UAE: How AI-powered cloud seeding boosts rainfall, water security

Abu Dhabi: Use of artificial intelligence, algorithm-based data processing, and other advanced technologies are enhancing the efficiency of rain enhancement operations, including cloud seeding, and ensuring water security in the UAE, a top official said in Abu Dhabi.

Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), highlighted the role of AI tools and advanced weather forecasting technologies in transforming cloud forecasting and identifying optimal conditions for cloud seeding.

“Machine learning algorithms can analyse vast volumes of meteorological data to detect patterns, predict weather conditions, and identify the most favourable opportunities for cloud seeding. These tools optimise timing, location, and seeding techniques, ensuring precision and maximising effectiveness,” Alya told Gulf News.

She noted that real-time monitoring of cloud formations and atmospheric conditions, powered by advanced forecasting systems, further supports informed and timely decision-making.

“By integrating machine learning with modern forecasting technologies, rain enhancement operations have become more reliable and efficient, driving improvements in sustainable water resource management,” said Alya, who is also the Director of the Research and Weather Enhancement Department at the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

Alya underscored that the UAEREP has supported several groundbreaking innovations in rain enhancement, including the use of nanotechnology that offer “more robust and cost-effective platforms” for cloud seeding.

Significantly, the UAEREP has backed the efforts of the NCM to build and deploy the ‘Atmosphere’ high-performance computing (HPC) system, which strengthens meteorological research capabilities. Additionally, the UAEREP-funded project led by professor Linda Zou of Khalifa University developed a nanotechnology-based cloud seeding material, allowing NCM’s weather enhancement technology (WET) factory to produce advanced cloud seeding flares.

“These flares include the hygroscopic flares optimised for warm cloud seeding with enhanced efficiency and a five-year lifespan, nano-enhanced flares utilising nanotechnology for superior rain enhancement, and ground generator flares designed for precision ground-based operations.”

Strategic investment in rain enhancement measures, Alya said, has been instrumental in boosting rainfall in a country with less than 100mm of annual precipitation, high evaporation rates, and limited groundwater recharge.

“By leveraging cloud seeding operations and fostering innovative research through initiatives like UAEREP, the UAE has reduced its dependence on desalination and groundwater – traditional water sources, which alone cannot meet the demands of the country’s growing population.”

Demonstrating the effectiveness of these efforts, Alya pointed out a recent study on UAE rain enhancement operations, which revealed systematic enhancements in storm properties within 15 to 25 minutes of seeding.

“This approach not only increases rainfall but also supports sustainable water management, enhances resilience to climate change, and offers scalable solutions for other arid and semi-arid regions facing similar challenges.”

Alya noted that, with about 300 cloud seeding missions conducted annually and advances in rain enhancement technologies, the frequency of rainfall is expected to improve, helping to address water scarcity in the UAE.

“While it is difficult to predict exact rainfall amounts, the UAE’s continued investment in rain enhancement science is expected to yield positive results in terms of water availability. However, it is important to note that rain enhancement does not guarantee consistent or significant rainfall in every instance, as weather conditions are influenced by the changing climate and the inherent unpredictability of weather patterns,” she said ahead of the seventh International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), which starts in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

The three-day forum plays a vital role in tackling water scarcity by bringing together high-level decision-makers, leading researchers, and key stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions to global water security challenges.