The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has announced the launch of a real-time dust forecasting system that provides accurate, up-to-date information on storms for the Middle East region.
The advanced dust forecasting system will help inform government officials and UAE residents about anticipated dust storms so that the country can better prepare for them, news agency WAM reported.
Limited visibility produced by dust storms regularly causes road accidents and flight delays in the UAE and the rest of the Gulf region.
The high levels of mineral dust and other pollutants can also trigger asthma, respiratory diseases, and other infectious diseases.
Masdar Institute said in a statement that the Atmospheric Composition and Weather Forecast System will help the UAE to prepare for and tackle the negative impacts of dust storms.
The forecasting system is available online at Masdar Institute’s official website.
Dr Hosni Ghedira, director of the Research Centre for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment, and Professor of Practice at Masdar Institute, said: “This is a turning point in the region’s ability to properly manage the impacts of dust storms.
“With access to accurate forecast of dust events and sandstorms, people can better prepare for them. This information will be extremely useful for the transportation sector, as it will help show motorists, pilots and air traffic controllers where the dust will be and for approximately how long,” he said.
The forecasting system provides nearly real-time maps of atmospheric dust and other pollutants across the UAE. It is similar to the UAE Solar and Wind Atlases created by ReCREMA.
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