Abu Dhabi launches multilingual safety drive to prepare residents for emergencies

Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi, said the campaign reflects the emirate’s commitment to building a community capable of responding responsibly when crises occur, noting that public cooperation is key to protecting lives and property while supporting emergency teams on the ground.

The remarks came as the ADCMC rolled out the second phase of its “Our Community is Prepared” campaign, a coordinated effort drawing in multiple government bodies including Abu Dhabi Police, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the Department of Community Development, the Family Development Foundation, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Tadweer Group.

One of the campaign’s pointed messages targets behaviour that officials say actively hampers emergency response — photographing accident sites and circulating unverified information during active incidents. Authorities warned that such actions disrupt field operations and delay response times, urging residents to rely solely on official channels and refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports.

Practical guidance on responding to hazards, including falling debris, and on how to act when official alerts are issued, forms the core of the outreach effort. Awareness sessions and educational materials are being distributed across workplaces and public spaces throughout the emirate.

To accommodate Abu Dhabi’s diverse population, the materials are available in nine languages. Adapted versions have also been produced to ensure accessibility for people with determination.