Sharjah Archaeology Authority Affirms Readiness to Deal with Storm and Enhances Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites
As part of its commitment to protecting cultural heritage sites and enhancing its preparedness for emergencies, the Sharjah Archaeology Authority affirmed the efficiency of its crisis management and business continuity systems during its response to the recent storm that affected the UAE. This contributed to mitigating potential impacts and ensuring the safety of archaeological sites and historical areas in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Enhancing Operational Readiness
The Authority commended the efforts of its Crisis and Disaster Management Team and support teams, through activating the emergency management plan and business continuity plan, raising the level of operational readiness, continuously assessing risks, and monitoring impact indicators on tangible cultural heritage sites and Authority facilities.
Preventive Field Measures
These efforts included conducting urgent field assessments of archaeological sites and historical areas, reviewing the risks associated with rain, flash floods, and humidity and their impact on historical buildings and artifacts, taking the necessary preventive measures to protect exposed archaeological elements, securing storage facilities, laboratories, and warehouses, and monitoring drainage, electrical, and safety systems at tangible cultural heritage sites.
Business Continuity and Impact Mitigation
The measures also included activating monitoring and coordination rooms, ensuring the continuity of essential services and operations, implementing recovery and restoration plans, documenting any potential impacts or damage, and maintaining archaeological databases, records, and digital systems. This mitigated the potential impacts of the weather system and contributed to preserving the safety of archaeological sites, historical areas, and the Authority’s facilities.
Leadership Support and Directives
The Authority praised the care and diligent follow-up that the Emirate received from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, during the period of the low-pressure system, stressing that their high directives contributed to enhancing preparedness and accelerating the response.
