Abu Dhabi Team Studies Finland’s Emergency Response Methods

The Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) recently visited the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK) to learn from Finland’s advanced emergency systems. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge, and study international best practices that can help Abu Dhabi enhance its own emergency response capabilities.

The official delegation was led by Dr. Abdulla Hamarain Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Response and Recovery Sector at ADCMC. During the visit, the Abu Dhabi team presented the centre’s full strategy for managing emergencies, crises and disasters. They also explained how the emergency management ecosystem works in Abu Dhabi, showing how different departments coordinate during major events.

SPEK shared detailed information about Finland’s approach to community preparedness, institutional readiness, advanced training systems, and the practical exercises used to make responders more efficient. SPEK also explained its planning procedures, emergency tools, and technology that help Finland stay prepared at all times. The Finnish team highlighted important topics such as volunteer programmes, civil readiness, and the well-known 72-hour preparedness concept that encourages families to be self-sufficient for three days in case of emergencies.

Dr. Al Dhaheri said that this visit reflects Abu Dhabi Government’s vision to build stronger global partnerships and collaborate with leading countries in the field of emergency and crisis management. He noted that learning from international models helps Abu Dhabi improve its readiness and ability to handle evolving challenges in a modern, effective, and coordinated way.

He explained that ADCMC constantly works on improving its operational methods by studying international models, understanding successful global experiences, and applying advanced techniques to the local emergency management system. This includes adopting better community engagement methods, upgrading training programmes, and enhancing institutional capacity building.

According to Dr. Al Dhaheri, the visit to SPEK was a major opportunity to learn about a unique system that combines technological innovation, strong institutional coordination, and advanced readiness. He said Finland’s model provided deep insights into how a well-connected emergency network can improve overall response capability.

He also emphasised that Abu Dhabi aims to align its emergency system with global standards by improving resilience, expanding smart-response tools, and creating joint programmes that strengthen teamwork between various emergency entities. One of ADCMC’s goals is to prepare skilled national talent who can contribute to community safety and support long-term sustainable development.

Finland’s emergency framework impressed the Abu Dhabi delegation because of its focus on inclusiveness, public awareness, and efficient communication between agencies. SPEK also demonstrated how emergency volunteers play an important role in supporting professional teams, especially during large-scale incidents.

The visit concluded with discussions on future cooperation, including the possibility of shared training programmes, technology exchange, and joint studies to improve preparedness. Both sides agreed that continued collaboration will help build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

Through visits like this, ADCMC continues to strengthen its global connections and adopt the best emergency solutions available worldwide. The shared experience between Abu Dhabi and Finland is expected to enhance crisis response, improve operational efficiency, and support the creation of a secure and prepared society.