UAE rain studies to feature at climate conference in Morocco

Dubai: UAE rain research will be shared with delegates attending the global climate change conference now under way in Marrakech, Morroco, said officials, helping other countries access new science and technology in the field.

Alya Al Mazroui, Manager of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) said a delegation from the UAE will hold a series of meetings with leading policy makers and local researchers at COP22 in Marrakech, which runs until November 18.

The visit by the delegation will discuss with others “technology linked to rain enhancement [that] is expected to become affordable and accessible to more countries, and ultimately contribute to their economic development,” said the research programme in a statement.

Speaking on the programme’s participation at COP22, Dr Abdullah Al Mandoos, Director of the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, said: “COP22 is closely aligned to our objectives of evolving interdisciplinary, collaborative R&D capabilities in carrying out advanced research. Through convening leading researchers, scientists and partners from across the world, COP22 provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science and explore global avenues of partnership.”

While at the event, the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science delegation will meet with key institutional and technical representatives from Morocco, the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Sweden, the UK, France and South Africa. In a bid to strengthen ties with these countries, the delegation will share insights on rain enhancement technologies, and the implementation of water security solutions and innovations in arid and semi-arid regions.

Al Mazroui said: “Through the programme, we seek to achieve tangible, innovative research results that will positively impact areas of strategic relevance for the UAE. Water security is one of the seven pillars of the National Innovation Strategy. COP22 is the right platform to highlight cutting-edge technologies and research initiatives like the ones we foster, fund and work on every day in Abu Dhabi.”