“Your Awareness is Your Safety”: National Campaign on Weather Risks Kicks Off in Muscat

Fourth National Weather and Tsunami Awareness Campaign Begins

Muscat: The fourth edition of the National Campaign to Raise Awareness on Weather Hazards and Tsunami Waves was launched today under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. The three-day campaign aims to enhance community preparedness and promote preventive measures against natural hazards.

In his opening address, Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi affirmed that holding the campaign in Muscat Governorate reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s continued commitment to strengthening public safety and raising awareness of natural risks. He emphasized that this approach is rooted in a national vision that prioritizes safeguarding lives and property and ensuring readiness to manage emergencies through clear, structured plans.

He stressed that awareness is a shared responsibility and that understanding proper mechanisms for dealing with weather and emergency situations helps limit potential impacts. He also underscored the campaign’s focus on promoting media discipline by relying on official sources and countering rumors and misinformation during volatile weather conditions.

Colonel Zayed Hamad Al Jenaibi, Head of the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), stated that managing weather hazards requires collective cooperation from all sectors of society. He highlighted the importance of government, private institutions, and individuals adopting necessary procedures to mitigate risks, noting that this solidarity was evident during previous weather events.

For his part, Abdullah Rashid Al Khaduri, Director General of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said that global climatic challenges call for joint efforts and ongoing awareness initiatives. He noted that the campaign delivers clear, scientifically grounded messages to enhance public understanding and encourage protective behaviors.

A discussion panel was held with the participation of specialists and officials from relevant agencies, addressing mechanisms for preparedness and response to weather hazards and tsunami waves. Participants emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards, strengthening coordination among authorities, and enhancing community involvement in emergency readiness.

Held under the slogan “Your Awareness is Your Safety,” the campaign is jointly organized by NCEM, 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 includes lectures, seminars, drills, participation in governorate activities, awareness publications, and an accompanying exhibition. It aims to raise community preparedness, promote safe conduct during incidents, support recovery efforts, and enhance understanding of early warning systems.

Target groups include local communities, educational institutions, economic sectors, and security bodies. Activities encompass field meetings and seminars in various wilayats of the Governorate, as well as theoretical and practical drills across schools.

An awareness exhibition is also being held at Mall of Oman, with the participation of several government entities. The exhibition introduces visitors to emergency plans, provides guidance materials, and features audiovisual presentations highlighting proper responses during weather hazards or tsunami events.

The campaign will highlight key media messages, including mechanisms for dealing with weather hazards, the roles of various sectors during weather events, safety guidelines, reliance on official information, and reinforcing safe practices within the school community.

Given Oman’s geographical location overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Sultanate is vulnerable to tropical cyclones and tsunami risks. This campaign underscores the importance of building community awareness and ensuring rapid response in emergencies. After its launch in Muscat, the campaign will extend to all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials, walis of Muscat’s wilayats, members of the State Council, members of the Municipal Council, and officials from military, security, and civil institutions.