UAE to Welcome More Cloud-Seeding Flights

The UAE has nearly doubled its annual number of cloud-seeding flights in the past six years. During the opening day of the International Rain Enhancement Forum in Abu Dhabi, Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on Tuesday said the country needs to welcome more rain.

Large parts of the country expect heavy downpours on Wednesday and Thursday, however, inducing more rainfall remains necessary. 

“While the immediate aim of rain enhancement is to increase rainfall, recharge groundwater, and enhanced freshwater supply, let us not forget the broader and far-reaching impacts of rain on water and food security as well as tourism and weather moderation,” said Ms. Al Mheiri.

“This is the underlying reason for rain enhancement to be one of the seven pillars of the UAE innovation strategy regarding research, continuous innovation, and the complex science of weather modification.

The UAE conducted 311 cloud-seeding missions in 2022, clocking up close to 1,000 flying hours compared to 177 flights back in 2016.