Rabdan Academy Hosts 2nd Centres of Excellence Conference on Safety, Security, and Defence

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Rabdan Academy is set to host the second edition of the Centres of Excellence Conference 2024 in Abu Dhabi on October 30-31. This year’s conference will revolve around the theme “Agility and Resilience of First Responders,” aiming to enhance collaboration among various authorities involved in fire management, counterterrorism, and safety and security at local, regional, and global levels. The conference seeks to strengthen specialized capabilities in safety, security, defense, emergency preparedness, and crisis management.

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The event will feature leading experts and industry specialists, providing insights into pressing global challenges and developments. Over two days, participants will engage in discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in combating terrorism, protecting critical infrastructure, and managing fires in high-risk environments.

Key topics for discussion will include future needs for national qualifications, volunteer firefighter programs, and the national decision-making model in high-risk situations. Additionally, the conference will emphasize the need for enhanced firefighting services on warships, along with a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations and challenges in firefighting and crisis management.

Supported by various strategic stakeholders, the conference aims to contribute to Rabdan Academy's overarching objectives. Platinum sponsors include the Ministry of Defence, the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority, the National Guard Command, Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority. The Tawazun Council and Abu Dhabi Airports are Gold sponsors, with the Emirates Medical Preparedness and Response Program Jaheziya as a Silver sponsor. The Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Center - Abu Dhabi serves as the Bronze sponsor for the event.

His Excellency James Anthony Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, emphasized the importance of this conference in fulfilling the academy's vision and strategy to develop national and global expertise in safety, defense, and crisis management. He noted that the second edition of the conference aligns with the UAE leadership's directives to enhance national resilience and preparedness for emergencies. The event aims to synergize efforts among various entities, fostering knowledge exchange and best practices to enhance the capabilities of first responders.

Morse stated, “We believe in the importance of developing innovative and integrated solutions to enhance the resilience of the safety, defense, and crisis management sectors and to elevate coordination among relevant authorities. This contributes to achieving better results in dealing with various emergencies, in line with the academy's mission as a specialized educational institution providing advanced academic and professional programs.”

His Excellency Ali Rashid Al Neyadi, Director General of the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), highlighted that NCEMA's support for the conference aligns with its strategic vision to strengthen the unified national response to emergencies and enhance sector resilience for effective emergency response. He underscored the necessity for close collaboration between national, regional, and international partners to foster knowledge and best practice exchange.

Al Neyadi affirmed NCEMA's commitment to enhancing first responders’ resilience and improving coordination and response mechanisms by providing specialized technical and training support. He also emphasized the development of integrated emergency plans to boost the country’s resilience against future challenges.

His Excellency Brigadier General Ahmed Hassan Al Zaabi, Deputy Commander of the National Guard, stressed that the National Guard's participation in the conference underscores its commitment to advancing collaboration among authorities for more effective emergency response. He noted the importance of strengthening coordination between security and defense agencies to promote national stability.

His Excellency Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, CEO of the Tawazun Council, indicated that the council's involvement reflects its dedication to fostering strategic partnerships and initiatives that drive innovation and enhance cooperation across sectors, further establishing the UAE as a leader in security and safety.

He pointed out that the conference serves as an essential platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in innovation and the development of technologies and systems that empower national capabilities and meet strategic objectives in addressing challenges.

Additionally, His Excellency Major General Ahmed Saif Bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Director of Central Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, stated that Abu Dhabi Police is committed to sponsoring events that enhance safety and emergency readiness. He expressed hope that the conference would bolster national preparedness and provide an opportunity for enhanced emergency response and proactive measures through specialized workshops.

Brigadier Salem bin Barak Al Dhaheri, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), highlighted the conference's significance as a strategic platform for sharing expertise and fostering cooperation in emergency response. He noted that ADCDA's participation aligns with its vision to create a sustainable safety system in Abu Dhabi, enhancing response efficiency and skill development through innovative technologies and solutions.

Sultan Al Dhaheri, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations, Government Affairs, and Aviation Security at Abu Dhabi Airports, stated that through participation in this conference, the aim is to implement a global operational system that integrates best practices and advanced technology, enhancing the ability to handle various emergencies while proactively mitigating potential risks.

The organization of the Centres of Excellence 2024 Conference is part of Rabdan Academy's mission to enhance cooperation among entities in safety, defense, and crisis management. This conference serves as a critical platform for knowledge exchange and showcasing the latest innovations that improve response speed and develop first responders' capabilities, reflecting Rabdan Academy's role in supporting the UAE’s strategy for sector resilience and integration among different authorities.