WAM Dubai, May 29th, 2012 (WAM) -- Eng. Salem Bin Mesmar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality Tuesday announced the launching of Operational Marine Forecasting '&' Warning System for Dubai coastal zone, during a ceremony held in the conference hall of the municipality main building.

Eng. Salem said this system is the first in kind in the region and one of the best in the world, which is capable to forecast the sea conditions accurately and help the swimmers, fishermen, sea transport and marine companies as well as beach goers.

�This will also support the strategic decision making process of the organizations through its high-tech forecasting technology and warning systems, especially in the exceptional circumstances such as oil spill that hinders the movement of ships and adversely affect the environment and high tide that causes the floods,' he added.

�The system is considered as one of the most significant initiatives implemented by the civic body in 2012. This is a milestone in Dubai's fast-paced development in the unique and huge developmental projects. We hope this will be an ideal model to be adopted widely both inside and outside the country,' said Eng. Alya Abdulrahim Alharmoudi, Head Coastal Area Management of Environment Department at Dubai Municipality.

Alya further explained how the modern technology is effectively incorporated to this innovative system, which can cover a wide area that includes the entire Arabian Gulf from the north-west of Kuwait to south-east of Oman. The system can predict sea conditions such as water level, waves and winds prior to three days exactly.

The system will also help the concerned authorities to take quick action in the event of oil leakage to the sea and supports lifeguard force in cases of drowning.

WAM/ES/AM