Muscat – The National Framework for Enterprise Risk Management will be launched on Tuesday to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve risk assessment and help government entities respond more effectively to emerging threats.

The launch, coinciding with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, will establish a unified approach to identifying, assessing and managing risks across government institutions.

The National Risk Register, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, will introduce the framework alongside an English-language edition of the Community Risk Register. The latter outlines potential threats from natural hazards, disruptions to essential services, health risks and major incidents, helping residents and visitors understand possible dangers and the measures needed to stay safe.

The initiative aims to build a stronger culture of preparedness, minimise the impact of hazards on lives and property, and improve cooperation between authorities and communities.

Keeping essential services running

Oman’s risk management strategy places particular emphasis on maintaining essential services before, during and after emergencies, including disruptions affecting electricity, water, telecommunications, roads, fuel and waste management.

Dr Mansoor bin Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) and Head of the Essential Services Sector under the National Risk Register and the National Committee for Emergency Management, said preparedness is an integrated process extending from prevention to response and recovery.

He said the priority is to ensure the continuity of vital services on which people depend in their daily lives.

The sector’s approach follows four phases, beginning with prevention and risk management. Authorities identify potential threats and assess their impact on critical infrastructure, while considering how disruptions in one service could affect others.

The second phase focuses on preparedness. This includes updating risk management and emergency response plans, establishing communication arrangements, managing resources and supply chains, and ensuring business continuity across relevant entities.

The third phase involves activating approved emergency plans, monitoring developments and coordinating responses with the relevant authorities. The focus is on keeping essential services operational and limiting the effects of disruptions.

The final phase, rapid recovery, aims to restore affected services as quickly as possible, assess damage and incorporate lessons learnt into future planning.

Al Hinai said the Essential Services Sector Operations Centre plays a central role during emergencies, operating around the clock and coordinating continuously with the National Emergency Management Centre to facilitate information-sharing and timely decisions.

The framework and community guide reflect Oman’s shift towards anticipating and mitigating risks before these escalate, while strengthening the sultanate’s capacity to manage emergencies and protect critical services.