A national initiative to promote public safety
The official spokesperson for the National Center of Meteorology in Saudi Arabia, Hussein Al-Qahtani, emphasized the strategic importance of launching the national awareness program “It’s Important to Know.” This program aims to raise public awareness and deepen the culture of dealing correctly and safely with the various weather phenomena that the Kingdom experiences, through a clear and direct slogan conveying the message of the necessity of being aware of weather conditions and their potential impacts on daily life.
Al-Qahtani explained that the awareness campaign will be conducted over different periods, utilizing all available media and educational resources to ensure the program's educational messages reach all citizens and residents. The ultimate goal is to build a comprehensive understanding of weather and its effects, and how to best deal with it to ensure the safety of lives and property.
National context and future vision
The launch of this program comes in a context of changing and volatile climates, as the Kingdom has witnessed an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events in recent years, from devastating floods in some areas to severe sandstorms and unprecedented heat waves. These climate challenges necessitate a shift in societal culture from reacting after an event to proactive, knowledge-based preparedness. This initiative aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the quality of life and safety of citizens and residents by building a vibrant society and an effective government system capable of addressing challenges with flexibility and efficiency.
Institutional and societal integration
Al-Qahtani pointed out that the program is being implemented under the leadership of the Saudi Civil Defense, in partnership with all relevant sectors in the country, in addition to the private sector, public benefit associations, and volunteers. This broad integration reflects the extent of institutional and societal interest in achieving the campaign's objectives and ensures its reach to the widest possible audience. He emphasized that the goal is not to frighten people about weather phenomena, but rather to correct the incorrect behaviors that some may engage in, such as ignoring warnings and heading to dangerous areas like valleys during rainfall. The campaign aims to instill the idea that enjoying pleasant weather is possible and safe when taking the necessary precautions based on accurate information.
Expected impact and importance of technology
The “Important to Know” program is expected to contribute to reducing human and material losses resulting from weather phenomena and to promote a culture of prevention among individuals. In this context, Al-Qahtani emphasized the importance of the technological tools provided by the National Center of Meteorology, most notably the “Anwaa” app, which is one of the most downloaded weather applications in the Middle East. The app allows users to obtain accurate weather forecasts for up to ten days and real-time monitoring of weather phenomena, enabling them to plan their daily activities and make more informed and safer decisions. Al-Qahtani considered the “Anwaa” app a gift from the center to the community and an effective tool that directly contributes to achieving the goals of the awareness campaign.
