Alerts soon on your phone as emergency management is brought into the digital age

▶ UAE-wide warning system to also use mosque loudspeakers

Residents will receive messages on their phones about any impending emergenies as part of Government measures to upgrade public alerts.

The system, to be introduced by the end of the year, will also make use of loudspeakers at mosques in the event of, for example, a natural disaster, to warn people as early as possible and save lives.

“The new system issues warning messages to the public through mobile or smartphones, radio and television, as well as mosque amplifiers and smart panels,” said Dr Jamal Al Hosani, director general of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.

“We hope it will reduce the impact of any disaster that may arise and tackle it in a fast and smooth manner.”

Dr Al Hosani said that the system would help residents to play their part in an emergency.

“The work of society complements that of the authorities in emergencies,” he said. “The public’s response to and interaction with the warnings received is a key element to ensure the effectiveness of the warnings.

“So we hope to activate this system at country-level as it contributes to the development and prosperity of the Emirates.”

Experts say the system will save lives. “When seconds count, the UAE authorities have put into action a 21st century solution that leans forward in national emergency preparedness and response,” said Matthew Cochran, chairman of the Defence Marketing Services Council in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Suhail Sukkary, a cyber-security specialist at Abu Dhabi Education Council, said technology was taking over in government services across the country.

“Some people are still unaware of how technology is being used nowadays but this is a good way to start and it will be a good method in tackling hackers, too,” Dr Sukkary said.

Modern technology has reshaped communications as an

increasing number of threats have stemmed from the internet and new media.

UAE authorities are alert to the threat posed by cyber attacks such as the recent WannaCry ransomware that affected more than 150 countries.

“New technologies are a new challenge,” Dr Al Hosani said. “They create a lot of issues because they bring new attacks.

“There are a lot of rumours going around digitally so we have to be careful of how to deal with new technologies, and we must have plans to deal with them because they change on a regular basis.”

He said the rapid development of media and social media must be handled carefully.

“Major influencers in digital media are people so it makes a difference in dealing with such challenges,” Dr Al Hosani said. “Modern technologies have changed the tools of communication and the ability to influence governments and people radically.

“There is no doubt that the new media has positive aspects but its negative aspects are undeniable, especially when it is exploited by groups that seek to promote terrorism.”

He said groups used social media and the internet as a weapon to “spread their poison” and “lure their victims”. ISIL has been a prime example of efficiently using the internet to recruit.

“More than 1.2 billion social media users are used as publishing, media and marketing tools, and the virtual world counts more than 81.3 million users from 22 Arab countries, hence their significant influence,” Dr Al Hosani said.

“So relying on positive aspects of the new media to develop more effective ways for managing emergencies, crises and disasters isn’t impossible. The reach of social media makes it a useful tool in attracting everyone and using them to play a role in crisis management.”