NCEMA launches Business Continuity Readiness guidelines for UAE organisations

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, NCEMA, has launched the Business Continuity Readiness Guidelines for UAE Organisations in the event of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak, as part of its efforts to boost the nation's readiness and response for emergencies and transfer best international practices.

Guide demonstrates precautionary and preventive measures aiming to sustain business continuity for organisations across Preventive Measures; Preparing and Increasing of Readiness; and Response and Handling of Cases, while planning for business continuity during outbreaks. Leadership; Remote Work Strategy; Staff Distribution; Flexibility of Procedures; Monitoring and Evaluation of Suppliers; and Supply Chain Readiness are some of the topics covered in the guide.

UAE organisations at federal, local and private levels are urged to adopt this approach by assessing risks, threats, weaknesses and consequences thereof, where the organisations concerned may adapt their approach to identifying risks according to nature of work. Scenarios, assumptions and considerations were developed in an integrated manner to guide the process of planning at all levels, as related to points of improvement and the potential impacts of risks and threats.

Business impact analysis is necessary to quantify the capabilities in terms of quantity and efficiency to perform the tasks. These capabilities should reflect in emergency and crisis plans, as well as in business continuity (in the short term for the emergency, crisis and disaster cycle) and in national preparedness strategies (in the long term).

Preparing for any event is the responsibility of all organisations and levels (federal, local and also the private sector) and it is also the key to success in managing any emergency or crisis case.

The Guide, which was developed by NCEMA in cooperation with its strategic partners, can be downloaded from NCEMA's website.