Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), will host the South Central Data Distribution Region (SCDDR) meeting and an accompanying training workshop from Monday to Thursday, February 24-27, in Jeddah. The event will focus on satellite-aided search and rescue initiatives.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the SCDDR is part of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, which is a satellite-aided search and rescue initiative. The meeting will be chaired by the Spanish center responsible for overseeing the SCDDR. It will include representatives from various mission control centers (MCCs) within the region, including those in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Algeria, Nigeria, and Togo. Additionally, representatives from the Cospas-Sarsat program will be in attendance.

This hosting reflects Saudi Arabia’s active role in the aviation sector and in the field of satellite-based search and rescue, as the Kingdom is a key player at local, regional, and international levels. Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries in the region to join the Cospas-Sarsat Programme as a provider of ground segments.

During the meeting, participants will discuss reports on the performance efficiency of MCCs operating within the region. Updates on technical, operational, and administrative matters will also be presented, alongside discussions on the program’s future directions in satellite-based search and rescue.

Additionally, a report summarizing the meeting’s outcomes, including recommendations, will be prepared for the upcoming session of the program’s joint committee. This report will be reviewed to ensure that its recommendations are recorded and forwarded to the Cospas-Sarsat Council for appropriate action.