UAE’s cloud seeding program explained: The science behind the rain

Dubai: Recent downpours across Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and other eastern regions of the UAE are not just a stroke of luck; they are the result of a sophisticated weather modification technique known as cloud seeding. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has been actively carrying out this program to boost rainfall in the country. Cloud seeding is a process that involves modifying a cloud's structure to increase its ability to produce rain or snow, and the UAE has become a leader in this technology.

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to increase precipitation from clouds. It works by introducing substances into clouds that serve as cloud condensation nuclei or ice nuclei. These particles provide a surface for water vapour to condense or freeze onto, which helps to form larger, heavier droplets that can then fall as rain. In essence, cloud seeding provides the necessary catalyst to encourage precipitation from clouds that might not otherwise produce it.

The NCM's cloud seeding operation is a comprehensive process that begins with extensive data collection and analysis. Experts first gather data from radars, ground stations, and satellites to create daily weather forecasts. A team of meteorologists then evaluates this information to identify potential cloud formations suitable for seeding.

Once potential clouds are identified, the NCM uses a sophisticated weather surveillance radar (WSR) to monitor atmospheric pressure and cloud formations around the clock. Live camera feeds from 26 locations across the UAE also provide real-time visual data. When a suitable cloud begins to form, a special aircraft is dispatched to fly around it and collect data on its structure. This analysis helps determine the optimal time and location for a successful seeding operation.

When conditions are right, the aircraft, equipped with special flares, flies into the clouds. The flares release seeding agents, such as salt crystals mixed with magnesium, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride. These hygroscopic agents absorb water and accelerate the formation of larger rain droplets. The NCM's aircraft typically carry 48 flares for a single three-hour flight.

The UAE has made significant advancements in the types of seeding agents it uses, with materials now being manufactured locally. There are two primary types of agents used in the country:

In addition to aircraft, the NCM also utilises ground-based generators (GBG). These towers are strategically located in mountainous areas to take advantage of local topography and air currents. The GBGs release hygroscopic seeding materials into low-lying clouds, which helps to accelerate the collision and coalescence process, thereby increasing rainfall.

The NCM's commitment to enhancing rainfall extends beyond current methods. The program, which has been in full swing since the early 2000s, is continuously exploring innovative technologies to improve its effectiveness. Recent advancements and experiments include:

The NCM reported that since the start of 2025, it has carried out 172 cloud-seeding flights as part of its ongoing mission to boost rainfall by 10 to 25 percent. These efforts are crucial, especially considering the low rainfall experienced during the last winter season, which saw a significant drop in precipitation compared to the previous year.