emirates7 - The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE recently hosted a distinguished Chinese delegation, led by Dr. CHEN Zhenlin, President of the China Meteorological Administration and Permanent Representative of China to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The meeting, held at NCM’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, marked a key development in the growing collaboration between the two countries' meteorological bodies.
This event followed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NCM and the China Meteorological Administration in March 2023, which set the stage for scientific and technical cooperation across critical areas. The visit also highlighted the importance of this partnership, with Dr. ZHANG Yiming, China’s Ambassador to the UAE, joining the discussions, further underscoring the diplomatic significance of the collaboration.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM and President of the WMO, emphasized the importance of the meeting, particularly in the context of shared climate challenges and the need for international cooperation. He noted, "It was an honor to host Dr. CHEN Zhenlin and his team, reinforcing our strong partnership with China. As climate risks grow globally, collaborations like ours are essential."
The meeting focused on three main areas of cooperation outlined in the 2023 MoU: meteorological satellites, weather modification, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in forecasting and climate services. These areas are pivotal for improving the accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency of modern meteorological operations.
The delegation also toured NCM’s operations, including early warning systems, atmospheric research facilities, and specialized services for sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, aviation, and public health. Dr. Al Mandous acknowledged China’s leadership within the WMO, particularly its contributions to global meteorological infrastructure, such as its observational networks, satellite systems, and regional centers that support WMO Members.
China’s role as a major contributor to the WMO’s budget and its operational support for global climate resilience were highlighted, reflecting the country’s commitment to addressing the escalating impacts of climate change. Both nations emphasized the importance of science-based solutions, data sharing, and international collaboration in the face of rising extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts.
Both parties expressed a strong desire to turn the outcomes of the meeting into practical initiatives, including joint research, technical exchange, and integrated satellite data to improve local weather forecasts. They also stressed the need for knowledge transfer and capacity building to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Dr. CHEN Zhenlin expressed his gratitude for the hospitality of NCM and reiterated his commitment to furthering the joint agenda. Both countries agreed that their collaboration would be a key element of the upcoming China-Arab States Summit in 2026, which will focus on climate, science, and technology.
Dr. Al Mandous concluded by stressing that this partnership exemplifies the type of proactive, cross-border cooperation necessary to address today’s complex climate challenges, and he is confident that the foundation built through this visit will serve as a model for future international cooperation in climate and science.
The meeting further solidified the strengthening ties between the UAE and China in meteorology and climate science, showcasing the UAE’s ongoing commitment, through NCM and the WMO, to enhancing global, resilient climate services.
This event followed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NCM and the China Meteorological Administration in March 2023, which set the stage for scientific and technical cooperation across critical areas. The visit also highlighted the importance of this partnership, with Dr. ZHANG Yiming, China’s Ambassador to the UAE, joining the discussions, further underscoring the diplomatic significance of the collaboration.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM and President of the WMO, emphasized the importance of the meeting, particularly in the context of shared climate challenges and the need for international cooperation. He noted, "It was an honor to host Dr. CHEN Zhenlin and his team, reinforcing our strong partnership with China. As climate risks grow globally, collaborations like ours are essential."
The meeting focused on three main areas of cooperation outlined in the 2023 MoU: meteorological satellites, weather modification, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in forecasting and climate services. These areas are pivotal for improving the accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency of modern meteorological operations.
The delegation also toured NCM’s operations, including early warning systems, atmospheric research facilities, and specialized services for sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, aviation, and public health. Dr. Al Mandous acknowledged China’s leadership within the WMO, particularly its contributions to global meteorological infrastructure, such as its observational networks, satellite systems, and regional centers that support WMO Members.
China’s role as a major contributor to the WMO’s budget and its operational support for global climate resilience were highlighted, reflecting the country’s commitment to addressing the escalating impacts of climate change. Both nations emphasized the importance of science-based solutions, data sharing, and international collaboration in the face of rising extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts.
Both parties expressed a strong desire to turn the outcomes of the meeting into practical initiatives, including joint research, technical exchange, and integrated satellite data to improve local weather forecasts. They also stressed the need for knowledge transfer and capacity building to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Dr. CHEN Zhenlin expressed his gratitude for the hospitality of NCM and reiterated his commitment to furthering the joint agenda. Both countries agreed that their collaboration would be a key element of the upcoming China-Arab States Summit in 2026, which will focus on climate, science, and technology.
Dr. Al Mandous concluded by stressing that this partnership exemplifies the type of proactive, cross-border cooperation necessary to address today’s complex climate challenges, and he is confident that the foundation built through this visit will serve as a model for future international cooperation in climate and science.
The meeting further solidified the strengthening ties between the UAE and China in meteorology and climate science, showcasing the UAE’s ongoing commitment, through NCM and the WMO, to enhancing global, resilient climate services.