UAEREP Opens Seventh Research Cycle to Advance Rain Enhancement Science

The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science releases its latest solicitation framework, inviting international researchers to develop innovative technologies and scientific solutions for water security in arid regions.

The pursuit of reliable water security in arid climates demands both scientific rigour and imaginative technological thinking. The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, managed by the National Centre of Meteorology, has released its Seventh Cycle Solicitation Document, setting forth three million dollars in funding across up to five research projects to advance the science and practice of rain enhancement.

The funding structure accommodates projects of varying duration, with awards ranging from five hundred thousand dollars for one-year initiatives to one point five million dollars for three-year investigations. This tiered approach reflects a commitment to supporting both focused, immediate research questions and longer-term explorations that demand sustained inquiry.

Five strategic research areas form the foundation of this cycle: Optimised Seeding Materials; Novel Cloud Formation and Rain Enhancement Systems; Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Limited-Area Climate Interventions; and Advanced Models, Software and Data. Each represents a distinct frontier in understanding how atmospheric science might be harnessed to address water scarcity in arid and semi-arid environments.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation and Chairman of NCM, emphasised the programme’s significance within the broader context of national water security strategy. “The UAE continues to invest in scientific research, innovation and international cooperation as part of its efforts to strengthen water security,” he said. “Through NCM and the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, we are supporting new research and technologies that advance rain enhancement science and contribute to addressing water scarcity.”

Dr. Ahmad Al Kamali, Director of UAEREP and Acting Head of Cloud Seeding Operations at NCM, outlined the evolution of the programme’s approach. The Seventh Cycle draws upon the scientific knowledge and technological progress achieved through UAEREP’s previous research cycles, while establishing clear priorities for the next stage of development. “Our focus is on research that addresses important scientific questions, introduces innovative approaches and demonstrates a clear pathway towards practical application,” Dr. Al Kamali noted.

Research into optimised seeding materials will explore the physical and chemical properties, manufacturing and environmental effects of materials suited to arid environments. Investigations into novel cloud formation systems will examine methods beyond conventional cloud seeding, including approaches to enhance the conversion of clouds into precipitation under marginal atmospheric conditions. The autonomous unmanned aircraft systems focus will integrate UAS technology across the full rain enhancement mission chain, from cloud identification to coordinated multi-platform operations.

Limited-area climate interventions will investigate landform and land-cover modification, whilst advanced models and software development will pursue improved operational systems and artificial intelligence approaches alongside strengthened methods for evaluating rain enhancement effectiveness. The programme particularly welcomes multidisciplinary proposals and multinational research teams, with special emphasis on capacity building and knowledge transfer.

The selection process involves two stages of merit review, evaluating scientific and technical merit, significance and innovation, proposed methodology, research team capability, capacity building dimensions and budgetary considerations. Building upon seventeen projects funded across the programme’s first six cycles, as demonstrated through UAEREP’s engagement with leading international institutions, the Seventh Cycle forms part of a broader strategy to establish scientifically validated technology platforms and verification techniques.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This seventh funding cycle represents a deepening of the UAE’s commitment to water security through scientific innovation. As water scarcity remains a defining challenge for arid regions, investments in rain enhancement research offer potential pathways towards greater hydrological resilience and sustainable resource management for present and future generations.

The programme’s emphasis on international collaboration and capacity building strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for atmospheric and environmental research. By attracting researchers and institutions from across the globe to engage with these strategic priorities, the initiative positions the emirates at the forefront of developing practical, science-based solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing arid climates worldwide.

Source: WAM