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In today’s volatile global environment, travel risks have become a board-level concern for organisations headquartered in or operating out of the UAE and the Middle East.
Whether responding to geopolitical instability, natural disasters, health outbreaks or climate-related disruptions, businesses must remain agile and informed to safeguard their most valuable asset: their people.
Dubai and the broader UAE have long served as strategic hubs for multinational and regional companies, owing to their connectivity and business-friendly infrastructure.
As a result, many organisations here have employees regularly deployed to — or permanently based in locations with elevated risk profiles. These include areas affected by conflict, civil unrest, health crises or environmental hazards.
Sectors such as energy, construction, government services, NGOs and infrastructure development are especially prone to operating in such complex environments.
While risk is not new, the speed and interconnected nature of today’s crises demand a new level of preparedness.
The UAE advantage – But no room for complacency
Being headquartered in the UAE offers undeniable benefits — political stability, rapid response infrastructure, and strong global connectivity. However, these advantages do not come for granted outside of the UAE, whereby the security context can greatly shift. It’s critical for organisations to recognise that the risk does not disappear at the departure gate. The Duty of Care follows employees wherever they go, and any lapse in preparedness can have legal, financial and reputational consequences.
Thus, a holistic and proactive approach to travel risk management, one that is integrated into corporate strategy and culture, not just compliance checklists is a must.
The new geography of risks and key steps to building resilience
Today’s risk landscape is no longer confined to conflict zones or politically unstable countries. Disruptions can arise suddenly, and from multiple sources: political unrest, public health emergencies, cyberattacks, or extreme weather events.
Managing travel risk effectively requires a multi-layered approach. Based on our global expertise and regional experience, here are four key pillars UAE-based organisations should focus on:
- Pre-travel planning and risk assessment
Before sending staff to a new location, particularly those marked as medium to high risk—conduct thorough threat assessments, backed by intelligence from trusted sources. - Employee education and preparedness
Regular training sessions, including crisis simulations, crisis management masterclass and security awareness briefings, equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately in dynamic environments. - Real-time monitoring and incident response
Having access to timely, verified information can be the difference between disruption and disaster. Therefore, having a system or team in place for real time monitoring and incident responses is crucial. - Post-incident recovery and policy review
Once a crisis has passed, it’s vital to review and refine policies, ensuring lessons are incorporated into future planning.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to travel risk. Each organisation, each employee, and each destination carries a unique profile that must be addressed with nuance and care.
Whether your teams are deployed for infrastructure projects in remote areas or executive meetings in volatile regions, having the right strategy and plan makes all the difference.
The writer is the GM Middle East, International SOS.
