Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Crucial tech developments - such as big data, cloud computing, robotics, drones and AI integration - have been building resiliency among organisations worldwide, allowing them to predict, respond to, and recover from crises.
These significant trends are in focus as the UAE's Rabdan Academy shares its expertise at the ongoing World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 (WCEMS), which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The Rabdan Academy - a world-class institution specialising in safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness and crisis management - is an academic partner at the event.
Salem Saeed Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, said that with its WCEMS participation, the institution aims "to actively contribute to building resilience locally and globally by sharing our expertise and specialised knowledge".
"As an academic partner, we seek to foster meaningful dialogue, exchange best practices, and highlight the critical role of research, education, and training in enhancing the readiness and capabilities of crisis and emergency management professionals, both regionally and internationally," Al Saeedi said.
The academy's participation follows its mission of empowering communities as it engages with global leaders and experts to showcase innovative approaches.
Visitors to Rabdan's booth will "experience an immersive journey through its pioneering academic programmes, specialised research initiatives, and professional development offerings".
"We are presenting cutting-edge projects and real-world applications that demonstrate how Rabdan Academy equips current and future leaders with the tools needed to effectively navigate complex crises and emergencies," Al Saeedi said.
"Our team will also be available to discuss collaboration opportunities and provide insights into the academy's unique education and training models," he added.
The academy is also conducting a master-class during the summit, exploring how these emerging technologies - encompassing AI, IoT, big data, and blockchain - are changing the arena of emergency management with a focus on practical applications and the integration of tech across all phases of crisis response and recovery.
"Emerging technologies are deeply embedded within our curriculum and research initiatives. We continuously evolve our programmes to include the latest technological advancements, ensuring that our students and trainees are equipped with the skills and knowledge to operate effectively in a rapidly changing world. This includes hands-on training with simulation systems, data-driven decision-making tools, and specialised courses focused on cyber resilience, smart technologies, and future threat management," Al Saeedi said.
The Rabdan Academy maintains "a dynamic and forward-looking approach", he added.
"We engage closely with international partners, participate in global research initiatives, and continuously monitor technological and strategic developments worldwide. This allows us to adapt our programs swiftly, ensuring that our graduates and partners always benefit from the latest insights, tools, and methodologies in the field."
Proactive National Framework
Rabdan Academy bolsters the UAE's crisis management efforts by qualifying professionals and contributing to a vision of resilience for a proactive national framework. Its involvement in the summit promotes cross-learning, innovation, and capacity-building in the country and beyond.
"We view our engagement at this summit as a catalyst for long-term partnerships, innovation, and continuous learning. Our aim is to contribute to a global movement towards more resilient societies by advancing education, research, and collaboration in crisis management," Al Saeedi said.
"Looking to the future, we foresee deeper integration of advanced technologies, greater emphasis on cross-sector collaboration, and the continuous evolution of education models to prepare leaders for an increasingly complex risk landscape."
