Abu Dhabi: The 16th session of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Regional Association II (Asia) that will discuss the challenges and priority areas in the field of meteorology will be held in Abu Dhabi in February 2017.
Dr Abdullah Al Mandoos, director of the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), and Dr Petrie Talas, WMO secretary-general, recently signed an agreement in a ceremony in Geneva.
During the ceremony, the WMO secretary-general lauded the UAE’s contribution to the global efforts for the development of meteorological science, and the improvement of its various applications. All these are aimed at protecting and ensuring the safety of human lives, and reducing possible loss and damage to property through issuing warnings on extreme weather conditions.
Talas also lauded the UAE’s research programme for rain enhancement especially since it aims to boost the global water security. In the process of enhancing water security, the programme works to promote the best scientific practices, and cooperation in research and development in the field of cloud seeding, especially in water-scarce regions.
Dr Al Mandoos said the selection of Abu Dhabi as the venue for the session also reflects the confidence of the WMO in the ability of the NCMS to organise and manage such a major event which is held once every four years.
Dr Al Mandoos said that the centre provides statistical data and information on weather and climate through a wide network of surface land stations for monitoring the weather elements which are then used by various entities and the public to carry out daily functions.
