits and verifications.

Al Nuaimi stated that these audits help identify and resolve non-compliance issues, ultimately strengthening the emirate’s resilience. He remarked that "The forum brought together government entities and companies to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in crisis management." By leveraging past successes and lessons learned, participants could derive innovative strategies that enhance procedures and foster deeper cooperation among stakeholders.

ADCMC remains committed to promoting institutional collaboration through forums that enhance emergency response capabilities. The centre places great importance on discussions about mechanisms ensuring vital services' continuity. Recognising these as essential for improving efficiency and readiness in Abu Dhabi’s emergency response system is crucial.

Encouraging Collaboration

Al Nuaimi also highlighted ADCMC’s dedication to encouraging government entities to activate the Alternative National Service Program. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring business continuity during emergencies by maintaining uninterrupted delivery of essential services. Al Nuaimi described it as "an integrated system designed to strengthen security and stability by fostering seamless collaboration among various stakeholders."

The first day also celebrated the graduation of 129 recruits from three cohorts of the Alternative National Service Program. This program is integral to maintaining business continuity during emergencies by ensuring essential services continue without interruption.

The forum underscored ADCMC's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration through such events. These forums are vital for enhancing emergency response capabilities by facilitating discussions on mechanisms that ensure vital services' continuity.

With inputs from WAM