Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited, today, Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center in Muscat, Oman. He was received by Mr. Abdullah Al-Khadoori, DG of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority, which oversees the Center.

Mr. Al-Khadoori and Mr. Nasser Al Ismaili, supervisor of the Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, provided Dr. AlMalik with an overview of the operations of the Center, which is the first of its kind in the Region, explaining that it focuses on early warning of multiple natural hazards such as cyclones, tsunamis, and floods.

The Omani officials outlined the history and functions of the General Directorate of Meteorology in the Sultanate of Oman and the history of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, which was inaugurated on 23 March 2015. They highlighted the Center’s capacities and resources, including 75 surface stations for weather monitoring, two upper air monitoring stations, and five radars that transmit data to the largest computer in the Sultanate. The Officials added that the Center is equipped with advanced devices using the latest global technologies in monitoring and forecasting various disasters by analyzing data to promptly issue weather bulletins and warnings.

Dr. AlMalik praised the information he received about the Center and its operational methods. He emphasized that the climate changes the world is experiencing, which increase the occurrence of natural disasters and result in casualties and economic losses, necessitate the development of prediction and monitoring systems. He highlighted the importance of leveraging significant technological advancements, including artificial intelligence applications and space sciences, in this field.

The DG also noted that ICESCO places great importance on supporting its Member States’ efforts to preserve the environment, address the negative impacts of climate change, and transition towards smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. He stressed the importance of sharing the experience of the Omani National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center with other countries in the Islamic world.