Sana’a – University Media Office / Special Report

The Water and Environment Center (WEC) at Sana’a University presented three peer-reviewed research papers at the First Conference on Remote Sensing, Geospatial Information, and Space Technologies, organized by the Yemeni Center for Remote Sensing on October 4th–5th, 2026, under the theme “Yemen from Space” and under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

The Center was represented by an academic delegation headed by its Director, Dr. Taha Al-Weshali, and including several faculty members and researchers. The delegation presented scientific solutions and practical applications demonstrating how remote sensing technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used in water basin management, surface runoff estimation, and the identification of suitable sites for rainwater harvesting in Yemen.

Dr. Al-Weshali emphasized the importance of adopting modern geospatial technologies and remote sensing as effective scientific tools for addressing the challenges posed by limited field data. He also highlighted the role of advanced scientific research in supporting sustainable development, improving water resource management, and strengthening decision-making in Yemen.

Three Research Papers Addressing Water and Environmental Challenges

WEC’s researchers presented three papers under the conference theme “Remote Sensing for Environmental and Climate Monitoring and Natural Resource Management." The papers addressed specialized topics in hydrological modeling, rainwater harvesting, and water resource management, as follows:

1. Simulating the Water Balance in the Data-Scarce Arid Sana’a Basin, Yemen

Engineer Khaled Ismail Al-Shami presented a paper on developing an integrated, calibrated hydrological model that combines remote sensing data with spatial modeling to estimate water balance components, including precipitation, surface runoff, evaporation, and groundwater recharge. The study aims to provide a scientific tool to support decision-making in water resource management and strengthen adaptive capacity to climate change.

2. Estimating Surface Runoff Potential in the Abyan Delta Using the GIS-Supported Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) Method

Engineer Saadi Mandai Al-Saadi presented a study examining the use of Geographic Information Systems and the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method to estimate surface runoff volumes in the Abyan Delta. The research seeks to improve floodwater management and develop mechanisms for utilizing and harvesting runoff water.

3. Remote Sensing- and GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Identifying Suitable Rainwater Harvesting Sites in the Hababah Sub-Basin, Amran Governorate

Researcher and Engineer Khaled Hasan Al-Laith presented a study aimed at developing a multi-criteria spatial model to identify the most suitable locations for constructing dams and water barriers using remote sensing technologies and Geographic Information Systems. The study seeks to enhance rainwater harvesting efficiency and support groundwater aquifer recharge.

These contributions reflect the scientific presence of Sana’a University’s WEC in applied research addressing water and environmental issues. They also highlight the importance of employing modern technologies to develop scientific solutions that improve water resource management and address the environmental and climatic challenges facing Yemen.