Aliyah Al Mazrouei, Director of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science at the National Center of Meteorology, stated that cloud seeding operations are considerably less expensive and more effective than desalination methods, potentially increasing rainfall by up to 25%.

In an interview, Al Mazrouei explained that the center utilizes modern and safe technologies for cloud seeding, operating four aircraft, seven radar systems, and over 100 weather monitoring stations.

A facility produces 21,000 salt flares annually for cloud seeding, employing eco-friendly materials to ensure environmental safety.

She dismissed unfounded claims that cloud seeding benefits some countries while depriving others of rainfall.

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science was launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the goal of establishing a global model for cloud seeding research, development, implementation, and dissemination to enhance water security in the UAE and worldwide.

The program provides funding for selected research projects, fosters international collaboration with leading scientists, and encourages interdisciplinary research in weather modification techniques.

During the seventh International Conference on Rain Enhancement, held recently, the program announced it is inviting research proposals for its sixth cycle, offering grants totaling $1.5 million (approximately AED 5.5 million) distributed over three years, with a maximum of $550,000 annually.

Al Mazrouei highlighted the advanced technologies utilized in the program, which include four specialized King Air aircraft for cloud seeding, a national radar network comprising seven fixed Doppler radars covering all regions of the UAE, and more than 100 interconnected meteorological stations that provide continuous atmospheric data.

This infrastructure supports informed decisions regarding cloud seeding operations and field research campaigns.

The program employs research projects to enhance the precision and efficiency of cloud seeding operations, integrating technologies such as nanotechnology to develop new seeding materials, drone systems for efficient and cost-effective operation, smart sensors for precise material delivery into clouds, retrofitted thermal energy systems to stimulate updrafts, and machine learning tools for improved cloud targeting.

The Rain Enhancement Stakeholder’s Workshop addressed sustainable water management strategies, focusing on integrating non-traditional water sources like cloud seeding, alongside maximizing rainwater harvesting.

Al Mazrouei noted that research indicated cloud seeding could increase rainfall extraction from clouds by 10% to 20% during variable weather, potentially reaching 25% under optimal conditions.

In terms of operational costs, Al Mazrouei emphasized a study published in the journal 'Nature Climate and Atmospheric Sciences' indicating cloud seeding costs range between $0.01 and $0.04 per cubic meter, compared to $0.31 per cubic meter for desalinated water in the UAE.

These findings suggest cloud seeding as the more economically viable option for water augmentation.

Efforts to maximize the benefits of cloud seeding-derived water include implementing comprehensive rainwater management strategies, enhancing collection, storage, and distribution systems, and minimizing groundwater waste through advanced technology.

Challenges facing the program’s expansion include the need for continuous development of cloud seeding technologies, improvement of seeding efficacy under various atmospheric conditions, and overcoming barriers to widespread implementation to address global water scarcity, particularly in arid regions.

Al Mazrouei stated that the program is dedicated to providing funding, research facilities, and logistical support to assist scientists in conducting advanced applied research aimed at developing innovative seeding methodologies.

The program encourages applicants to keep pace with scientific advancements and to utilize high-quality technical readiness in their research proposals, ensuring the initiative's success in providing practical solutions to water scarcity challenges.

Addressing concerns regarding stormwater management from increased rainfall, Al Mazrouei affirmed the National Center of Meteorology conducts stringent evaluations of cloud seeding operations to guarantee safety standards for personnel, resources, and communities.

Considerations for managing excess rainfall involve comprehensive urban planning, investment in smart water management technologies, and strengthening flood reduction strategies, including enhancing stormwater drainage capacity, building additional reservoirs, and developing early warning systems for extreme weather events.