Muscat – The launch of the logo highlights the country’s continued commitment to advancing international cooperation in meteorology and climate science.

His Excellency Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, spoke at the event, emphasizing that Oman’s membership in the WMO reflects its long-standing dedication to enhancing meteorological services and supporting sustainable development. Over the past fifty years, Oman has made significant strides in developing its meteorological and climate services, contributing to improved weather forecasting, climate change awareness, and environmental management.

The announcement coincided with the 11th meeting of the Virtual Laboratories Coordination Group for Centres of Excellence for Satellite Applications (VLMG-11), which is being hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority from January 20 to 23, 2025.

The meeting, attended by more than 35 representatives from the WMO, satellite agencies, and satellite application centres, focuses on strengthening international cooperation in satellite applications and enhancing meteorological training.

The meeting’s agenda includes discussions on advancing satellite technologies, exploring collaboration opportunities, and supporting the transition to modern satellite technologies among WMO member states. It will also feature joint working sessions aimed at developing future strategies to improve the use of satellite data for protecting lives and property.

The Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications in Muscat (COE-Muscat), a regional hub for satellite data applications, plays a crucial role in training users and researchers from Northwest Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. As part of the WMO’s global initiative, COE-Muscat has trained over 500 participants from 27 countries in 2024 alone. The Centre offers diverse training programs, including distance learning and in-person training, focusing on various fields such as climate, marine studies, and data services.

The Centre also collaborates with local and regional entities, including Sultan Qaboos University, the National Space Program, and regional WMO centres in Morocco and Kenya, contributing to the development of meteorological expertise across the region.

The launch of the anniversary logo and the ongoing discussions at the VLMG-11 meeting underscore Oman’s continued commitment to the WMO’s mission of advancing meteorological science and enhancing global cooperation in the fight against climate change. The country’s involvement in the WMO has played a pivotal role in improving weather forecasting, climate research, and public awareness of environmental challenges.