emirates7 - The Emergencies, Crises, and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) has launched the fourth cohort of the Alternative National Service Programme, deploying 118 new recruits across 11 government entities in Abu Dhabi. This deployment was carried out in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence, represented by the National Service and Reserve Authority, along with the ADCMC.
This initiative aims to enhance the resilience and continuity of operations within critical sectors and institutions during emergencies, crises, and disasters. By equipping recruits with essential skills through specialized training and preparation, the programme ensures that key roles remain functional in challenging situations.
With the addition of eight new entities, the programme now includes 18 government bodies in Abu Dhabi. ADCMC recently welcomed its first cohort of 20 alternative service recruits, marking significant progress in establishing a robust framework to strengthen the emirate’s readiness for emergencies. This latest deployment brings the total number of recruits to 260, as part of a strategy to expand the initiative to 30 active agencies by early 2025.
The programme began in March 2023 with 86 recruits assigned to three government entities. Subsequent cohorts added 15 recruits in September 2023 and 41 in February 2024, distributed across additional government entities.
As the coordinating body, ADCMC is instrumental in implementing alternative service protocols across essential sectors. Its responsibilities include identifying suitable entities in line with National Service and Reserve Authority standards, assigning recruits to appropriate roles, monitoring their performance, and ensuring their participation in regular training and exercises.
Matar Al Nuaimi, Director-General of ADCMC, emphasized that this activation aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of ensuring operational continuity during potential crises. He described the programme as a significant investment in the emirate’s future, ensuring that alternative strategies are in place to maintain essential services with the support of skilled young nationals. Over the next four years, ADCMC plans to gradually expand recruitment to meet its ambitious targets.
The centre also oversees the implementation of Business Continuity Management systems in coordination with other entities. This includes processing requests for alternative service activation, developing guidelines for their use, and creating plans to integrate recruits into business continuity efforts, ensuring alignment with existing regulations.
Brigadier Hamad Khalifa Al Neyadi, Chief of the National Service and Reserve Authority, praised ADCMC’s efforts to leverage alternative service recruits in sustaining operational continuity and supporting national development. He highlighted how this initiative provides institutions with the opportunity to utilize the talents and skills of young UAE nationals to enhance organisational efficiency.
Recruits will be assigned to critical roles in departments such as Operations Management, Alternative Service, Planning and Infrastructure Resilience, Risk and Threat Assessment, and Cybersecurity. These assignments will adhere to specific procedural guidelines and requirements, supplemented by regular training and drills to assess readiness. After completing six months of service, recruits will undergo a comprehensive evaluation and an annual two-week refresher course to maintain their skills.
On December 18-19, 2024, ADCMC will host the Resilience Forum to promote cooperation on implementing the Alternative National Service Programme and highlight its role in supporting business continuity. This annual forum will bring together industry leaders, government entities, and stakeholders to discuss best practices in business continuity and alternative national service. The event will also recognize key partners and organizations for their contributions to strengthening this vital national initiative.
This initiative aims to enhance the resilience and continuity of operations within critical sectors and institutions during emergencies, crises, and disasters. By equipping recruits with essential skills through specialized training and preparation, the programme ensures that key roles remain functional in challenging situations.
With the addition of eight new entities, the programme now includes 18 government bodies in Abu Dhabi. ADCMC recently welcomed its first cohort of 20 alternative service recruits, marking significant progress in establishing a robust framework to strengthen the emirate’s readiness for emergencies. This latest deployment brings the total number of recruits to 260, as part of a strategy to expand the initiative to 30 active agencies by early 2025.
The programme began in March 2023 with 86 recruits assigned to three government entities. Subsequent cohorts added 15 recruits in September 2023 and 41 in February 2024, distributed across additional government entities.
As the coordinating body, ADCMC is instrumental in implementing alternative service protocols across essential sectors. Its responsibilities include identifying suitable entities in line with National Service and Reserve Authority standards, assigning recruits to appropriate roles, monitoring their performance, and ensuring their participation in regular training and exercises.
Matar Al Nuaimi, Director-General of ADCMC, emphasized that this activation aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of ensuring operational continuity during potential crises. He described the programme as a significant investment in the emirate’s future, ensuring that alternative strategies are in place to maintain essential services with the support of skilled young nationals. Over the next four years, ADCMC plans to gradually expand recruitment to meet its ambitious targets.
The centre also oversees the implementation of Business Continuity Management systems in coordination with other entities. This includes processing requests for alternative service activation, developing guidelines for their use, and creating plans to integrate recruits into business continuity efforts, ensuring alignment with existing regulations.
Brigadier Hamad Khalifa Al Neyadi, Chief of the National Service and Reserve Authority, praised ADCMC’s efforts to leverage alternative service recruits in sustaining operational continuity and supporting national development. He highlighted how this initiative provides institutions with the opportunity to utilize the talents and skills of young UAE nationals to enhance organisational efficiency.
Recruits will be assigned to critical roles in departments such as Operations Management, Alternative Service, Planning and Infrastructure Resilience, Risk and Threat Assessment, and Cybersecurity. These assignments will adhere to specific procedural guidelines and requirements, supplemented by regular training and drills to assess readiness. After completing six months of service, recruits will undergo a comprehensive evaluation and an annual two-week refresher course to maintain their skills.
On December 18-19, 2024, ADCMC will host the Resilience Forum to promote cooperation on implementing the Alternative National Service Programme and highlight its role in supporting business continuity. This annual forum will bring together industry leaders, government entities, and stakeholders to discuss best practices in business continuity and alternative national service. The event will also recognize key partners and organizations for their contributions to strengthening this vital national initiative.