Centres of Excellence

Overview

In line with the vision of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates to unify the efforts of state institutions under a shared direction, and within the framework of enhancing the national resilience system, Rabdan Academy is spearheading the launch of 12 Centers of Excellence. This unique national project encompasses 12 strategic themes related to safety, security, defense, emergency preparedness and crisis management (SSDEC).

This high-level initiative aims to unite Communities of Practice specialists and experts from key entities within the SSDEC domain. Through dynamic scenarios, in-depth discussion sessions, and the presentation of world-class papers, it seeks to address the national resilience challenges, develop improvement plans, and dealing with the unexpected threats to national security.

The initiative also prioritizes improving collaboration among relevant institutions, showcasing global best practices, and developing innovative strategies for enhancing national resilience. It aims to identify challenges, opportunities, and future trends in the SSDEC domain.

In 2023, the initiative held its inaugural Centers of Excellence Conference under the theme ‘Interoperability in Fire Management’ with the participation of experts, practitioners, specialists, and researchers from various relevant institutions. The conference aimed to enhance the unified national response to major fire incidents.

Strategic Outputs

Technical Vocational Education and Training

Performing the central conduit for all matters relating to TVET. Leaning on the COPs and outputs from the R&A to develop, standardize and govern professional development and training matters within COEs area of responsibility.

Research and Analysis

I Leveraging established communities to advance academic research within the CoE’s area of responsibility, driven by particular issues, challenges or questions to drive innovation, support decision making and maintain standardization based on the independent research findings.

Communities of Practice

Consisting of a network of practitioners, experts and technical businesses with the intent of providing a space for sharing experiences, best (and next) practice by collating evidence of what works to foster innovation, integration and collaboration.

Key Themes

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Hazmat

Civil-Military Operations (Counterterrorism)

Communication

Crisis and Disaster Management

Critical Infrastructure Security

Cyber Security and Intelligence

Explosives, Arms, and Ammunitions

Fire Management

Health and Safety

Ports and Borders Security

Search and Rescue

Security and Policing

Launching the 1st Edition of Centres of Excellence Conference

Rabdan Academy successfully hosted the 1st Edition of ‘Centres of Excellence’ Conference under the theme 'Interoperability in Fire Management’ with the participation of experts, practitioners, specialists, and researchers from various relevant institutions. The conference aimed to enhance the unified national response to major fire incidents.

The event was sponsored by key national institutions directly involved in firefighting, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA).

The conference included workshops and real-life event scenarios, engaging numerous participants from specialized national institutions. The primary objective was to analyze these scenarios, devise optimal responses to sudden emergencies, and introduce innovative strategies and plans for immediate and effective intervention.

Concluding its proceedings, the conference highlighted key discussion points and showcased outputs and recommendations geared towards bolstering interoperability within the United Arab Emirates' major firefighting system.

Recommendations

National and International Certifications

Developing and implementing accredited national and international certifications specialized in emergency and crisis management

Research Collaboration

Launching the inaugural group of researchers in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and Rabdan Academy to advance joint research and development efforts

Joint Training Enhancement

Expanding opportunities for joint training and collaboration within the emergency and crisis management ecosystem

Standardizing Concepts

Harmonizing key concepts related to emergency and crisis management to ensure consistency and efficiency

Expertise Exchange

Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise among participating agencies to improve crisis response strategies

Psychological Support

Psychological support between first responders and disaster victims to ensure effective crisis management

Enhancing Community Culture

Collaborative initiatives aimed at elevating community awareness and resilience for first responders

Strategic Partners

Rabdan Academy has formed partnerships with top academic and research institutions, broadening its strategic network in research, academic programs, and capacity building.