Tuesday 09 / December / 2025
Muscat: The fourth edition of the National Campaign to Raise Awareness on Weather Hazards and Tsunami Waves was launched today under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and will run for three days.
In his opening speech, Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi stated that the launch of the campaign in Muscat Governorate reflects Oman's constant commitment to promoting elements of prevention and public safety, and raising the level of community awareness towards natural hazards. This is based on a firm national approach focused on protecting lives and property, and enhancing community readiness to deal with various emergencies according to clear plans and studied courses of action.
He added that one of the most important pillars this campaign relies on is the emphasis that awareness is a shared responsibility, and that knowledge of mechanisms for dealing with weather and emergency situations can contribute to reducing the potential impacts of any natural hazards.
He pointed out that the campaign seeks to promote media discipline by adhering to official sources and curbing rumors and inaccurate information that may affect community safety during volatile weather conditions.
For his part, Colonel Zayed Hamad Al Jenaibi, Head of the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), clarified that dealing with weather hazards is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of all segments and institutions of society. Therefore, community members and government and private entities must adopt the necessary measures and procedures to mitigate the risks of various emergencies and weather hazards. He noted that this cooperation and solidarity was evident during previous weather events.
Abdullah Rashid Al Khaduri, Director General of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said that the climatic challenges the world faces today require a joint effort and continuous awareness initiatives. This is, he added, what this national campaign aims for, as it seeks to deliver clear and simplified scientific messages that enhance individuals' awareness and promote their protective behavior in the face of weather hazards.
A discussion panel was held with the participation of specialists and officials from relevant authorities, where they discussed mechanisms for preparation and readiness to face weather hazards and tsunami waves.
During the session, emphasis was placed on the necessary safety standards for protecting lives and property, examining the role of civil society and institutions in enhancing readiness, and the importance of coordination among different entities to ensure an effective response in emergencies.
The importance of coordination among concerned parties and adherence to official procedures was also stressed, along with the role of the community in supporting official efforts through awareness and the adoption of preventive measures.
The campaign is held under the slogan "Your Awareness is Your Safety" and is executed by the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Ministry of Information, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Muscat and the Ministry of Education.
The campaign is carried out across several main axes, including meetings and seminars, practical drills, participation in activities and events in the Governorate, in addition to awareness publications and an accompanying exhibition.
The campaign aims to raise the level of awareness among the community and stakeholders regarding individual and institutional readiness for emergencies, promote safe behavior during incidents, strengthen community partnership in the recovery phase, and support the system of safety and protection from multiple hazards. It also seeks to raise awareness on the early warning system and ensure the safety of individuals and property.
The target audience includes local, educational, economic, and security community segments. The activities include field meetings and seminars in a number of the Governorate's wilayats, in addition to conducting theoretical and practical drills in various schools.
An accompanying awareness exhibition is being held at "Mall of Oman" with the participation of several government entities to inform visitors about emergency and response plans, distribute guidance publications and media materials that enhance prevention and safety concepts, and feature visual presentations and awareness lectures highlighting proper conduct during weather hazards or tsunami waves.
The campaign seeks to deliver multiple media messages, including defining mechanisms for dealing with weather hazards, highlighting the efforts of various sectors when Oman is affected by weather conditions, disseminating safety instructions, emphasizing the importance of relying on official sources for information and avoiding rumors, and instilling sound practices in the school community.
Oman is considered a country exposed to the risks of tropical cyclones and tsunami waves due to its location overlooking the Arabian Sea. This campaign reaffirms the importance of spreading awareness to raise community readiness and achieve rapid response in facing emergencies. Its launch focuses on coastal governorates and will extend to cover all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
The launch of the campaign was attended by a number of their senior officials and walis of the Governorate's wilayats, members of the State Council, members of the Municipal Council in the Governorate, in addition to a number of officials from military, security, and civil agencies.
