NCEMA Chairman Reaffirms UAE’s Steadfast Commitment to Proactive Disaster Risk Reduction
Ali Saeed Alneyadi emphasises that true preparedness begins with informed individuals and strong institutional coordination, marking International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026
Ali Saeed Alneyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), has reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a society that is increasingly prepared, remarkably resilient, and exceptionally capable of adapting to the evolving spectrum of risks and challenges that characterise our contemporary world.
In a statement marking the observance of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026, held this year under the profoundly resonant theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” Alneyadi emphasised that genuine preparedness commences with individuals possessed of comprehensive understanding, families thoroughly equipped with practical knowledge, and robust coordination between governmental institutions and communities at large.
The NCEMA Chairman underscored that the UAE remains wholly devoted to advancing the objectives enshrined within the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, through a carefully calibrated national approach that encompasses comprehensive risk understanding, strengthened governance structures, substantial investment in resilience and preparedness infrastructure, and considerably enhanced response capabilities.
Through its multifaceted endeavours, NCEMA continues to translate the abstract concept of preparedness into tangible, community-focused initiatives that extend to individuals, families, and future generations alike. These carefully designed programmes serve to strengthen risk awareness throughout society, promote a pervasive culture of early preparedness, and equip every member of the community with the requisite knowledge and practical skills necessary to respond to emergencies with appropriate confidence and considerable effectiveness.
Alneyadi elaborated upon the Authority’s comprehensive efforts to strengthen community engagement and local capabilities, encompassing the training of members of the public, particularly those residing in remote and higher-risk areas, in disciplines including first aid, basic healthcare provision, search and rescue operations, and volunteer response coordination.
These endeavours form an integral part of the Authority’s wider national and international initiatives, including the Global Emergency and Crisis Management Summit, an esteemed gathering that brings together leading experts and distinguished decision-makers to address emerging challenges and collaboratively develop solutions that substantially strengthen preparedness and resilience across societies.
In his remarks, Alneyadi stressed that this year’s selected theme reinforces a straightforward yet profoundly important principle: resilience does not commence when a crisis materialises; rather, it begins considerably earlier, through the establishment of a prepared home, an informed family, and a community possessed of the knowledge to act decisively and effectively.
The NCEMA Chairman renewed his commitment to further strengthening the UAE’s proactive emergency, crisis and disaster management systems, continuing steadfastly to support the objectives of the Sendai Framework through 2030, and advancing community preparedness in a manner that protects lives, safeguards national gains, and contributes substantially to a safer, more resilient and genuinely sustainable future.
Source: WAM