The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center of Meteorology, joins its Arab brethren in celebrating the “Arab Day of the Weather Observer and Forecaster,” which falls on May 2nd each year. This year’s celebration is held under the slogan “We Observe to Protect Our Society… and Develop Our Nations,” emphasizing the vital role played by meteorologists in protecting lives and property and supporting sustainable development across various vital sectors.
Background and establishment of the Arab Meteorological Day
The designation of this day stems from a pioneering initiative by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was approved by the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Meteorology and Climate Affairs. This decision aims to honor the efforts of those working in this vital field and highlight their contributions, which are often made behind the scenes. This Arab celebration comes within the context of a growing global appreciation for meteorological science, complementing World Meteorological Day, which is celebrated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on March 23rd each year, reflecting a deep understanding of the importance of international and regional cooperation in addressing the growing climate challenges.
The importance of the meteorology sector in the Kingdom's Vision 2030
In this context, the CEO of the National Center for Meteorology, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, affirmed that the Kingdom attaches great strategic importance to the meteorology sector, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. The Center continuously works to develop its monitoring and forecasting systems, leveraging the latest global technologies to enhance the accuracy of forecasts. Accurate meteorological information plays a pivotal role in supporting vital sectors such as aviation, maritime navigation, agriculture, water resource management, and energy, in addition to ensuring the safety of major development projects, thereby enhancing public safety and supporting the stability of the national economy.
Regional influence and international cooperation
The importance of meteorology extends beyond the local level, forming a fundamental pillar of regional security. Extreme weather phenomena, such as sandstorms, dust storms, flash floods, and torrential rains, are transboundary events that necessitate high-level coordination and cooperation among the countries of the region. The Arab Meteorological Day aims to strengthen this cooperation, encourage the exchange of data and expertise, and develop joint early warning systems, thereby contributing to building collective resilience against climate change and its increasing impacts.
Appreciation of national talent
Dr. Ghulam pointed out that the national cadre of weather observers and forecasters represents the cornerstone of the work system, emphasizing that investment in modern technology, from advanced numerical models and weather radars to satellites, is complemented by investment in human capital. These experts are the ones who analyze complex data and transform it into understandable information that supports decision-making and contributes to effective handling of various weather conditions. In closing, Dr. Ghulam congratulated all weather observers and forecasters on this occasion, praising their significant efforts and tireless work, which directly contributes to protecting lives and property.
