ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has launched a major new initiative to boost rainfall using cutting-edge cloud-seeding technologies, announcing research grants of up to $1.5 million for scientists developing innovative and sustainable rain enhancement solutions.
The programme, led by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), selected three international researchers from a pool of 140 proposals submitted by scientists across 48 countries. The initiative is part of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, which supports advanced research aimed at addressing water scarcity in arid regions.
The selected researchers are Dr. Michael Dixon of Echo Science Works (United States), Professor Linda Zou from Victoria University (Australia), and Dr. Oliver Branch of the University of Hohenheim (Germany). Each will receive funding over a three-year period, with annual support capped at $550,000.
Their projects will explore next-generation cloud-seeding approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence, new environmentally friendly seeding materials, and ground-based techniques to improve cloud formation and rainfall efficiency. UAE officials emphasized that AI will play a key role in accurately identifying clouds most suitable for rain enhancement.
With minimal natural rainfall and a heavy reliance on desalinated water, the UAE has invested significantly in cloud-seeding and currently carries out hundreds of seeding flights each year. Authorities see the new research programme as a critical step toward strengthening water reserves.
The initiative is expected to support agriculture, enhance water sustainability, and contribute to long-term water security not only for the UAE but for other water-stressed regions as well.
