UAE’s rainmakers head to the far East

ABU DHABI // The UAE’s efforts to solve the problem of water scarcity will soon stretch as far as the Pacific Ocean when a local delegation travels to the Far East later this month.

With the objective of exchanging research and innovations with other meteorological organisations, representatives from the UAE’s Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science will be making stops in Thailand and Japan from October 19-30.

“Our initiative is geared to help to advance scientific and technical research in the field of rain enhancement in the UAE and other arid and semi-arid areas around the world,” said Omar Al Yazeedi, Director of Research and Development at the National Centre of Meteorological and Science.

The Emirate’s need for consistent rain inspired the Ministry of Presidential affairs to launch a US$5 million (Dh18.4m) competition for up to five projects that can stimulate rainfall.

More than 300 scientists and researches from 151 organisations in 34 countries are competing for the grant money to date according to the NCMS.

“We are confident that the award winners will successfully develop strong research projects and forge collaborative synergies with all scientific partners and concerned organisations engaged in this field,” said Al Yazeedi.

As well as sharing details of its own programmes the delegation hopes to benefit from Thailand’s experience in boosting rainfall in agricultural areas as well as Japanese scientists’ knowledge of weather forecasting and cloud seeding in hot and cold climates.

Earlier this year a high-ranking UN official said the UAE is regarded as one of the driest countries in the world with its total water consumption exceeding 24 times the natural recharge capacity.

Groundwater resources and desalinated water are the primary sources of potable water in the UAE.