Abu Dhabi: The Emergencies, Crises, and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) has successfully launched the fourth cohort of the Alternative National Service Programme, deploying 118 recruits across 11 government entities in the emirate. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster business continuity during emergencies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the deployment was conducted in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence, represented by the National Service and Reserve Authority, and the ADCMC. The programme aims to ensure that critical roles within government entities remain operational in the face of potential emergencies, crises, and disasters, by equipping personnel with essential skills through targeted training and preparation.
With the inclusion of eight additional entities, a total of 18 government bodies in Abu Dhabi, including ADCMC, are now participating in the programme. Recently, ADCMC welcomed its first cohort of 20 alternative service recruits. This development
marks a strategic advancement in reinforcing the emirate’s readiness to manage emergencies effectively.
The current expansion brings the total number of recruits in the programme to 260, with a goal of establishing 30 active agencies across the emirate by early 2025. The initiative began in March 2023 with 86 recruits across three entities, followed by subsequent batches in September 2023 and February 2024, adding more recruits across various agencies.
As the organising body, ADCMC plays a crucial role in implementing alternative service protocols in essential sectors. It is responsible for identifying eligible entities, assigning recruits to suitable roles, and ensuring their participation in annual training programmes, in line with National Service and Reserve Authority standards.
Matar Al Nuaimi, ADCMC’s Director-General, emphasized the significance of the programme in ensuring uninterrupted operations in the face of crises. He noted that the centre plans to gradually increase recruitment over the next
four years to meet its ambitious targets. Al Nuaimi also highlighted the centre’s role in supervising Business Continuity Management systems and developing guidelines for alternative service deployments.
Brigadier Hamad Khalifa Al Neyadi, Chief of the National Service and Reserve Authority, praised the ADCMC’s efforts to integrate alternative national service recruits, enhancing operational effectiveness and emergency response times. He emphasized the opportunity for institutions to leverage the talents of young UAE nationals.
Recruits will be assigned to key departments such as Operations Management and Cybersecurity, with regular training and assessments. They are required to attend an annual refresher course, and a comprehensive assessment will be conducted after six months to track progress.
The ADCMC will also host the Resilience Forum on 18th and 19th December 2024 to promote cooperation on implementing the programme and supporting business continuity. The event will gather industry leaders and stake
holders to discuss best practices and honour key partners in this national initiative.
