Latest news with #WorldCrisisandEmergencyManagementSummit
Khaleej Times
09-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Abu Dhabi prioritised food, medicine during Covid-19 lockdown, top official recalls
Abu Dhabi prioritised the distribution of food and medicines as the world shut down to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, a top official has recalled. Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development outlined that the UAE capital navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic with a resolute focus on this guiding principle. Addressing the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Rashed Al Blooshi emphasised the importance of a clear vision amid uncertainty during a crisis. "We faced a period of scattered data and confusion," he noted. "However, our leadership's message was unambiguous: Prioritise health and sustenance." Al Blooshi elaborated on the Department of Economic Development's dual focus during the crisis. "While the economy is vital, our primary commitment was to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens," he stated. The swift collaboration across sectors, including tourism and municipal services, was crucial in implementing a coordinated response to the crisis. Central to Abu Dhabi's success was its flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. Al Blooshi recounted how the emirate's robust infrastructure facilitated a seamless transition to electronic services, allowing for uninterrupted education and service delivery. "When faced with lockdowns, we quickly moved to ensure that essential services remained accessible," he explained. Community initiatives played a significant role in distributing food and medicine safely. Local councils were transformed into distribution centres, effectively addressing the needs of residents. "Our focus on 'medicine and food' allowed us to mobilise resources efficiently," Al Blooshi said. The private sector also demonstrated remarkable adaptability, shifting from traditional retail to online shopping and home delivery. "Transportation companies pivoted to deliver goods directly to homes, ensuring that our economy continued to function despite the challenges," he noted. Despite the turmoil brought on by the pandemic and accompanying natural disasters, Al Blooshi expressed gratitude for the resilience of the UAE's economy and the welfare enjoyed by its residents. The establishment of a support fund further reinforced the commitment to navigating the crisis effectively. He mentioned the strong international relations of the UAE which helped even when facing shortages in obtaining food supplies, medical supplies, and even essential or non-essential materials. The UAE had options because of its relationships, he said. "We could shift from country A to country B and then provide what we saw fit for our homes.' Also, he spoke about how the government of Abu Dhabi, during this pandemic, took advantage of it, leading to significant investments directed towards the UAE during that crisis. Dag Detter Investment Advisor and Expert in Public Commercial Assets, gave an example of a football team or an Olympic star. Most people don't react until they have had an accident then they will realise that if they had trained better, they would have managed the injuries better,' he said. He also mentioned the importance of education and better discussion between ministries and sharing knowledge about their experiences during crises.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rabdan Academy concludes successful participation at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025
Presenting the latest educational innovations in the fields of safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness, and crisis management. Highlighting future trends in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, immersive technologies, robotics, and drones. Abu Dhabi – Rabdan Academy has successfully concluded its participation as the Academic Partner at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit (WCEMS) 2025, held over two days at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. As part of its participation, Rabdan Academy showcased a wide range of its pioneering academic programs, specialized initiatives, and applied research projects at its dedicated platform within the summit's accompanying exhibition. Visitors engaged with the Academy's team and explored the latest educational innovations in the fields of safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness, and crisis management. The Academy highlighted key trends in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, immersive technologies, and the use of robotics and drones in crisis management. These efforts underscored Rabdan Academy's leading role in integrating cutting-edge technologies into education and professional training. Commenting on the participation, H.E. Salem Saeed Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, emphasized that Rabdan Academy's participation at WCEMS 2025 reflects its commitment to supporting the UAE's vision of building an advanced, integrated, and resilient national system for crisis and emergency management. Al Saeedi further said: 'we are proud to contribute to global dialogue, share best practices, and foster partnerships that enhance the readiness and capabilities of crisis and emergency management professionals, both regionally and internationally'. Further enriching the summit's agenda, Dr. Praveen Maghelal, Associate Professor and Lead Researcher at Rabdan Academy, delivered a master class session titled "Emerging Technologies in Emergency Management". Dr. Maghelal offered a forward-thinking perspective on how technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, and blockchain are transforming crisis response and recovery, while providing a holistic view on integrating multiple technologies across all phases of emergency management. About Rabdan Academy Rabdan Academy is a government-owned world-class education institution established to coordinate and enhance learning outcomes for organisations and individuals in the Safety, Security, Defence, Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management (SSDEC) Sectors. The Academy was officially established under Law No. 7 for 2013, issued by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is accredited by the UAE's Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education. The Academy is the world's first higher education institution specializing in the SSDEC domain to achieve a top "5-Star" rating in six key categories of the QS Stars University Rating System: Teaching, Facilities, Employability, Global Engagement, Academic Development, and Good Governance. As a unique institution, the Academy provides learning in a dual approach, combining academic and vocational education in one place, whilst recognising prior learning and experience and providing accredited and transferable credit from course to course and job to job. For more information, please visit For Media Enquiries, please contact: Corporate Communications Office (cco@
The National
08-04-2025
- The National
UAE predicts massive increase in police and rescue drones by 2028
From using drones to help extinguish fires and searching for people trapped under rubble in disaster areas to sonar scanners that pinpoint bodies underwater, the UAE is embracing emerging technology in its crisis response efforts. The Emirates is stepping up its use of AI to help improve its response to emergencies, while the use of drones in the sector is also expected to increase significantly across the world, a senior figure from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) said. Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, director of the National Operations Centre at Ncema, was speaking at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit in Abu Dhabi, which began on Tuesday. 'Drone usage in disaster response is expected to increase twenty-fold by 2028, while 70 per cent of emergency decisions will be AI-supported by 2030,' he said, referring to the use of technology in global search and rescue efforts. Delegates from 30 countries were taking part in the summit, which brings together decision-makers and experts on search and rescue efforts on how best to respond to emergencies. 'The summit is an international hub to shape the future and strengthen international co-operation,' said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in a speech on Tuesday. 'The discussions in the summit will inspire new ideas for helping our emergency systems to support safety and stability in our societies. 'This summit is a testament to a scientific vision for a United Arab Emirates that is committed to saving lives and preserving communities, not only in this country but also in the region and the world.' This year's summit, held at Adnec, focuses on global resilience, strategic foresight and enhancing partnerships among governments, international organisations and the private sector. Technology used by emergency response teams in the UAE was showcased on the opening day. Dubai Civil Defence exhibited its latest drone, Shaheen, an AI-powered, aerial firefighting system designed to handle blazes in high-rise buildings. Brig Suleiman Al Bloushi, director of the technical affairs department, told The National the drone has already been used this year to put out fires. 'The drone soars to a height of 200 metres, equivalent to 35 floors, in a few seconds,' Brig Al Bloushi said. 'It helps to extinguish fires in balconies and cladding. It is able to spray a mix of water and foam up to 25 metres from its 1,000-litre tank." The Ministry of Civil Defence presented the AquaEye sonar device that can search for bodies underwater. The hand-held gadget uses AI to search depths further than were previously possible. 'The device can identify if there is a dead body under the water,' a representative from the ministry told The National. "It can scan one acre in less than two minutes." Dubai Police showcased technology that played a vital role in helping find survivors in the earthquake that shook Syria and Turkey in February 2023. One of the devices on display works by being placed on rubble and making thermal scans to detect signs of life. Another device, called the Life Detector, can also be placed on rubble to detect any noise made by somebody trapped under the debris of a collapsed building. The UAE has helped with a number of high-profile search and rescue operations overseas. On Sunday, The National reported how a team from the Emirates had been praised for its efforts in helping with the response to the earthquake in Myanmar late last month. The Myanmar government on Sunday honoured the UAE search and rescue team in a ceremony hosted by Dr Soe Win, the country's Minister of Social Welfare. The emergency team was directed to provide support by President Sheikh Mohamed.
Khaleej Times
08-04-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE-made AI robot can now detect suspicious packages from afar
An artificial intelligence-powered robot that can remotely identify threats from suspicious packages — including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) materials from a distance of up to 800 metres, was unveiled by the UAE Ministry of Defence on Tuesday. The Tactical Identification Ground Robot (TIGR) was showcased at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit (WCEMS) in Abu Dhabi. 'Instead of sending human personnel, we can deploy the AI robot,' said a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. 'It is equipped with sensors that detect potential threats remotely by transmitting live footage and data back to the operator in real time.' If TIGR identifies the nature of the threat, the defence team can immediately take action to secure the area. If it cannot determine the exact risk, it is capable of collecting environmental samples, from soil or air, which are then sent directly to the Ministry's laboratories for further analysis. Designed and built entirely in-house by the Ministry of Defence, the robot has been undergoing testing in emergency drills over the past year. It is expected to be operational within the next six months. 'It is continuously being upgraded. We're exploring enhancements, including increasing its range and adding amphibious capabilities. Science is infinite,' the spokesperson added. 'Fortunately, we haven't needed to deploy it for a real-life threat yet.'
The National
08-04-2025
- General
- The National
Why humanitarianism means more in a fractured world
It is often said that it's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. In the case of Myanmar, where a 7.7-magnitude earthquake more than a week ago took the lives of over 3,400 people, the darkness of such death and destruction is profound indeed. However, the humanitarian response to the crisis should inspire hope – a vitally important quality given our increasingly fractious world. The UAE is among the leading nations that have stepped up to the challenge of helping the people of Myanmar. Almost 120 specialists from the Emirates have been deployed to help find survivors and are currently looking at ways to distribute food, medicine and shelter to thousands more in need. Such efforts have not gone unnoticed; on Sunday, the Myanmar government honoured the UAE task force in a ceremony hosted by Dr Soe Win, the country's minister of social welfare. An integral part of the Emirates' approach to international humanitarianism has been to lead by example. As well as being one of the world's top aid donors – from 2020 to 2022, the country's foreign aid disbursements totalled more than $9 billion – it has regularly sent personnel into difficult and dangerous disaster zones. In 2023, for example, more than 130 UAE specialists raced against time to find survivors in the rubble of the Syria and Turkey earthquakes. The country has also been at the forefront of the humanitarian response to the war in Gaza. As well as delivering more than 55,000 tonnes of aid by air, sea and land, Emirati medics have risked their safety to volunteer in Rafah field hospital, set up as part of the UAE's Gallant Knight 3 operation. Rescue personnel and organisations from the Emirates also have decades of practical experience to share. In 2004, the UAE sent a task force to Indonesia as the country reeled from the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Fast-forward to today and the Emirates is firmly established as a hub for global humanitarian work. Beginning today, its National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority – already a significant repository of skills and expertise – will host a two-day World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit in Abu Dhabi, encouraging knowledge-sharing and the building of ties between countries and organisations. A robust and organised response to challenges such as that posed by the Myanmar earthquake must be long-term in nature. Long after the victims have been accounted for, Myanmar will face a struggle to contain the spread of disease, repair infrastructure and restore livelihoods. Given that the country is still in the grip of a deadly and many-sided conflict, it is crucial that its problems are not allowed to slip the world's attention. The sheer scale of such a disaster reinforces the reality that the UAE's commitment to extending a helping hand is about more than moral leadership. At a time of increasing international division, where old alliances are under strain and humanitarian principles are too often violated, examples of goodwill – such as helping counties in dire straits – shows that co-operation is not only still possible, it is necessary.
