Mohamed bin Zayed AI University launches a pioneering weather forecasting program aimed at enhancing agricultural support through advanced AI technology.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with the "Aim for Scale" initiative and the University of Chicago, has launched a unique training program focused on weather forecasting. This initiative is designed to assist governments in providing customized forecasts that meet local agricultural needs, benefiting millions of farmers worldwide.

With climate change presenting increasingly erratic weather patterns globally, advancements in artificial intelligence now allow for quicker, more cost-effective predictions with exceptional local accuracy. This breakthrough is expected to offer precise forecasts to regions previously lacking access to cutting-edge technologies.

Supported by the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C) expansion mechanism, researchers from Mohamed bin Zayed University and the University of Chicago are working together to empower low and middle-income countries. Their goal is to adopt these innovations early and develop national services that meet global standards.

Pedram Hassanzadeh, an associate professor in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago and a member of the technical committee for farmer weather services under AIM4C, stated: "AI-enhanced weather models are revolutionizing prediction capabilities. However, due to their novelty, many governments lack the training, equipment, and institutional capacity needed for their efficient implementation. Without immediate action, low and middle-income countries risk falling behind. We strive to ensure these nations can leverage these innovations by transitioning cutting-edge AI and climate sciences from labs into practical application."

The inaugural batch includes participants from Bangladesh, Chile, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria who are undergoing training from September 22 to 26 in the UAE hosted by Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the National Center of Meteorology.

Over the coming years, the program aims to include an additional 25 countries-expanding its reach across 30 nations-to enhance its impact on millions of farmers globally. The "Aim for Scale" initiative works alongside development partners to ensure this effort remains scalable, inclusive, and provides tangible benefits to farmers.