The imperative of business resilience planning; How is Dubai coping.

Business resilience became the ultimate popular phrase while also a great necessity when one of the unprecedent strikes in global economy made its appearance following the unexpected virus of Covid-19. Many organizations learned maybe the tough way that if they wanted to maintain their business operations, their human assets and overall brand equity they had to cultivate their ability to adapt rapidly to what it was the Covid-19 disruption.

In the UAE, the companies that managed to take advantage of the digital environment and advanced IT infrastructure while exploit the digital skills of their employees appeared to survive throughout the chaos. Moreover, leaders who had the perceptive to adapt fast and make the shift to all the departments into working remotely and also use all the digital platforms available, had the employees feel more secure and reassured of their professional status, a healthier emotional well-being and also ascribed higher achievements.

For the majority of organizations, the focus was shifted on more internal matters while some of the environmental activities had to be put on hold. According to a study that was carried out by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Centre for Responsible Business, businesses responded that they considered this was more important at that time. It was stressed that the prioritization of sustainability and CSR initiatives helped them to handle and recover better during the COVID-19 crisis. It was also revealed from a follow up report that organizations that constantly align their business strategies with ESG performance and engagement with sustainability initiatives appear more resilient and prepared to future threats and challenges.

Additionally, it seems to become a requirement for most of organizations located in Dubai as well as the Gulf Countries to learn how to design a methodical and consistent approach to CSR and ESG.

In the context of being proactive and preventive, a wise action to be taken is training on sustainability issues, how to identify, assess and then prioritize material issues.  The training is the first step in an iterative process.  The Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program, Advanced Edition 2020, November 3, 4 and 5, DIGITAL VERSION teaches participants on how to think ahead and solve an issue before it appears. Learning and staying ahead of the game are the best tools in tackling any type of crisis.