The Regional Climate Change Center has launched a major initiative to digitize 73 years of historical climate records, spanning from 1951 to 2023. The project aims to improve the accuracy and accessibility of climate data, enabling its use in scientific research, environmental planning, and data-driven decision-making.
Dr. Ayman Ghulam, CEO of the National Center for Meteorology and General Supervisor of the Regional Climate Change Center, reviewed progress on the effort, which covers data from 33 manned climate stations across the Kingdom. A team of 73 specialists is working to convert 36,000 paper records into digital formats compatible with the center’s databases, following the latest scientific and technical standards.
The project follows five key tracks:
- Cataloging and assessing the condition of paper records.
- Entering and converting data into digital form.
- Auditing entries to match original documents.
- Conducting climate quality checks using specialized scientific tools.
- Building human capacity through training programs and technical workshops.
Regular monthly and quarterly reports will track progress, culminating in a comprehensive final report.
The records—collected using precise monitoring instruments and in accordance with international standards—vary in format, language (Arabic and English), and measurement systems (metric and, occasionally, imperial).
This strategic initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation in the meteorology sector, bolsters environmental security, advances sustainable development, and strengthens the Kingdom’s role as a regional leader in climate monitoring and weather forecasting.
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