Muscat: To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sultanate of Oman's accession to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Civil Aviation Authority launched the 50-year logo in the presence of the President of the Meteorological Organization, the President of the European Satellite Organization, and many officials from relevant authorities.
Eng. Naif bin Ali Al-Abri, Chairman of CAA, said, "The accession of the Sultanate of Oman to the World Meteorological Organization reflects its commitment to enhancing international cooperation in the field of meteorology. For fifty years, the Sultanate of Oman has witnessed significant development in meteorological and climate services, which has contributed to supporting sustainable development."
This came during the 11th meeting of the Virtual Laboratories Coordination Group for Satellite Applications Centers of Excellence (VLMG-11), hosted by the CAA (until January 23) with the participation of more than 35 representatives from the World Meteorological Organization, satellite agencies, and centers of excellence for satellite applications.
The meeting aims to discuss ways to enhance international cooperation in satellites and their applications, review progress made in training programs, and explore ways of cooperation with other training centers. In addition to exploring opportunities for cooperation, exchanging tools and expertise, and supporting the transition to modern satellite technologies in WMO member states. It will also include joint working sessions to develop future strategies for training activities, to improve the use of satellite products in protecting lives and property.
The Center of Excellence for Satellite Applications in Muscat (COE-Muscat) is a regional training center focusing on satellite data applications in the field of weather.
It aims to train users and researchers from countries in Northwest Asia, the Middle East, and Arab countries in Africa on the use of satellite data in meteorology and climate. In addition to enhancing regional expertise in this field. The center is also part of the World Meteorological Organization's initiative to establish training centers in satellite applications and is supported by the European Organization for Satellite Applications (EUMETSAT).
This year, the center has completed 20 years since its establishment, during which it achieved many important achievements.
Last year, 2024, it trained more than 500 trainees from 27 countries in the Middle East, West Asia, and North Africa. The center also provided 10 diverse training programs including distance learning, blended learning, and face-to-face education.
It covers more than 10 different fields in satellite applications such as climate, seas, and data services, and enhances cooperation with more than 10 local entities such as Sultan Qaboos University, the German University, the Royal Navy, and the National Space Program, in addition to coordination with three other regional centers affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization in Morocco and Kenya, and the Regional Center for Monitoring of Dust.
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