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Bahrain remains at the forefront of regional nations in using the latest technologies to enhance disaster management and forecast inclement weather conditions, according to a minister.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the country continues to use advanced meteorological system to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and climate predictions.
“Bahrain is the second country in the Gulf region to implement a third-generation satellite image and data reception system, the most advanced in monitoring weather conditions and addressing climate challenges with precision, efficiency and high quality,” he added.
The minister said the ongoing efforts aim to strengthen aviation and maritime safety and support key sectors in line with the development process led by His Majesty King Hamad, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The ministry’s Meteorological Directorate director Khaled Yaseen said the new satellite generation can capture high-resolution images and analyse atmospheric conditions with an accuracy of up to 0.5 kilometres, updating data every 15 minutes.
“Bahrain is at the forefront leveraging the latest technologies to enhance disaster management efficiency, improve forecast of hazardous weather conditions such as dust storms, dense fog, and issue early warnings that support preventive measures to safeguard lives and property while ensuring public safety and aviation and maritime security,” said Mr Yaseen.
He noted that the Meteorological Operations Centre has received additional data from satellites covering the Americas, the Atlantic Ocean, Asia, and the Pacific region.
“This expansion enhances comprehensive coverage and provides more accurate and detailed weather and climate data, supporting rapid response to atmospheric changes and contributing to improved aviation and maritime safety,” he added.
The GDN earlier reported about the first-ever fully Bahraini satellite, which will use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyse images and data relating to weather, environment, land and sea in the kingdom.
The satellite, Al Munther, is expected to be launched this month, and will be equipped with a medium-resolution camera to capture images.
It will collect valuable data on air quality, oil spills and cloud movements which will help determine weather patterns and conserve the environment, National Space Science Agency senior engineer Muneera Al Malki had told the GDN.
Al Munther project follows the successful launch of the first satellite in 2022, Light 1, and aims at optimising national capacity in designing, constructing, testing and operating satellites.
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