The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) recently hosted the 12th session of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, which showcased ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly cloud seeding technologies. The session featured Siripen Somruen, a scientist from Thailand’s Royal Rainmaking Technology Research and Development Division, who presented her pioneering research on natural substance flare packaging for cold cloud seeding. Her work explores sustainable alternatives to conventional silver iodide, focusing on eco-friendly materials with strong ice-forming properties, designed for safe and effective weather modification applications. The ultimate aim is to create greener materials and dispensing methods that reduce environmental impact while enhancing rain enhancement techniques.
Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), emphasised the strategic importance of advancing rain enhancement technologies. He highlighted their potential to diversify water resources and lessen dependency on traditional supplies amid growing pressures on existing water reserves. Dr Al Mandous underlined that innovations in this area are crucial not only for securing long-term water availability but also for promoting environmental sustainability. Hosting this webinar series demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to fostering a global platform for scientific dialogue and research collaboration in the field of rain enhancement.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the vital integration of environmental considerations in cloud seeding development. She described the programme’s dedication to advancing materials that balance both effectiveness and ecological responsibility. Through such knowledge exchange initiatives, UAEREP aims to deepen scientific understanding and support the practical application of advanced cloud seeding technologies that align with sustainability goals.
The broader context of the UAE’s rain enhancement efforts includes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data processing. Machine learning algorithms analyse vast meteorological data sets to identify optimal conditions and timing for cloud seeding, improving the reliability and efficiency of operations. This AI-powered approach not only enhances rain generation but also contributes significantly to sustainable water management strategies amid the UAE’s arid climate challenges.
Moreover, recent scientific advances involve nanotechnology-based materials, which have been shown to increase the production of large water droplets threefold compared to traditional seeding substances. Such innovations, including nanomaterials imbued with titanium dioxide, enhance cloud seeding effectiveness across varying humidity levels and are now being manufactured locally at the NCM’s Emirates Weather Enhancement Factory. These breakthroughs, highlighted by UAEREP, represent tangible progress toward more efficient, environmentally conscious rain enhancement techniques ready for practical deployment.
Further studies presented at the UAEREP Rain Enhancement Hub have focused on optimising cloud seeding strategies tailored to the UAE’s unique climatic conditions. By analysing radar data and outcomes from various seeding methods, researchers aim to fine-tune the timing, location, and quantity of seeding materials. This detailed understanding helps maximise precipitation enhancement and supports the development of best practices for dynamic and static seeding operations, ultimately advancing the UAE’s water security objectives.
All these efforts form part of a larger global movement to enhance rainmaking science, with initiatives such as the International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) facilitating high-level collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industry experts. The forum emphasises the use of hybrid AI-physics models and data science to tackle climate and weather challenges, promoting sustainable water resource management worldwide.
The UAE’s multi-faceted approach—combining innovative scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and international collaboration—reflects a forward-thinking commitment to addressing water scarcity through responsible and effective rain enhancement.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.firemiddleeastmag.com/uaereps-12th-rain-enhancement-hub-webinar-session-discusses-eco-friendly-cloud-seeding-technologies/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278421012/uaerep-12th-rain-enhancement-hub-webinar-session-explores-eco-friendly-cloud-seeding-technologies – The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 12th session of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, focusing on ‘Design and Testing of Natural Substance Flare Packaging for Cold Cloud Seeding.’ The session featured Siripen Somruen, a scientist from Thailand’s Royal Rainmaking Technology Research and Development Division, who presented her research on eco-friendly alternatives to silver iodide for glaciogenic seeding. The goal is to develop sustainable materials and methods for weather modification applications. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emphasized the importance of rain enhancement in diversifying water resources and reducing dependence on traditional supplies. Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, highlighted the critical role of environmental considerations in cloud seeding and the programme’s commitment to advancing effective and environmentally responsible technologies.
- https://www.go-green.ae/national-center-of-meteorology-hosts-webinar-series-titled-rain-enhancement-hub/ – The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE hosted the ‘Rain Enhancement Hub’ webinar series, aiming to build an integrated global research community to tackle rain enhancement topics, especially in drought-prone areas. Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, emphasized the series’ role in enabling global experts to share knowledge and engage with the community on the significance of rain enhancement research. The first session featured Dr. Deon Terblanche, a Weather and Climate Consultant at the World Bank, discussing the history of hygroscopic flare seeding for rain enhancement, and Sufian Farrah, a meteorologist and cloud seeding expert at NCM, highlighting the UAE’s achievements in rain enhancement through NCM’s efforts.
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-how-ai-powered-cloud-seeding-boosts-rainfall-water-security-1.500022881 – In the UAE, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithm-based data processing, and other advanced technologies is enhancing the efficiency of rain enhancement operations, including cloud seeding, to ensure water security. Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), highlighted that machine learning algorithms can analyse vast volumes of meteorological data to detect patterns, predict weather conditions, and identify optimal opportunities for cloud seeding. This integration of AI with modern forecasting technologies has made rain enhancement operations more reliable and efficient, contributing to sustainable water resource management.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352055841_UAEREP_Rain_Enhancement_Hub_webinar_Effect_of_Cloud_Seeding_over_the_Untied_Arab_Emirates_Progress_Report – A progress report presented at the UAEREP Rain Enhancement Hub webinar evaluated the impact of cloud seeding on precipitation enhancement in the UAE. The study focused on various seeding methods, including dynamic, static, and merging cases, and analysed radar-derived rainfall characteristics. The findings aimed to optimise cloud seeding operations by determining the correct timing, location, and amount of seeding material, as well as the best merging strategies to enhance precipitation. The research utilised data from multiple cloud seeding events to assess the effectiveness of different seeding techniques in the UAE’s unique climatic conditions.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/weather/uae-can-get-up-to-25-more-rain-with-new-technologies-says-expert – The UAE is advancing its cloud seeding operations by incorporating nanotechnology-based materials, leading to a 300% increase in large water droplets compared to conventional seeding techniques. These materials, exclusively manufactured at the National Centre of Meteorology’s Emirates Weather Enhancement Factory, are more efficient in both operations and material usage. Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), highlighted that the new nanomaterial, containing a 10% concentration of titanium dioxide, enhances effectiveness across different humidity levels. This innovation is a tangible outcome of UAEREP’s efforts, now ready for practical application, significantly improving the effectiveness of cloud-seeding operations.
- https://iref.ae/ – The International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) is a global platform dedicated to advancing the science and technology of rain enhancement. The forum hosts high-level and technical discussions on various topics related to weather modification and water security. The agenda includes sessions on hybrid AI-physics-based models, data science for climate and weather research, and the role of artificial intelligence in weather modification. IREF aims to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to address pressing water security challenges and promote sustainable water management practices.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the event occurring on 3 July 2025. No earlier publications of this specific content were found. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. No recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was observed. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material does not affect the freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from Dr Abdulla Al Mandous and Alya Al Mazroui are unique to this report, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release by the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), a reputable organisation. However, the press release is hosted on a website with limited information about its editorial standards, which slightly reduces the reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about eco-friendly cloud seeding technologies and the involvement of Siripen Somruen align with known research initiatives in the UAE. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which slightly reduces the score. The language and tone are consistent with official communications from UAEREP. No excessive or off-topic details were noted.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, with no recycled content or discrepancies identified. The quotes appear original, and the source is from a reputable organisation, though the hosting website’s editorial standards are unclear. The claims are plausible and consistent with known research initiatives, despite lacking supporting detail from other reputable outlets. The language and tone are appropriate, with no excessive or off-topic details.
