The UAE has spotlighted significant advancements in eco-friendly cloud-seeding technologies during a global webinar, emphasizing the shift towards sustainable practices in rain enhancement.

The UAE has unveiled significant advancements in its efforts to enhance rain and improve cloud-seeding technology, sharing these developments with global experts during a recent webinar.

The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has highlighted innovative approaches to environmentally friendly cloud seeding at the latest session of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series.

Now in its 12th iteration, the session focused on "Design and Testing of Natural Substance Flare Packaging for Cold Cloud Seeding" and featured research spearheaded by Thai scientist Siripen Somruen from the Royal Rainmaking Technology Research and Development Division.

UAE Cloud-Seeding Innovations

Somruen's presentation explored natural alternatives to silver iodide, the conventional material used in cloud seeding. Her study centers on eco-friendly substances with potent ice-forming capabilities, which are packaged in specialized flares for cold cloud seeding operations.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), commented, "Rain enhancement offers a promising avenue to diversify our water resources and reduce reliance on traditional supplies."

"Given the increasing demand on existing water reserves, it is crucial for NCM to continue advancing new rain enhancement technologies that ensure both long-term water security and environmental sustainability," he added. "Through this webinar series, we are committed to fostering a vibrant platform for scientific exchange and collaborative research."

Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, expressed gratitude for Siripen Somruen's contributions, emphasizing the importance of environmental considerations in cloud seeding. "The Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series reflects our dedication to facilitating meaningful knowledge exchange that enriches scientific understanding and encourages the practical use of diverse methods in this critical research area," she remarked.

"At UAEREP, we aim to ensure cloud seeding technologies remain effective and environmentally responsible through the development of advanced materials with optimal properties," Al Mazroui added.

UAEREP continues to support groundbreaking research, including a notable project by Prof. Linda Zou, a First Cycle awardee and Adjunct Professor at Victoria University in Australia. Her team developed nanotechnology-based NaCl-TiO2 (CNST) cloud seeding materials, positioning the UAE as the only nation globally employing these eco-friendly core-shell particles in operational seeding initiatives.

These advanced materials, composed of naturally occurring and safe compounds, have shown superior efficacy in enhancing precipitation across diverse atmospheric conditions.