The United Arab Emirates (UAE), represented by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), took part in the fourth technical meeting and ministerial meeting of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, held in Cape Town, South Africa.
The meetings brought together ministers, experts, and representatives from international and regional organisations dedicated to disaster risk reduction and community resilience. The UAE delegation was led by Ali Rashid Al Neyadi, Director-General of NCEMA.
The UAE’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting global efforts to reduce disaster risks and strengthen national and regional capacities for preparedness and response. The delegation engaged in high-level ministerial and technical sessions covering topics such as early warning systems, anticipatory financing, capacity-building, and enhanced cooperation between governments and international organisations.
During the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Early Warning, Al Neyadi presented the UAE’s experience in developing its National Early Warning System, which leverages artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to ensure rapid and accurate emergency response. The delegation also highlighted national initiatives aimed at building community resilience and supporting vulnerable populations through proactive, integrated plans addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
As part of its engagement, NCEMA shared the UAE’s approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic through its publication, “The Road to Success – The UAE Model in Managing the COVID-19 Crisis”, which demonstrates institutional integration, anticipatory planning, and adaptive leadership in responding to global crises.
In his address, Al Neyadi stressed that disaster risk reduction is a core component of the UAE’s national strategy for security and sustainability. He highlighted the need to strengthen international partnerships and invest in innovative solutions that enhance resilience to future challenges. He also called for greater integration among G20 members to standardise early warning systems and improve global coordination in major emergencies.
The UAE delegation concluded its participation with bilateral meetings with other delegations and regional organisations to explore opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange in disaster and risk management. NCEMA reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing global preparedness and building resilient and sustainable systems to confront future crises and disasters.
(Inputs from WAM)
