Arab Red Crescent, Saudi National Center of Meteorology strengthen partnership in disaster forecasting

MoU was signed by ARCO Secretary-General Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Tuwaijri and the center’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam. (SPA)
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Updated 08 January 2023
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Arab Red Crescent, Saudi National Center of Meteorology strengthen partnership in disaster forecasting

  • Agreement will utilize center’s latest technology monitoring early warning signs of disaster

RIYADH: The Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization and the Saudi National Center of Meteorology signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday to strengthen their partnership in forecasting disasters in the Arab world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The MoU was signed by ARCO Secretary-General Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Tuwaijri and the center’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam. 

Al-Tuwaijri described the agreement as a “groundbreaking step” toward disaster preparedness in the region, utilizing the center’s latest techniques and technologies that monitor early warning signs and reduce human and material losses. 

The MoU also outlines cooperation between the two institutions in the areas of training and research in weather and climate monitoring, as well as rapid response to disaster risks. 

ARCO previously established an Arab center for disaster preparedness in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which monitors signs of their occurrence, follows up on developments, and analyzes data, specifying the measures that may be taken and raising humanitarian appeals to request aid for affected areas.


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.