News Detail

RAK Customs Department carried out, on Thursday morning, 26th December 2019, its first Business Continuity drill in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), with the aim of measuring the capability of the Department to continue its critical activities in cases of emergencies, crises or disasters. The Thursday drill targeted the Department's Head Office at all of its staff categories (employees, customers, office boys and messengers).

HE Dr. Mohammed Al Mehrezi, Director General of RAK Customs Department and Head of Business Continuity Team, had initiated the drill by sending a scenario message to the Operations room, who in their turn activated the Recall Plan to all concerned staff through SMSs stating: "All competent staff have to report to the Alternative Centre due to a contingency at the Head Office."

Following completion of the drill, Al Mehrezi instructed the Operations room to send another SMS to all concerned staff informing them that the contingency was over, and normality was restored. Al Mehrezi expressed his delight and satisfaction with what had been achieved during this drill. He also commended the speed of response and praised all participating staff for their well-performing of their assigned roles as well as their full understanding of the Business Continuity Plan in place. HE Dr. Al Mehrezi added that the transfer process to the Alternative Centre was successful by all accounts; all competent staff of the Head Office reported to the Alternative Centre and proceeded with their normal duties in accordance with the set sitting and placement plan without any difficulties experienced. He pointed out that the transfer process was successful thanks to preparations made through frequent meetings with the Business Continuity Team, awareness plans and programmes which have provided customs staff with the necessary guidelines on handling contingencies experienced during official working hours to the highest international standards. RAK Customs Department is the first department at the level of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, and may be in the UAE, to adopt and implement the Business Continuity policy based on utilisation of an alternative centre. Members of RAK Customs praised the role of the Business Continuity Team in educating them and raising their awareness about handling contingencies and guiding them to quickly respond and carry out the evacuation process in a record time.