Cloud seeding is a complementary solution to water desalination using environmentally friendly materials

Director of the Emirates Research Program for Rain Enhancement Sciences and Director of the Weather Research and Improvement Department at the National Center of Meteorology, Alia Al Mazrouei, confirmed that rain enhancement represents a complementary solution to water desalination operations within the UAE’s water security strategy, and is not considered a substitute for it.

She stressed that rain seeding operations in the UAE depend entirely on environmentally friendly hygroscopic materials, the components of which include well-known and safe natural salts.

In detail, the Director of the Emirates Research Program for Rain Enhancement Sciences, Director of the Research and Weather Improvement Department at the National Center of Meteorology, Alia Al Mazrouei, revealed to Emirates Today that the program supports innovative research projects aimed at employing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and unmanned aerial systems (drones) to develop cloud monitoring and rain seeding operations.

Al Mazroui explained that these advanced technologies play a pivotal role in monitoring and identifying suitable clouds for pollination, and analyzing real-time weather data, which supports more accurate operational decision-making and contributes to enhancing scientific progress and technical innovation in rain enhancement science.

Regarding the most prominent new research priorities and directions targeted by the program at the current stage, Al Mazroui explained that the focus is currently on major strategic research areas, including: improved pollination materials, innovative systems to stimulate cloud formation and increase rainfall rates, autonomous systems for drones, and limited climate interventions, in addition to advanced models, software and data.

She stressed that these basic axes translate the program’s orientation towards employing emerging technologies, activating operational innovation, and supporting scientific progress.

Al Mazrouei pointed out the success of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science in building a wide international cooperation network, which includes more than 1,800 researchers representing more than 800 scientific institutions in 76 countries around the world.

The program cooperates with universities, research centers, meteorological bodies, and leading international organizations, which contributes to accelerating the pace of scientific innovation and enhancing joint international cooperation in the field of rain enhancement research.

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science is a pioneering global research initiative, supervised by the National Center of Meteorology, that aims to develop advanced innovative technologies in the fields of rain enhancement and atmospheric sciences. Through its pivotal role in strengthening international cooperation frameworks and funding specialized research, the program supports the development of solutions based on scientific foundations that contribute to enhancing the sustainability of water resources in the UAE and regions facing water challenges around the world.

Al Mazrouei revealed that the program supports the development of advanced materials for cloud seeding, including an innovative material enhanced with nanotechnology, designed to improve the efficiency of pollination operations while maintaining the highest standards of environmental safety.

Within the framework of these efforts, Al Mazrouei indicated that one of the research projects within the sixth cycle of the program explores the development of biodegradable nano-pollination materials, which can contribute to enhancing performance and reducing environmental impact, which reflects the program’s commitment to developing safe and sustainable rain seeding technologies based on solid scientific foundations.

Regarding public concerns regarding the safety of materials used in cloud seeding, and how the program reassures the community about their environmental and health safety, Al Mazrouei stressed that safety and environmental responsibility are among the basic pillars of the research approach followed by the program.

She explained that rain seeding operations in the UAE depend entirely on environmentally friendly hygroscopic materials, the components of which include well-known and safe natural salts. Al Mazrouei pointed out that the results of environmental monitoring studies, which were carried out in cooperation with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, showed that there was no evidence of concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the environment that could be attributed to rain seeding operations, which confirms and supports the safe use of these materials.

She pointed out that rain seeding represents a complementary solution to water desalination operations within the UAE’s water security strategy, and is not a substitute for it.

According to estimates by the National Center of Meteorology in a study conducted in 2020, the cost of producing one cubic meter of water resulting from rain seeding operations is only about 0.01 US dollars, which makes this technology a highly effective and low-cost tool for enhancing water resources.

By developing innovative technologies in the field of rain enhancement, the program contributes to supporting the sustainability of water resources and enhancing the ability to adapt to climate challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.

Advanced infrastructure

The UAE has developed an advanced infrastructure to support rain seeding operations, including a specialized fleet of cloud seeding aircraft, a national network of weather radars, and automated weather monitoring stations, in addition to advanced weather forecasting systems. This integrated system allows meteorologists to identify suitable clouds for seeding, monitor weather conditions in real time, and carry out cloud seeding operations with a high degree of accuracy.

Cloud seeding

The results of cloud seeding operations vary depending on the characteristics of the clouds and prevailing weather patterns. Studies carried out in the UAE indicate that the increase in rainfall rates usually ranges between 10 and 20%, and may reach 25% in ideal conditions. In 2020, the National Center of Meteorology estimated the contribution of rain seeding operations at about 280 million cubic meters of water, highlighting its role in supporting water security.