Business continuity is a fundamental element in ensuring the sustainability of companies and institutions in the face of challenges and disruptions they may encounter. In the Emirate of Sharjah, a comprehensive Business Continuity System has been developed to ensure the continuity of essential operations and enhance the ability to manage crises effectively. The Business Continuity System in Sharjah aims to achieve several key objectives, including protecting assets and properties, maintaining the institution's reputation, and ensuring the continuous delivery of services and products to customers. Additionally, the system helps reduce financial and human losses that may result from natural or man-made disasters.

The Business Continuity System consists of several essential components, including:

Risk Assessment: The system requires a comprehensive assessment of potential risks that the institution may face, both internally and externally. This assessment helps identify strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to deal with potential risks.
Business Continuity Plan: The plan serves as the backbone of the system, outlining the procedures and steps to ensure the continuity of operations in case of any emergency. The plan includes defining roles and responsibilities and providing the necessary resources to manage crises.
Training and Awareness: The system includes training and awareness programmes for employees to increase their awareness of the importance of business continuity and train them on the procedures to follow in emergencies. This enhances the institution's readiness to handle crises effectively.
Testing and Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of the Business Continuity Plan, regular tests are conducted to evaluate the institution's readiness. These tests help identify gaps and improve procedures and plans based on the evaluation results.

In Sharjah, the relevant authorities place significant importance on implementing the Business Continuity System in both public and private institutions. This focus aligns with the emirate's vision of enhancing business sustainability and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services under all circumstances. Clear regulatory frameworks and standards have been established for the implementation of the Business Continuity System, and support and guidance are provided to institutions for developing and executing their plans. Additionally, workshops and training courses are organized to enhance employee efficiency and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle crises.

Challenges in implementing the Business Continuity System include a lack of awareness about the importance of the system and the difficulty of conducting comprehensive risk assessments. The authorities work to overcome these challenges through collaboration with public and private entities, providing continuous training, and leveraging modern technology to improve system effectiveness.

The Business Continuity System in Sharjah is a vital tool for ensuring business sustainability and enhancing the ability to manage crises. By effectively implementing this system, institutions can protect their assets, maintain their reputation, and ensure the efficient and high-quality delivery of services and products at all times.

Compliance with the Business Continuity System in Sharjah is managed by the Business Continuity Committee, overseen by the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority and chaired by Sheikh Engineer Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Chairman of the Authority. The committee members include representatives from the following entities:

National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority – Sharjah Centre
General Secretariat of the Executive Council
Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority
Civil Aviation Department
Roads and Transport Authority
Department of Municipal Affairs
Sharjah Digital Authority
Sharjah Police General Headquarters
Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority
Sharjah Civil Defence Authority
Central Finance Department
Sharjah Government Media Bureau
Sharjah International Airport Authority
General Command of the Amiri Guard

A subcommittee named the Executive Committee has been formed under the main committee, chaired by Major Dr. Hamdan Al-Tunaiji, with the following responsibilities:

Supervising the establishment of the Business Continuity Management Program in line with the approved system by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Preparing the timeline for implementing the Business Continuity Program in the emirate and submitting it to the committee chairman for approval.
Submitting projects and proposals that aid in implementing the Business Continuity Standard.
Supervising the execution of training program for the Business Continuity Program for government departments in the emirate.
Ensuring that the concerned entities prepare plans according to the approved system and train their personnel on the plans, conducting drills to test these plans.