Riyadh: Saudi Arabia joined countries around the world in celebrating World Meteorological Day 2025, aligning with the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) call for unified global efforts to realize early warnings for all countries by 2027.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) represented the Kingdom in observing the day, observed annually on March 23, and is commemorated this year under the theme, ‘Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.’
CEO of the NCM Ayman Ghulam said the celebration is taking place while the world is experiencing a marked increase in extreme weather events due to rapid climate changes. These changes necessitate enhancing monitoring, warning, and preparedness capabilities and improving meteorological systems. He underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its national weather monitoring and alert infrastructure, investing in the latest technologies to serve people and the environment.
Ghulam stated that Saudi Arabia is among the first countries in the region to establish a comprehensive automated early warning system launched by the NCM 14 years ago. This system, the first of its kind in the Arab world, has issued thousands of early warnings since its inception, saving lives and reducing damage from severe weather events.
The center has made significant strides in strengthening the early warning system through integration with relevant agencies, enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasts, and raising public awareness about weather and climate risks. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to protect lives and property while achieving sustainable development.
By participating in this global occasion, the Kingdom reaffirms its full support for the United Nations’ ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative, aimed at ensuring that every person worldwide is to be protected by effective warning systems by 2027. The Kingdom remains committed to its regional and international role in addressing climate change and supporting global efforts toward a safer and more sustainable future.
