Latest news with #UAEResearchProgrammeforRainEnhancementScience
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Insider
UAE Showcases Eco-Friendly Cloud-Seeding Tech
The UAE has shared advancements in rain enhancement and cloud-seeding science with experts at a global webinar. The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) spotlighted global breakthroughs in environmentally responsible cloud seeding during the latest session of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series. Now in its 12th edition, the session was held under the theme 'Design and Testing of Natural Substance Flare Packaging for Cold Cloud Seeding' and featured research led by Thai scientist Siripen Somruen of the Royal Rainmaking Technology Research and Development Division. Somruen presented her study into natural alternatives to silver iodide, traditionally used in cloud seeding. Her research focuses on eco-friendly substances with strong ice-forming abilities, packaged in specialised flares for cold cloud seeding operations. The aim is to support more sustainable weather modification techniques. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said: 'Rain enhancement presents a promising opportunity to diversify our water resources and reduce dependence on traditional supplies. 'In the face of increasing pressure on existing water reserves, it is a priority for NCM to collaboratively advance novel rain enhancement technologies that support both long-term water security and environmental sustainability. 'Through hosting this webinar series, we continue to reinforce this approach by creating a dynamic platform for scientific exchange and research collaboration.' Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, said: 'We are grateful for the valuable insights shared by Siripen Somruen, whose work underscores the critical role of environmental considerations in cloud seeding. 'The Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series demonstrates our commitment to facilitating meaningful knowledge exchange that deepens scientific understanding and promotes the practical application of diverse methods in this important research domain. 'At UAEREP, our goal is to ensure that cloud seeding technologies remain both effective and environmentally responsible through the development of advanced materials with optimal properties.' UAEREP continues to fund pioneering research, including a landmark project by Prof. Linda Zou, a First Cycle awardee and Adjunct Professor at Victoria University in Australia. Her team developed nanotechnology-based NaCl-TiO2 (CNST) cloud seeding materials, making the UAE the only country globally to use such eco-friendly core-shell particles in operational seeding efforts. These advanced materials, made from naturally occurring and safe compounds, have demonstrated superior performance in enhancing precipitation across a wider range of atmospheric conditions. Also Read: UAE Announces New Mortgage Procedures
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAEREP's 12th Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar session explores eco-friendly Cloud Seeding technologies
3 July 2025 18:02 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 12th session of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series under the theme: 'Design and Testing of Natural Substance Flare Packaging for Cold Cloud Seeding.'The session was delivered by Siripen Somruen, Scientist at the Royal Rainmaking Technology Research and Development Division in presented her research on finding natural alternatives to silver iodide for glaciogenic seeding. Her work focuses on using eco-friendly substances with strong ice-forming abilities, which are packaged in specially designed flares and tested for their effectiveness in cold cloud goal is to develop more sustainable materials and dispensing methods for weather modification General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, said, 'Rain enhancement presents a promising opportunity to diversify our water resources and reduce dependence on traditional supplies. In the face of increasing pressure on existing water reserves, it is a priority for NCM to collaboratively advance novel rain enhancement technologies that support both long-term water security and environmental sustainability. Through hosting this webinar series, we continue to reinforce this approach by creating a dynamic platform for scientific exchange and research collaboration.'Director of UAEREP, Alya Al Mazroui, said, 'We are grateful for the valuable insights shared by Siripen Somruen, whose work underscores the critical role of environmental considerations in cloud seeding. The Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series demonstrates our commitment to facilitating meaningful knowledge exchange that deepens scientific understanding and promotes the practical application of diverse methods in this important research domain. At UAEREP, our goal is to ensure that cloud seeding technologies remain both effective and environmentally responsible through the development of advanced materials with optimal properties.'UAEREP continues to support cutting-edge research projects aimed at developing innovative technologies to enhance its notable successes is the groundbreaking work led by Prof. Linda Zou, a UAEREP First Cycle awardee and Adjunct Professor at Victoria University in research harnessed nanotechnology to develop novel cloud seeding materials, positioning the UAE as the only country in the world currently using nanotechnology-based core-shell NaCl-TiO2 (CNST) materials in operational cloud materials, composed of naturally occurring and safe ingredients, have been shown to be eco-friendly and more effective in enhancing precipitation across a wider range of humidity UAEREP Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series serves as a global platform to foster collaboration, disseminate scientific advancements, and inspire innovation in the field of weather modification and water security. It allows experts and specialists to share the latest scientific developments and research efforts, while also engaging with members of the broader community who are interested in this emerging field, helping raise awareness about the importance of weather modification technologies in addressing global water challenges.
Al Etihad
28-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAEREP approves shortlist of research proposals in its sixth cycle
28 May 2025 15:32 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), managed by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), has announced the selection of 16 innovative pre-proposals from the 140 submissions received as part of the programme's sixth shortlist was finalised following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the programme's International Technical Review Committee, comprising a diverse panel of experts and specialists who met virtually from May 20 to 21, 2025 to agree on the final were scored based on their alignment with the programme's core research areas, scientific excellence, potential impact, the expertise of proposers, and the extent of multidisciplinary invited proposals cover all five research thrust areas of the programme, namely, Optimised Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation and/or Rain Enhancement Systems, Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and whose pre-proposals have been shortlisted are being invited to submit full proposals by August 28, 2025. The winners of the research grants will be announced in January 2026 following a second stage of merit-based part of its sixth cycle, UAEREP offers a grant of up $1.5 million (Dh5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. The grant will be distributed among up to three innovative research projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550, Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), said, "Through the National Centre of Meteorology, the UAE continues to lead global efforts in advancing rain enhancement research, in line with our leadership's vision to address water scarcity and promote climate resilience. "The shortlisting of pre-proposals for the UAEREP's sixth cycle reflects this ongoing commitment by supporting high-potential projects that demonstrate scientific excellence and innovation across the program's core research areas. By advancing pioneering research and fostering international collaboration, NCM is helping develop impactful solutions that reinforce the UAE's position as a global hub for rain enhancement science."Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said, "The shortlisting of pre-proposals in this sixth cycle reflects UAEREP's strategic focus on identifying high-quality scientific research that aligns with the program's evolving research priorities. I extend my sincere appreciation to each member of our esteemed technical review committee for their dedication and expertise in ensuring a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the pre-proposals. "Over the past month, the Committee's discussions emphasised the importance of scientific merit, technical feasibility, and operational scalability in identifying solutions that support international efforts to ensure water security. As we move into the next stage, I look forward to seeing these proposals evolve into impactful projects with real-world applications, further reinforcing the UAE's leadership in addressing water security challenges through scientific research."Earlier, NCM announced that the UAEREP's sixth cycle attracted 140 pre-proposals, marking a 47% increase compared to the Fifth Cycle. These submissions were received from 96 research teams and 44 individual researchers representing 48 countries across five were invited to submit innovative research proposals aligned with the program's five priority research areas, underpinning the program's 10-year roadmap, namely, Optimised Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation and/or Rain Enhancement Systems, Autonomous UAS, Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and who were not shortlisted will be provided with the panel's feedback and review scores as an incentive to submit for future sixth cycle drew proposals from several leading industry, academic and research institutions within the UAE and internationally, including the University of California (Irvine and Los Angeles), Columbia University, Princeton University, Victoria University, ETH Zurich, Stockholm University, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, Politecnico di Milano, Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the American University of Sharjah, and GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics).Proposals were also submitted by prominent government entities, such as the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the Chinese Meteorological Administration's Weather Modification Centre, the South Korean National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).UAEREP's sixth cycle was officially launched at the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), held from January 28-30, 2025. This cycle builds upon the programme's renewed vision that aims to establish UAEREP as the global hub for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of rain enhancement technologies and operations that contribute to global water security.
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAEREP's 6th Cycle submission period programme receives 140 research proposals
17 Apr 2025 15:55 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has announced the conclusion of the submission period for the Sixth Cycle of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP).This cycle has attracted 140 innovative research proposals, marking a 47 percent increase from the Fifth submissions opened on January 28, 2025, coinciding with the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), and closed on March 20, 2025, spanning 52 Sixth Cycle drew proposals from 96 research teams and 44 individual researchers from 48 countries across five continents. Key participants included the UAE with 29 submissions, the United States with 23, India with 22, Nigeria with nine, South Africa and Pakistan with six, Australia, Egypt, Russia, Kenya and Rwanda with five, China and Jordan with submitted research proposals covered the Sixth Cycle's five core research areas, with 49 proposals focusing on optimised seeding materials, 71 on novel cloud formation and rain enhancement systems, 42 on autonomous unmanned aircraft systems, 63 on limited-area climate interventions, and 75 on advanced models, software, and will evaluate these pre-proposals based on their alignment with the programme's core research thrust areas, scientific excellence, potential impact, the expertise of the proposers, and the extent of multidisciplinary applicants will be notified of their initial pre-proposal evaluation results and invited to submit full proposals by May 20, 2025, with final submissions due by August 28, 2025. Following a rigorous two-stage merit review process, the winners of the research grants will be announced in January Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), said, 'With global water security at the forefront of international climate action and sustainability agendas, the strong response to the programme's Sixth Cycle underscores the growing recognition of the UAE's commitment to exploring innovative approaches for addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. By leading a collaborative research approach, we aim to develop impactful solutions that support sustainable water resource management worldwide.'Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said, 'Moving forward, we will identify projects that align with UAEREP's vision and roadmap – projects that introduce ground-breaking ideas, build on past progress and achievements, and move us closer to achieving tangible operational impact in the field of rain enhancement. Our aim is to support research that accelerates technology readiness, fosters new scientific insights, and enhances the effectiveness of rain enhancement strategies to address global water security challenges.'As part of its 6th Cycle, UAEREP offers a grant of up $1.5 million (Dh5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. The grant will be distributed among up to three innovative research projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550, programme's Sixth Cycle attracted participation from several leading universities and research centres within the UAE and worldwide. Key academic institutions submitting proposals included Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the American University of Sharjah, Emirates Aviation University, Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics), the University of California (Irvine and Los Angeles), Columbia University, Princeton University, Victoria University, ETH Zurich, Stockholm University, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, Politecnico of Milan, and York programme also drew proposals from renowned government entities, including the National Centre of Atmospheric Research Centre (NCAR), Weather Modification Centre China Meteorological Administration, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences – South Korea, Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Egyptian Meteorological Authority, Pakistan Meteorological Department, and Kenya Meteorological Department. UAEREP's Sixth Cycle was officially launched during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), held from January 28 to 30, This cycle builds upon the programme's newly defined vision to establish UAEREP as the global hub for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of rain enhancement technologies and operations that contribute to global water security.
TAG 91.1
28-01-2025
- Science
- TAG 91.1
Submissions open for UAE's $1.5 mn grants for rain enhancement projects
The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has officially launched its 6th cycle for submissions of innovative research proposals. The programme is offering grants of up to $1.5 million (around AED 5.5 million), for up to three winning projects. The grant will be spread over three years, with a maximum of $550,000 per year for each project. The announcement was made at a press conference during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) in Abu Dhabi, which runs from January 28-30. UAEREP is inviting research proposals focused on five key areas: Optimized Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation and Rain Enhancement Systems, Autonomous UAS, Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and Data. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology, highlighted the programme's importance in addressing water security challenges and its alignment with the UAE's commitment to climate action. Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, emphasized the programme's goal to advance rain enhancement technology and solutions to improve water security both locally and globally. Proposals are open for submission until March 13, with pre-proposals due by March 20. Full proposals will be requested by May 20 and should be submitted by August 28. The winning projects will be announced in January 2026. This year marks the 10th anniversary of UAEREP, a decade of progress in rain enhancement science. To date, the programme has allocated AED 82.6 million towards the successful completion of 11 innovative research projects, resulting in 8 patents, with 3 more pending registration. The #UAEREP 6th Award Cycle portal is now open! Researchers worldwide are invited to submit proposals for a $1.5 million grant to advance rain enhancement science. Apply now at and contribute to the future of water security. — UAEREP (@UAEREP) January 28, 2025
