The Effect of Disaster Education on Coping Capacity and Disaster Resilience: Evidence from the UAE

Abstract

Disaster resilience has become a major priority in contemporary disaster management, particularly in urban settings exposed to environmental, social, and institutional risks. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the role of disaster education in enhancing coping capacity and disaster resilience within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. To address this gap, this study examined the effects of disaster education on coping capacity and disaster resilience from the perspectives of Civil Defence Officers in the UAE. Quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to Civil Defence Officers in Abu Dhabi. A total of 363 valid responses were retained for analysis. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the measurement model and test the hypothesised relationships. The findings indicated that the measurement model achieved satisfactory reliability and validity. The structural model revealed that disaster education has a significant positive effect on both coping capacity and disaster resilience. Disaster education was found to be a strong predictor of coping capacity and a significant contributor to disaster resilience, highlighting the importance of knowledge, awareness, and preparedness in strengthening disaster-related capabilities. The study contributes to the disaster management literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of disaster education in enhancing coping capacity and resilience within the UAE context. The findings also offer practical insights for policymakers and emergency management agencies seeking to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through education and capacity-building initiatives.