Overview:

The telecom sector is one of the most vital sectors, playing a very sensitive role during emergencies, crises, and disasters, as it is the main enabler and facilitator for all other sectors. The Authority issued the first version of the telecommunications sector's plan for managing emergencies, crises, and disasters in 2011, and it has been developed over the following years to keep pace with local, regional, and global changes. The plan is now more comprehensive and proactive in identifying events, risks, and threats. Its aim is to ensure the resilience and continuity of telecommunications services during emergencies, crises, and disasters by coordinating efforts and distributing tasks and responsibilities to support responses at various levels (telecommunications sector level, local level, and national level).

In this regard, the Authority is working on many important and integrated activities to enhance the system. Through these activities, the Authority aims to elevate the strategic level of the telecommunications sector to protect the nation's interests and future ambitions, aiming to build a competitive economy and sustainable, resilient infrastructure by ensuring the continuity of telecommunications and information technology services during emergencies, crises, and disasters.

Audit of Readiness and Compliance:

he Authority conducts regular audits of telecommunications service providers to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations related to the emergency, crisis, and disaster management system. In addition, the Authority works on enhancing their capabilities to coordinate effectively, follow the necessary procedures, and respond to any event with professionalism and in record time according to the approved and tested procedures.

Conducting Strategic Drills: SADA ALBARQ Drill Series

A series of simulation drills titled "SADA ALBARQ" has been launched, marking the first of its kind in the country's telecommunications sector. The purpose of these drills is to test the effectiveness of the telecommunications sector's emergency, crisis, and disaster management plan by creating hypothetical scenarios that could potentially affect the sector’s services and infrastructure. The drills also aim to strengthen capabilities in dealing with these events, starting from prevention, to preparedness, response, and recovery, ultimately enhancing the sector's resilience and readiness to the highest levels. This ensures the robustness of the infrastructure through the verification of the integration and availability of its elements, as well as the awareness of its personnel regarding the necessary procedures to follow in such cases.

Conducting Telecom Business Continuity Forum

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that began affecting the world in early 2020, the need to adapt to events and increase the readiness of institutions to deal with and fully prepare for the repercussions became clear. In line with the country's strategy to develop response capabilities to face dangers in general, and the risks of pandemics specifically, the Authority introduced a new series of drills in 2020 under the name "Shattat Drills." These drills are characterized by quick preparation and execution, focusing on operational field activities, and aim to measure one specific capability within the telecommunications sector.

Participation in Local and National Drills:

The National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority conducts regular drills in coordination with relevant entities to ensure the readiness of plans and organizations to deal with events. Given that the telecommunications sector is the lifeline for communication between these entities, the Authority is involved in preparing, executing, and evaluating these drills, as well as participating in them at both the local and national levels.

Conducting Telecom Business Continuity Forum:

The Authority established the Telecommunications Business Continuity Forum in 2011, which holds annual sessions. The aim is to collectively enhance business continuity and develop effective strategies to ensure the availability and reliability of telecommunications services at all times. This is achieved by encouraging the development of innovative solutions and technologies to support business continuity, in addition to sharing knowledge and expertise through discussions among sector experts, developing new strategies to face challenges, preparing for crises, and learning from lessons and best practices.