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The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation delivered a regional training on the OpenQuake Engine and seismic risk models for representatives of the Arab League states on 11–12 November 2025 in Algiers, Algeria. The training was organised by GEM and hosted by the Arab Centre for Prevention from Earthquake Dangers and Other Natural Disasters (ACPEND).

The two-day programme brought together 21 participants from 10 countries across the Arab region. It combined conceptual sessions with hands-on exercises focusing mainly on earthquake scenarios, but also covering concepts of probabilistic seismic hazard and risk analysis, using regional datasets and modelling workflows. The training focused on practical approaches to understanding and quantifying seismic risk, with an emphasis on applying open and transparent methodologies.

The sessions were facilitated by Jamal Dabbeek, GEM Arab States Regional Coordinator, and Karim Aljawhari, Physical Vulnerability Modeller at GEM. Participants were guided through tools and methods for assessing ground motion, exposure, vulnerability and potential earthquake impacts, and for interpreting results in support of risk-informed planning and decision-making.

The training forms part of GEM’s broader capacity-building work to support public institutions in strengthening their technical understanding of seismic hazard and risk. By promoting the use of open-source tools and science-based methods, GEM aims to support more consistent and comparable seismic risk assessments across countries and to contribute to evidence-based disaster risk management at regional and national levels.

Further details about the training programme and agenda are available on the GEM website.

https://www.globalquakemodel.org/gemevents/oq-training-arab-league-2025

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