Law enforcement and crisis management representatives recently attended the first regional and global virtual training exercise in the Metaverse at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The event showcased the potential of virtual reality in emergency management, blurring the lines between virtual and real-world training. Abdullah Juma Al Kaabi from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) highlighted the transformative capabilities of the Metaverse, emphasizing its significance beyond gaming in critical fields like emergency management.
The exercise brought together federal and local entities such as the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), Abu Dhabi Police, and Civil Defence Authority to strengthen the UAE’s readiness for complex crises. Participants engaged in a series of emergency situations, including chemical, radiological, and nuclear emergencies, in a comprehensive digital environment. The exercise aimed to enhance collaboration and coordination among agencies in managing crises effectively.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stressed the importance of embracing the digital age and adapting to new technologies like the Metaverse. He highlighted the successful use of virtual platforms during Expo 2020 and emphasized the need for developing new capabilities in response to emerging technologies. Al Olama emphasized the role of the Metaverse in enhancing public awareness and educating users about potential risks.
Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of NCEMA, underscored the strategic importance of the Metaverse Crisis Exercise in enhancing national readiness and coordination. He highlighted the initiative as a qualitative leap in leveraging advanced technology for emergency response and national security. The exercise is expected to refine emergency response methods and improve coordination among different entities in crisis management.
The Metaverse presents significant opportunities for training and preparing for crises realistically, ensuring that systems are forward-looking and ready for challenges. The exercise demonstrated the seamless collaboration among participants in a digital environment, enabling them to make quick decisions and coordinate effectively across various agencies. The event underscored the potential of virtual reality in enhancing readiness and response capabilities for complex emergencies.
With nearly half a billion users globally and a substantial portion being children under the age of 13, the Metaverse offers a unique chance to enhance public awareness and protect community members. Initiatives focusing on educating users about potential risks and benefits of virtual platforms are crucial in leveraging the capabilities of the Metaverse for public good. The integrated approach to crisis management and readiness highlighted in the exercise reflects a commitment to innovation and effective coordination in leveraging technology for national security.
