The 21st Workshop on Satellite Applications commenced today at the Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications in Muscat, under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), in cooperation with the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).

The workshop aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of satellite fundamentals and to introduce remote sensing systems and their various applications. The program runs for five days.

The workshop brings together 24 trainees representing 11 countries from the Middle East and North Africa, namely, the Sultanate of Oman, United Arab Emirates,  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,  State of Qatar, Republic of Yemen,  Republic of Iraq,  Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,  Syrian Arab Republic,  Lebanese Republic,  Arab Republic of Egypt, and the State of Libya.

The program focuses on training specialists on the latest satellite applications, including third-generation satellite systems, which are characterized by high efficiency and superior-quality coverage over the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian Ocean.

It also aims to enhance participants’ capabilities in analyzingand studying various environmental and meteorological phenomena, while fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening international cooperation among the participating countries.

Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khadhouri, Director General of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority, affirmed that the 21st Workshop on Satellite Applications considered as a key regional milestone in the field of satellite applications and meteorological sciences. 

He highlighted that it reflects the pivotal role played by the Sultanate of Oman in supporting and developing the technical capacities of sisterly and friendly countries across the Middle East and North Africa region

He further noted that the workshop serves as an advanced regional platform for experience exchange and knowledge transfer, contributing to enhanced regional integration and cooperation in leveraging the latest satellite technologies. This, in turn, positively supports the improvement of meteorological service quality and strengthens preparedness and risk reduction efforts related to weather and climate phenomena at the regional level.

It is worth noting that the Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications has been selected by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as an accredited centre for teaching satellite application sciences, in recognition of its highly qualified and specialized Omani national expertise in this field. This year marks the Centre’s 20th anniversary since its establishment, during which it has achieved numerous significant milestones. The Centre trains more than 500 trainees annually from 27 countries across the Middle East, West Asia, and North Africa.

The Centre has delivered 10 diverse training programs encompassing distance learning, blended learning, and face-to-face training, covering more than 10 specialized domains in satellite applications, including climate, marine services, and data services. It also strengthens cooperation with more than 10 national institutions, such as Sultan Qaboos University, the German University of Technology in Oman, the Royal Navy of Oman, and the National Space Program, in addition to coordination with three other WMO-affiliated regional centersin Morocco and Kenya, as well as the Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms.