Exclusive interview with TECHx Media, Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology UAE, unpacks how AI is reshaping the science of weather. He discusses how satellites, sensors, and data analytics are now working together to deliver faster, more precise, and impact-based forecasting. The conversation highlights a major shift from traditional prediction models to real-time decision intelligence. A deep dive into how meteorology is evolving from observing the sky to actively shaping how we respond to it.

How is the National Center of Meteorology transforming traditional weather science through AI and data analytics?
At NCM, we do not see artificial intelligence as replacing meteorologists; we see it as expanding what meteorology can do. The science still begins with physics, observations, and numerical weather prediction, but AI allows us to process data faster, refine local detail, and convert forecasts into more practical guidance. The real transformation is that we are moving beyond simply forecasting atmospheric conditions towards forecasting impacts, which makes our services more relevant for safety, planning, and national decision-making.

What technologies does NCM rely on today, and how do satellites, radar, and sensors work together?

Our strength comes from integration. Satellites give us the broad regional view, helping us track cloud systems, moisture transport, and dust movement. Radar provides highly detailed, real-time insight into rainfall and storm structure, which is essential for short-range forecasting and warnings. Surface stations and sensors then give us the ground truth by measuring wind, temperature, humidity, pressure, and visibility. At NCM, all of these systems are fused into one operational picture, allowing us to understand not only what is happening now, but what is likely to happen next.

How does AI help meteorologists deal with such large volumes of data?

Meteorology is one of the most data-intensive sciences in the world. Every day we work with satellite imagery, radar volumes, observation networks, model output, and climate archives. AI helps us recognise patterns more quickly, sharpen local forecast performance, and support faster interpretation of complex information. It is especially valuable in areas such as bias correction, downscaling, and translating raw weather signals into probabilities and risk-based guidance that decision-makers can use more effectively.

In simple terms, how does better weather data support sustainability?

In simple terms, better weather data reduces waste, reduces disruption, and improves efficiency. That is exactly what sustainability requires. More precise forecasts help the energy sector manage renewable generation more effectively, help water systems respond more proactively, and help environmental authorities act earlier during dust or pollution episodes. Over time, high-quality weather and climate information also supports smarter infrastructure and development planning, which is essential to building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Are extreme weather events becoming more common, or are we simply observing them more accurately?
The answer is both. Today, we observe weather extremes far more accurately than in the past because our tools are much more advanced. At the same time, the broader scientific evidence shows that the climate system is changing, and that is influencing the intensity and frequency of certain extremes in many parts of the world. From NCM’s perspective, the key issue is preparedness. Regardless of the cause, the risk environment is becoming more demanding, and that means early warning and resilience are more important than ever.

How does meteorological data support sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and urban planning?

Meteorological data has direct value across all of these sectors. In aviation, it improves safety and operational continuity by helping manage hazards such as low visibility, wind shifts, turbulence, and storms. In agriculture, it supports irrigation planning, crop protection, and heat-stress management. In urban planning, it helps guide drainage design, heat mitigation, and resilience measures for weather-related risks. In very practical terms, weather intelligence helps protect lives, improve efficiency, and reduce losses.

Weather science often focuses on prediction, but how does it also reduce risk and improve resource management?

Forecasting is only part of the story. The real value comes when weather information is linked to action. At NCM, we are increasingly focused on impact-based services, which means helping users understand not only what the weather will be, but what it could mean for transport, infrastructure, public safety, and operations. That allows organisations to act early, allocate resources more efficiently, and reduce disruption before an event unfolds.

What role does international cooperation play in meteorology and climate services?

International cooperation is fundamental because weather systems do not recognise national borders. Forecasting in the UAE depends not only on local observations, but also on regional and global data exchange. Through collaboration, meteorological centres improve model performance, strengthen scientific understanding, and advance work on shared challenges such as dust transport, marine hazards, and climate risk. For NCM, these partnerships are essential to maintaining high standards in both operational forecasting and long-term climate services.

Which emerging innovations in meteorology are the most exciting for NCM?

The most exciting innovations are the ones that bring atmospheric science closer to real-world decisions. AI-based hyper-local forecasting is one of the most promising developments because it allows us to deliver guidance at the scale where impacts are actually felt. We are also seeing major progress in systems that combine weather, dust, air quality, and environmental intelligence into one integrated service. These innovations are making meteorology more local, more responsive, and much more actionable for society.

How can meteorology and sustainability work together to support long-term resilience?

Meteorology and sustainability are naturally connected because both depend on anticipating risk and planning ahead. Better observations lead to better forecasts, better forecasts lead to better risk assessment, and that supports better decisions on infrastructure, energy, water, and land use. At NCM, we see meteorology as part of the national resilience framework. It helps ensure that development is guided by evidence, that risks are understood early, and that long-term goals such as sustainable growth and Net Zero 2050 are supported by credible environmental intelligence.

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