7th International Rain Enhancement Forum Set To Begin On January 28 In Abu Dhabi

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) is set to host the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) from 28th to 30th January 2025 at Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers. This event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The forum aims to advance discussions on water security and weather modification.

The forum will gather over 50 prominent speakers, including global experts, policymakers, and researchers. A significant focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for weather enhancement. This event serves as a global platform for scientific discussions, fostering collaboration and innovation in rain enhancement science.

Coinciding with the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science's (UAEREP) 10th anniversary, the forum highlights its decade-long commitment to advancing rain enhancement science. The programme has invested AED82.6 million in 14 innovative research projects, resulting in eight patents with three more pending registration.

The UAEREP will officially launch its sixth award cycle during the forum, focusing on five research areas: Optimised Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation Systems, Autonomous UAS, Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models. Researchers worldwide are invited to submit pre-proposals from 28th January until 20th March 2025.

A special ceremony will honour local and international figures who have contributed to the programme's success over the past decade. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous stated that leadership support has been crucial in enhancing UAEREP's research outcomes. "The continuous support of our leadership for the NCM has been instrumental in enhancing the UAEREP's research outcomes," he said.

Alya Al Mazrouei noted that IREF represents a landmark event in global dialogue on water sustainability and weather enhancement. "The 7th edition of IREF represents a landmark event in the global dialogue on water sustainability and weather enhancement," she stated.

Engaging Sessions and Opportunities

IREF sessions will cover topics like regional perspectives on water security, advancements in hybrid AI-physics-based models for climate research, and innovations in autonomous unmanned aerial systems for weather modification. Discussions will also explore novel cloud-seeding materials and new approaches to rainfall enhancement.

Students and early-career scientists can present their research through a dedicated poster session. This opportunity allows them to engage with experts and contribute to ongoing discussions about sustainable water solutions.

The forum underscores UAEREP's dedication to advancing rain enhancement science as a sustainable solution to water scarcity challenges globally. It continues to play a crucial role in advancing scientific understanding and technological innovations for a sustainable water future.

With inputs from WAM