UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science to Announce Sixth Cycle Grant Awardees

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), managed by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), is set to announce three new awardees under its Sixth Cycle grants during a press conference scheduled for 21 January 2026 at the NCM headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The selected research projects align with UAEREP’s key priority areas, which underpin the programme’s 10-year strategic roadmap. These include Optimized Seeding Materials, Autonomous Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and Data—all critical to advancing next-generation rain enhancement technologies.

During the announcement event, each awardee will present an overview of their winning proposal, detailing the scientific methodology, anticipated outcomes, and the broader implications for global water security and climate resilience.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, highlighted the programme’s global significance. He noted that the strong international interest in the Sixth Cycle reflects the growing importance of scientific innovation in addressing water scarcity and climate challenges. By supporting advanced research, the UAE continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainable water resources and global climate adaptation efforts.

Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP and Director of the Research and Weather Enhancement Department at NCM, said the newly selected projects demonstrate the programme’s focus on innovation and scientific excellence. She emphasised that each awardee brings unique expertise and forward-looking approaches that will help expand the frontiers of weather modification science while strengthening research capacity in this critical field.

The winning proposals address some of the most pressing challenges in rain enhancement research. Work on optimized seeding materials aims to develop advanced cloud seeding substances and more efficient delivery techniques. Limited-area climate interventions will explore localized strategies, including the use of regional atmospheric conditions to enhance cloud formation and precipitation. Meanwhile, advanced models, software, and data initiatives will focus on developing high-precision forecasting tools and decision-support systems, leveraging data assimilation and machine learning to improve operational efficiency.

Each awardee will receive funding of up to US$1.5 million (AED 5.51 million) over a three-year period, with a maximum annual allocation of US$550,000, reinforcing UAEREP’s role as a global catalyst for innovation in rain enhancement science.