Rashid Al Mualla Oversees Etihad Water and Electricity’s Joint Emergency Response Drill in Umm Al Quwain

Government

Rashid Al Mualla Oversees Etihad Water and Electricity’s Joint Emergency Response Drill in Umm Al Quwain

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) conducted a joint emergency response drill in collaboration with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, focusing on enhancing response and recovery strategies. The drill, held in Umm Al Quwain, aimed to foster better coordination among various local and federal entities to manage potential crises efficiently.

The exercise was attended by Major General Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Commander-in-Chief of Umm Al Quwain Police, alongside senior officials, security leaders, and specialized teams. Participants included representatives from key local and federal organizations such as Umm Al Quwain Police, Civil Defence, Municipality, Smart Umm Al Quwain, National Guard, National Ambulance, Emirates Health Services, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates Red Crescent, and the Naqaa Water Desalination Plant.

Major General Sheikh Rashid praised EtihadWE's ongoing efforts to safeguard vital resources in Umm Al Quwain. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between key stakeholders to enhance emergency preparedness, develop swift response mechanisms, and reinforce community stability and security.

Strengthening Emergency Preparedness

Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving readiness for a wide range of emergencies, including those affecting water and electricity supplies. He stated, "By regularly conducting joint drills with our strategic partners, we foster seamless collaboration, building a resilient system that can effectively address unexpected challenges."

The exercise simulated service disruption scenarios, allowing stakeholders to refine response and recovery strategies while strengthening coordination. It provided a platform to assess the efficiency of joint efforts and identify potential improvements in the emergency response framework.

Highlighting Naqa’a Seawater Desalination Plant

The drill also included a showcase of the Naqa’a Seawater Desalination Plant in Umm Al Quwain, one of the world’s largest and most efficient reverse osmosis desalination plants. The facility plays a key role in ensuring water security in the UAE, supporting national efforts to address water scarcity and maintain freshwater supplies.

Ali Al Maazmi, Head of Business Continuity at EtihadWE and Director of the drill, noted that the exercise's detailed reviews of procedures and coordination efforts aimed to enhance the system’s readiness to tackle service interruptions, ensuring a robust response framework for the future.