28-06-2025
Oman marks 50 years in WMO with commemorative stamp
MUSCAT: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled a commemorative postage stamp celebrating 50 years of the Sultanate of Oman's membership in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The stamp was launched during the CAA's 2025 Annual Media Briefing on Wednesday, held under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information.
The stamp was officially signed by Eng Naif bin Ali al Abri, President of the CAA, and Sayyid Nasr bin Badr al Busaidi, Chief Postmaster General at Oman Post (Asyad Express), and serves as a tribute to Oman's long-standing contribution to global meteorology and climate science. It symbolises the nation's commitment to international cooperation, national capacity-building, and climate resilience over five decades.
Artistically designed, the stamp features a blend of traditional and modern meteorological instruments, such as the barometer, hygrometer, and anemometer, juxtaposed with contemporary infrastructure and early warning systems. It offers a visual narrative of the nation's journey in weather services, from its origins to the current advanced capabilities.
Speaking at the unveiling, Al Abri stated that Oman's accession to the WMO in 1975 marked a turning point in developing an integrated meteorological system. 'Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – may God protect him – Oman has made significant progress in enhancing early warning systems and adopting global best practices to mitigate the effects of extreme weather. This stamp commemorates that ambitious journey, and the remarkable strides Oman has taken in protecting lives and infrastructure,' he said.
Sayyid Nasr bin Badr al Busaidi highlighted the importance of the stamp in showcasing a vital chapter in Oman's aviation and meteorological history. 'It not only celebrates international cooperation but also reflects the fruitful partnership between Oman Post and the Civil Aviation Authority. It is our hope that this stamp inspires future generations to appreciate the value of meteorology and its crucial role across sectors,' he said.
He added that the stamp would be a valuable addition to Oman's national stamp collection, representing key milestones achieved under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham and in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Oman is regarded as a regional pioneer in meteorological services, with weather observations dating back to the late 19th century. The country's first meteorological station was established in Muscat in 1893, laying the groundwork for a more structured system that gained momentum with the opening of Seeb International Airport in 1973.
A major milestone was the establishment of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre (NMHEWC) in 2015. The Centre, the first of its kind in the region, plays a critical role in monitoring weather systems, assessing risks, and issuing timely alerts. Today, the Centre operates an advanced network comprising 80 meteorological stations, five weather radars, two radiosonde stations, eight sea-level monitoring units, high-resolution numerical models, and AI-powered systems for more accurate forecasting.
Another major achievement is the Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications in Muscat, one of only 14 globally recognised by the WMO. Established in 2006, the Centre serves as a regional hub for training professionals from the Middle East, West Asia, and North Africa in advanced satellite-based environmental monitoring and forecasting.
The CAA also houses experts who have achieved international recognition. The Director General of Meteorology currently serves as President of the WMO Regional Association II (Asia) and is a member of the WMO Executive Council. In addition, the Authority's Director of R&D is part of Oman's national climate negotiation team, while the Director of Forecasting and Early Warning Systems is a member of the WMO working group on tsunamis in the Indian Ocean and West Asia. A satellite expert from the Authority also leads the WMO's Ninth International Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications.
This commemorative stamp is not only a marker of Oman's legacy in meteorology but also a testament to the nation's global contributions in environmental protection and resilience against climate-related risks. It highlights Oman's past achievements while underscoring its future aspirations in line with international cooperation and sustainable development.
