• The drill focuses on enhancing response and recovery strategies, fostering collaboration to effectively manage potential crises.

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has conducted a joint emergency response drill in Umm Al Quwain, in coordination with the emirate’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority. The event saw the participation of Major General Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Commander-in-Chief of Umm Al Quwain Police, along with senior officials, security leaders, and specialised teams.

Participants included various local and federal entities such as Umm Al Quwain Police, Civil Defence, Umm Al Quwain Municipality, Smart Umm Al Quwain, National Guard, National Ambulance, Emirates Health Services, Ministry of Health and Prevention's Umm Al Quwain office, Emirates Red Crescent in Umm Al Quwain, and the Naqaa Water Desalination Plant among others.

Major General Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla praised EtihadWE’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of vital resources in Umm Al Quwain, highlighting the importance of their ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders to develop immediate response mechanisms, enhance emergency preparedness, and ensure swift recovery efforts, thereby reinforcing community stability and security.

Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, remarked: "At EtihadWE, we are dedicating to enhancing readiness for a range of emergencies, including those that might disrupt water and electricity supplies unexpectedly. By regularly conducting joint drills with our strategic partners from different sectors, we foster seamless collaboration and build a resilient system capable of addressing challenges effectively."

He continued: "Through simulating service disruption scenarios, we refine our response and recovery strategies, strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders, and aim to minimise the potential impacts of such disruptions."

Ali Al Maazmi, Head of Business Continuity at Etihad Water and Electricity and Director of the Drill, noted that the exercise simulated the effects of repercussions of service interruptions, organising roles and measuring the efficiency of coordinated response and recovery efforts. The drill included detailed discussions and a comprehensive review of procedures, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

The exercise also included a showcase of Naqa’a Seawater Desalination Plant in Umm Al Quwain, a flagship project and one of the world’s largest and most efficient reverse osmosis desalination plants. The plant plays a crucial role in bolstering water security in the UAE, supporting national efforts to sustain freshwater supplies and address water scarcity.

About EtihadWE:

EtihadWE was established in 2020 under the Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2020 to carry out the duties assigned to The Federal Electricity & Water Authority at that time. It is wholly owned by the Emirates Investment Authority and is mandated to meet the needs of the northern emirates of electricity and desalinated water. EtihadWE seeks to become global leader and achieve the highest levels of excellence in the field of services it provides, achieve sustainability, reduce waste in natural resources, launch institutional initiatives aimed at supporting economic sustainability and preserving the environment, in addition to fulfill its social responsibilities.