International Rain Enhancement Forum Successfully Wraps Up Its Seventh Edition With Key Discussions On Water Security

The seventh edition of the International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) concluded successfully at Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers. Organised by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) through the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), the event featured panel discussions and presentations on five strategic pillars: Collaboration, Innovation, Capacity Building, Artificial Intelligence, and Applied Research.

Over three days, more than 600 scientists, researchers, and specialists in weather modification and rain enhancement science attended. The forum also included over 50 prominent speakers from around the world. These experts discussed topics such as Artificial Intelligence for weather modification, innovations in Autonomous Aerial Systems, and advancements in Cloud Seeding Materials.

A significant aspect of the event was UAEREP’s 10th anniversary celebration. It marked this milestone by launching its sixth cycle for innovative research proposals. The programme offers a grant of up to US$1.5 million (AED 5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. This grant will be distributed among up to three projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of US$550K.

During the forum, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured several distinguished local and international figures and institutions. These individuals have significantly contributed to the programme's establishment and leadership over the past decade.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stated: "We are proud of our wise leadership's continued support for the water security agenda as well as the growing role of IREF as a key platform for international experts and researchers to advance discussions on water security and weather modification." He emphasised that UAE’s efforts unite scientific communities to find solutions for global water resource security.

Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, commented: "The 7th IREF and its expert-led sessions reaffirm UAEREP’s dedication to advancing scientific research and enriching global dialogue on water security and climate resilience." She noted that discussions during the forum would contribute significantly to rain enhancement science progress.

Future Prospects

The forum highlighted youth engagement as an essential element in fostering new ideas within rain enhancement science. Participants were encouraged to submit proposals for UAEREP's sixth cycle while ensuring research outcomes transition into practical solutions supporting communities facing water scarcity worldwide.

The event underscored UAE’s commitment to pioneering technologies for sustainable resource management. By bringing together global experts, it aims to address challenges related to water scarcity through innovative approaches.

With inputs from WAM