The United Arab Emirates is boldly stepping into the forefront of climate innovation with an ambitious initiative aimed at tackling global water scarcity.

Scientists in the nation are testing a groundbreaking laser system that seeks to induce rainfall, particularly in dry regions.

This pioneering venture falls under the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), signifying a significant stride towards utilizing cutting-edge technology for improved climate resilience and sustainable water management.

A recent meeting of the programme’s Strategic Directions Committee took place at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), which is spearheading "Laser-Based Rain Triggering Demonstrator with Remote Sensing Technology" as part of their Cycle 5 project.

Laser-Induced Rainfall

The project, overseen by Dr. Guillaume Matras, Senior Director of the Directed Energy Research Centre (DERC) at TII, investigates how high-power lasers can precipitate condensation and alter cloud microphysics.

Initial laboratory tests have successfully demonstrated laser-induced condensation and filament formation, validating the concept's potential.

The subsequent phase will feature field trials using a Mobile High-Power Pulsed Laser Demonstrator (MHPPLD). This unit employs AI-driven remote sensing to monitor atmospheric interactions as they occur.

The mobile platform allows deployment across various UAE locales to assess diverse weather conditions.

Collaboration with Global Experts

The UAE research team collaborates with esteemed international institutions to enhance modeling capabilities:

  • University of Hyogo, Japan – super-droplet cloud simulations (SCALE-SDM)
  • Southern University of Science and Technology, China – laser-microphysics coupling
  • Empa, Switzerland – AI-based LiDAR data analysis

This collaboration enables simulation of localized cloud phenomena, ranging from convective systems over Hajar Mountains to summer clouds along western UAE coasts, ensuring both local relevance and global application.

Advancements in Weather Technology

D . Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization and Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), emphasized: “At NCM, we are committed to leveraging advanced technologies that effectively address water scarcity challenges."

He highlighted laser-enhanced rainmaking as a promising approach that supports efforts to increase rainfall in arid territories.", he added.

Alya Al Mazroui, director at UAEREP commented: "This innovative research places the UAE at the helm of advancements in laser-induced rainfall enhancement. Combining experimental physics with advanced atmospheric modeling and AI diagnostics opens new avenues for weather modification.”

Achieving Milestones

During recent assessments scientists unveiled a final design iteration involving multiple lasers enhanced from previous single-source setups into hybrid femtosecond–nanosecond configurations improving peak power&plasma density whilst mitigating risk&duration issues.

A new remote sensing suite integrates spectroscopy alongside multi-wavelength LiDAR enabling real-time monitoring droplet formations.