UAE Pushes Boundaries of Rain Enhancement with Cloud Seeding Research

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has conducted a midterm site review of a Cycle 5 project at Michigan Technological University (MTU).

Led by Professor Will Cantrell, the research focuses on understanding when and how hygroscopic seeding or electrical modification can trigger changes in cloud structures that lead to increased rainfall.

The Strategic Directions Committee (SDC) visited MTU to assess progress and ensure alignment with UAEREP’s three-year project cycle. The review reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge solutions for water security through science-driven innovation.

Support and Oversight from the UAE

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) provides awardees with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including weather monitoring systems, cloud seeding aircraft, and high-performance computing.

This support ensures projects are not only technically robust but also capable of delivering measurable operational outcomes.

H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, NCM’s Director General and WMO President, emphasized that close collaboration with global research teams ensures solutions remain practical and impactful for real-world water scarcity challenges.

Scientific Breakthroughs at the Pi Chamber

At MTU, the research team has completed intensive cloud chamber experiments using advanced materials.

A highlight is the testing of NaCl-TiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles (CSNT), which proved to be highly efficient—transforming droplets into larger rain-forming particles while using five times less mass than conventional salt.

The team also deployed a new Cloud Droplet Measurement System (CDMS-2), developed with Mesa Photonics, improving the accuracy of droplet growth measurements.

Additionally, a “Digital Twin” of the cloud chamber has been released on GitHub, bridging laboratory experiments with real-world cloud seeding applications.

Building Capacity and Collaboration

The project exemplifies strong industry-academic partnerships, involving Michigan Tech, the University of Utah, Weather Modification International, and Mesa Photonics.

Beyond research, it offers internship opportunities for UAE students, equipping the next generation with practical skills in atmospheric science and rain enhancement.

Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, highlighted the project’s innovative methodology and interdisciplinary collaboration as vital steps toward advancing operational rain enhancement worldwide.