ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates is confident it will move through the current phase “stronger and more resilient,” Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, chairman of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, said on Sunday, citing leadership direction, institutional capability and public awareness. He said the country has seen a coordinated national response involving relevant authorities, with actions carried out in line with established national readiness standards and closely coordinated roles across responding entities to keep essential functions running smoothly.
Al Neyadi said the national emergency, crisis and disaster management framework was activated from the outset, and operational readiness levels were elevated based on continuous and comprehensive assessments of risks and threats. He said the measures were designed to protect lives, safeguard national assets and ensure the uninterrupted continuity of essential services. He also praised field teams for disciplined coordination and professionalism, saying their performance reflected clear procedures and approved plans that enable a swift, organised response when circumstances require.
He said the public’s awareness and commitment have been a central part of national preparedness, highlighting the cooperation shown by citizens and residents as an important pillar of the national system. Al Neyadi said authorities continue to monitor developments closely and around the clock, carrying out ongoing assessments and implementing necessary measures to maintain the highest levels of readiness. He urged the public to follow official guidance, rely on approved sources of information and avoid circulating unverified content, saying updates would be communicated clearly as developments unfold.
Coordinated readiness across sectors
In Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s emergencies, crises and disasters management team held an emergency online coordination meeting chaired by Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, the commander-in-chief of Abu Dhabi Police and head of the team. The meeting reviewed an analysis of the current situation and potential scenarios, assessed preparedness across vital sectors and evaluated business continuity measures. It also confirmed round-the-clock monitoring and strengthened operational coordination among strategic partners to support timely information-sharing and informed decision-making.
Officials said operational plans are updated regularly and aligned with emerging developments to support continuity of essential services, including energy, health, transport, food security and communications. The team reviewed the readiness of command and control centres, the effectiveness of early warning and logistical support systems, and the integration of government business continuity plans within a unified framework. The meeting underscored the importance of timely, accurate communication that supports public trust and limits the spread of rumours.
Aviation operations and passenger support
The General Civil Aviation Authority said it activated operational plans to contain the impact of regional developments, with airports and national carriers working in an integrated manner under approved frameworks. Measures included rerouting certain flights between the country’s airports, accelerating rescheduling processes and strengthening on-ground coordination within passenger terminals to address potential congestion. The authority said the state is bearing hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers, adding that airports and airlines handled about 20,200 passengers impacted by flight rescheduling, with temporary accommodation, meals, refreshments and rebooking support.
The Ministry of Interior said it is closely monitoring regional developments and remains at the highest level of readiness in coordination with relevant authorities, stressing that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains its top priority. The ministry said it will keep the public informed of developments and required measures in a timely manner, and it urged everyone to seek information exclusively from official sources and cooperate fully with relevant authorities. Al Neyadi said sustained investment in preparedness, proactive planning and joint national exercises has strengthened resilient capabilities, adding that the UAE is confident it will emerge from this period stronger and more resilient – By Content Syndication Services.