The Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi activated the fourth cohort of the Alternative National Service Programme on November 25, 2024, assigning 118 new recruits across 11 government entities. This deployment occurred in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence through the National Service and Reserve Authority. The initiative focuses on equipping participants with targeted training to maintain critical operations amid potential crises, according to the ADCMC.
With the latest expansion, the total number of recruits in the programme has reached 260 and now covers 18 government bodies in Abu Dhabi, including the ADCMC which received its first group of 20 alternative service personnel. The centre aims to extend the effort to 30 active agencies across the emirate by early 2025. This growth builds on prior cohorts that began with 86 recruits assigned to three entities in March 2023, followed by 15 added to two more in September 2023 and 41 deployed to five agencies in February 2024, ADCMC figures show.
Recruits receive assignments in key areas such as operations management, planning and infrastructure resilience, risk and threat assessment, and cybersecurity. They must complete initial training before participating in a two-week annual refresher course and undergo performance assessments after six months of service. The ADCMC oversees these processes while ensuring alignment with standards from the National Service and Reserve Authority.
As the organising body for the programme in Abu Dhabi, the ADCMC identifies eligible entities, assigns recruits to suitable classifications, conducts evaluations and coordinates ongoing training and exercises. This role supports the emirate’s integrated framework for managing emergencies, crises and disasters. Related ADCMC efforts include annual forums that promote business continuity practices and recognise compliant organisations.
A March 2025 update from the centre indicated that 89 government and private entities had achieved compliance with Abu Dhabi’s National Standard for Business Continuity. The auditing evaluates preparedness against local strategic indicators while workshops throughout the year build awareness and capabilities. These measures complement the Alternative Service Programme by strengthening resilience in healthcare and other critical sectors.
The ADCMC has established the programme as a strategic pillar that converts national service obligations into tools for institutional sustainability and rapid response. It incorporates awareness sessions, governance structures and continuous monitoring to elevate overall readiness levels. Such steps align with broader objectives to safeguard essential services under all conditions, according to centre assessments.
