Dubai: RTA, NCM sign pact for early weather forecasting, warnings

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to enhance efficient utilisation of weather forecasting and early warning systems across the emirate.

Muna Abdul Rahman Al Osaimi, CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at RTA, and Dr Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), inked the agreement on the sidelines of the Dubai International Project Management Forum 2025. The agreement focuses on the exchange of expertise and information while integrating NCM’s data with RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre to ensure proactive and effective use of forecasting and early warning systems.

Al Mandous noted the MoU marks a strategic milestone in strengthening the NCM’s role in delivering precise meteorological and seismic data.

“By integrating our systems with RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre, we aim to enhance proactive decision-making for natural incidents and weather conditions, ultimately contributing to safer roads and transportation systems in Dubai.”

The strategic collaboration, Al Mandous noted, will enable the NCM to provide early and precise warnings to relevant authorities, safeguarding lives and property while promoting a safer community environment.

“It also strengthens the centre’s capacity to leverage meteorological technologies in innovative ways and facilitates timely responses by various entities to natural challenges,” Al Mandous said.

Meanwhile, Muna Al Osaimi said the partnership enhances the efficiency and accuracy of weather forecasting by facilitating the exchange of meteorological predictions and updates through dedicated electronic systems and platforms.

“This collaboration enhances proactive management of weather fluctuations, ensuring timely dissemination of awareness and warning messages to the public. These efforts support seamless mobility across Dubai’s roads and align with government initiatives to further improve infrastructure and quality of life, solidifying Dubai’s position as one of the most sustainable and desirable cities to live in.”

Al Osaimi added that the collaboration reinforces RTA’s efforts to empower supervisory and field teams to take proactive measures in response to anticipated weather conditions.

“It enables the implementation of targeted preventive plans, activates field response teams, and ensures the timely execution of necessary actions to effectively manage traffic flow and transportation systems.”