Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s leadership in emergency preparedness and the expanding role of emerging technologies in crisis response are in focus at the Murona Forum 2026, currently underway in Abu Dhabi
The two-day event, which commenced at Erth Hotel on Tuesday, is organised by the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), and brings together specialists to exchange expertise and explore leading practices in crisis management and response.
Speaking to Aletihad, Mika Gröndahl, Director at the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), pointed to the expanding cooperation between Finland and Abu Dhabi, and praised the emirate’s professional approach to crisis response and preparedness.
He noted that delegations from Abu Dhabi had visited Finland twice last year and that the association’s president had also visited Abu Dhabi recently.
“Finland and Abu Dhabi are building stronger relations and exchanging experience, and this kind of event is very important to meet people and to exchange ideas and good practices,” he said.
According to Gröndahl, a vital component of crisis management is thorough preparation and planning, noting that public reaction is often underestimated, particularly as it is increasingly shaped by social media.
“When rumours start to spread, the situation can change very rapidly. Providing accurate, fact-based information is very important, so that people understand what is happening and what actions they should take.”
Moving to the emerging technologies, he noted that the arrival of AI has made it easier to assess situations and gain a clearer picture of unfolding events.
“It can very quickly piece together the situation and support large-scale analysis work,” he said, while stressing the importance of accuracy in decision-making.
National Standard for Business Continuity
On the first day of the forum, several entities were recognised for meeting the requirements of the National Standard for Business Continuity.
Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Director – Business Continuity and Health and Safety at G42, a leader in AI and cloud computing, said the company’s participation in the forum marked a major milestone in strengthening the resilience of AI infrastructure in the UAE.
“We received our certificate in compliance with the National Standard for Business Continuity Management System by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), and that shows the resiliency that is required in AI infrastructure,” he said, noting that G42 is “the first non-government entity” to achieve this certification.
“Being the first company to get certified and to be chosen to go through that audit as an AI company shows how the UAE has a vision to make AI a solid infrastructure for its future,” Alsuwaidi told Aletihad.
Madhubabu Nadiminti, Lead Engineer – Business Continuity at Arabian Power Company, said: “This recognition reflects the best practices we have implemented across our operations, involving both our operations teams and regular employees to ensure resilience is sustained.”
Nadiminti added that youth and national service play a central role in strengthening resilience efforts. “One of the best practices I observed today is the focus on national service and the young generation,” he told Aletihad.
Crisis Response in Maritime Sector
Mohammed Al Hosani, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Business Continuity at AD Ports Group, said the Group is prepared to activate its business continuity protocols immediately in the event of an emergency to ensure uninterrupted operations, in close coordination with ADCMC.
Speaking during a panel discussion on best practices within recovery frameworks, Al Hosani introduced the Group’s new “Al Burj” platform, which provides direct communication lines, alerts response teams and consolidates emergency and continuity resources.
Al Hosani highlighted the increasing importance of leveraging artificial intelligence in crisis response within the maritime sector, noting that smart technologies contribute to more accurate data analysis, significantly reducing assessment time.
He also pointed to the critical importance of operational continuity in the maritime and logistics sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the critical role of effective health and safety management during major crises.
He added that the Group is one of the leading port operators in the UAE and globally, committed to continuously strengthening health and safety systems for its workforce and communities.
