From the Editors: New research on cloud seeding in UAE can be a game changer

NEW RESEARCH ON CLOUD SEEDING IN UAE CAN BE A GAME CHANGER: The National Center of Meteorology, through UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, has announced the start of a new project that will involve the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve enhanced rainfall in the country. As part of this new research initiative, a unique AI framework will be built to combine satellite observations, ground-based weather radar data, rain gauges and numerical weather prediction estimates to determine optimal cloud seeding timings and locations. When it comes to research and development and utilisation of latest technology for the greater good of the community, the UAE has always been an exemplar of sorts. For a country and a region that is naturally rain-deprived, this new project to achieve more accurate cloud seeding results may well turn out to be a game changer in terms of agriculture and enriching the flora and fauna of the UAE. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

UAE CONSUMERS , BUSINESSES MUST FIND WAYS TO TACKLE COSTS: The steady march of interest rates against the backdrop of inflation – this is what consumers and businesses everywhere are encountering – with each month, so to speak. For many used to near zero interest rates and stock markets in constant soaring, the new realities will take time to re-adjust. But there is no time to be wasted, consumers and businesses must find ways to give themselves some wriggle room from the twin troubles of higher rates and higher inflation. Keep an eye on lenders willing to meet half-way, and there should be some willing to do that. As for businesses, better management of their receivables is an absolute must. Rein in those payment periods, especially when it comes to what’s owed to you. This is turning out to be a summer of heavy adjustments…[COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: THREE COUNTRIES , 16 VENUES AMONG A LOT OF ‘FIRST’: The 2026 edition of Fifa World Cup will see a major ‘first’ when three neighbours – the US, Mexico and Canada will co host the ‘greatest show on earth.’ It was worth the wait when on Thursday evening in New York City, a total of 16 cities were named as host venues – 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada. Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and Kansas City, Missouri were the newcomers among the 11 US sites picked to host games at the 2026 World Cup, though the US will not use none of the nine stadia which hosted 1994 matches. This will be the third time Mexico are playing hosts as Estadio Azteca, which hosted the 1970 and ’86 finals, will become the first stadium to have three World Cups alongwith Guadalajara & Monterrey; while the picks in Canada are Toronto & Vancouver.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

CAN WE LET MARILYN MONROE REST IN PEACE? Late Hollywood movie star Marilyn Monroe is having a big of a resurgence. From the drama surrounding Kim Kardashian possibly damaging her iconic 60-year-old dress, to locks of her hair being sold — Monroe has been commodified for years since her death at the age of 36. The star, born Norma Jeane, will also be portrayed by Ana de Armas in a new Netflix movie. People don’t remember the hurdles that Monroe faced, including sexism in Hollywood, and how difficult her life really was. The least people could do is let her rest in peace.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]