UAEREP's Strategic Participation at the AMS 2026 Annual Meeting
The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), an initiative under the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs and managed by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), made a notable impact at the 106th American Meteorological Society (AMS) Annual Meeting held in Houston, Texas, from January 25 to 29, 2026. This premier gathering united top scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge developments in atmospheric and hydrologic sciences. UAEREP's delegation engaged in high-level stakeholder meetings, university visits, and showcased groundbreaking research from its awardees.
Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP and the Research and Weather Enhancement Department at NCM, emphasized the event's value: "UAEREP's engagement at the AMS 2026 Annual Meeting offered an important opportunity to highlight the outcomes of UAEREP-supported projects and to interact with the global scientific community on our future initiatives." The program leveraged the conference to discuss its seventh award cycle and the upcoming eighth International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF).
Highlighting Awardees from Cycles 3 to 5: Key Presentations and Findings
Awardees from UAEREP's third, fourth, and fifth funding cycles delivered compelling presentations across multiple sessions, focusing on cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions, and precipitation enhancement techniques. Dr. Lulin Xue from the third cycle, affiliated with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), presented on AI and machine learning-based regional downscaling models, enhancing precipitation forecasting accuracy in arid regions.
Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (cycle 5) explored how aerosols and cloud-top relative humidity influence cloud liquid water paths, providing actionable insights for identifying seedable clouds. Meanwhile, Prof. Will Cantrell from Michigan Technological University shared laboratory and modeling studies on cloud susceptibility to hygroscopic seeding, a method using salt particles to promote droplet coalescence. These contributions underscore UAEREP's role in advancing global rain enhancement science, with over 2,150 citations from funded projects to date.
Other team members, like EunYeol Kim from the fourth cycle, also participated, broadening the program's visibility. For more on UAEREP's projects, visit the official UAEREP website.
Understanding Rain Enhancement Science: Processes and Techniques
Rain enhancement, often through cloud seeding, involves introducing substances into clouds to stimulate precipitation. In glaciogenic seeding, silver iodide mimics ice nuclei, promoting ice crystal formation in supercooled clouds—a process effective at temperatures below -5°C. Hygroscopic seeding, conversely, uses salts like potassium chloride to attract moisture and grow droplets via collision-coalescence, ideal for warmer convective clouds prevalent in the UAE.
The step-by-step process begins with radar identification of suitable clouds, followed by aircraft or drone deployment of seeding agents. Ground generators provide an alternative for broader coverage. UAEREP's thrust areas include nanotechnology for better condensation nuclei, AI for targeting, and laser-induced plasma channels for rain triggering. These innovations address challenges like precise evaluation of seeding efficacy amid natural variability.
UAE's Pioneering Efforts in Cloud Seeding and Water Security
Facing annual rainfall of about 100 mm, the UAE ranks among water-stressed nations, relying heavily on desalination. Since the 1990s, NCM has conducted over 100 cloud seeding operations yearly, with historical data showing 15-23% rainfall increases over target areas. In 2025, 185 missions were executed by mid-year, contributing to agriculture, groundwater recharge, and urban water supplies.
UAEREP, launched in 2016, has invested millions in 30+ projects across six cycles, fostering collaborations with 45 institutes in nine countries and involving 720 researchers. Achievements include patents and 113 conference proceedings, positioning the UAE as a global leader.
Photo by Arpan Goyal on Unsplash
The 6th Cycle Awards: AI, Nanotechnology, and Land Modification Innovations
In January 2026, UAEREP announced three $1.5 million grants for its sixth cycle. Dr. Dixon Michael (Echo Science Works, USA) will advance radar-based seeding evaluation using dual-polarization signatures and AI. Prof. Linda Zou (Victoria University, Australia) focuses on AI-optimized glaciogenic materials via nanocomposite ice nucleants tested in a Portable Ice Nucleation Experiment (PINE). Dr. Oliver Branch (University of Hohenheim, Germany) investigates land cover and topography changes to trigger convection under the RAINLAND project.
- Enhances storm tracking beyond reflectivity for precise impact assessment.
- Deploys advanced cloud chambers at NCM for real-world validation.
- Combines theory, observations, and simulations for optimal land designs.
These projects exemplify UAEREP's forward-thinking approach. Learn about similar opportunities in higher education research jobs.
Fostering Global University Partnerships
UAEREP's AMS visit included tours to Texas A&M University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences and discussions with Prof. Youtong Zheng at the University of Houston on cloud physics modeling. Meetings with Dr. Greg McFarquhar (University of Oklahoma) and Dr. Ehsan Erfani (Desert Research Institute) explored microphysics for arid forecasting.
Funded PIs hail from leading institutions like Hebrew University, Michigan Tech, and NCAR, highlighting academic mobility. UAE universities, including Khalifa University, contribute through NCM ties, offering platforms for joint PhDs and postdocs. Aspiring researchers can find roles via postdoc positions or academic CV tips.
| Institution | Researcher | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Hebrew University | Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld | Cloud seedability |
| Michigan Tech | Prof. Will Cantrell | Hygroscopic seeding |
| NCAR | Dr. Lulin Xue | AI downscaling |
Challenges, Impacts, and Measurable Outcomes
While successes abound, challenges include quantifying seeding effects amid weather variability and environmental concerns. UAEREP addresses these via rigorous stats and modeling. Impacts extend to agriculture—boosting yields in Al Ain—and sustainability, reducing desalination reliance.
- Over 2,150 peer-reviewed citations amplifying global knowledge.
- 14 excellence awards to top performers.
- Pioneering patents in nano-seeding and UAS targeting.
Stakeholders praise the balanced approach. For career advice, check postdoc success strategies.
Future Outlook: Next Cycles and Global Forums
With cycle 7 on the horizon and IREF 2026 approaching, UAEREP eyes hybrid ML, drone swarms, and climate-resilient techniques. These align with UAE's Vision 2031 for water security, potentially increasing rainfall 30% via integrated methods.
Researchers eyeing UAE opportunities should explore UAE academic jobs and scholarships. The program's model inspires arid nations worldwide.
Visit the AMS 2026 site for session archives.
Photo by Mahmood Al Daoud on Unsplash
Career Pathways in Rain Enhancement Research
For higher education professionals, UAEREP exemplifies lucrative funding—up to $1.5M per project—drawing top talent. Roles span faculty, postdocs, and research assistants in meteorology, needing skills in radar analysis, numerical modeling (WRF), and data science.
Browse higher ed jobs, research positions, or professor openings in UAE. Platforms like Rate My Professor offer insights into mentors. With climate urgency, demand surges for experts.
In conclusion, UAEREP's AMS showcase cements UAE's leadership, inviting academics to contribute. Stay informed via higher ed career advice.