King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) have signed agreements to support the establishment of two key climate research centers in Saudi Arabia: the National Center for Climate Change and the Regional Sand and Dust Storms Early Warning and Advisory Center.

The agreements were signed by KAUST Vice President for Research Professor Donal D. C. Bradley and NCM CEO Dr. Ayman Ghulam, with Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al Fadley attending remotely as chair of the centers' board of directors.

The National Center for Climate Change will serve as the primary coordinating authority for climate science in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It will compile, produce, and disseminate climatology research using advanced modeling, data analysis, and climate prediction to support evidence-based decision-making.

The Regional Sand and Dust Storms Advisory Center will host a state-of-the-art dust storm prediction system, providing early warnings for the Arabian Peninsula. In partnership with the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), KAUST will assist in developing climate modeling tools and web-based publishing software.

KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan emphasized the centers’ role in helping Saudi Arabia adapt to climate change, particularly in preparing cities for evolving environmental conditions. He highlighted the importance of accurate regional climate predictions, including the specific patterns and magnitudes of future sand and dust storms, as critical factors in urban and infrastructure planning.

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