Abu Dhabi-UAE: 18 January, 2016:  The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science hosted its first ever International Research Progress Workshop on Rain Enhancement on 18 and 19 January at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. 

The two-day International Workshop, which was attended by leading scientists from renowned global and local institutions, presented an overview of the newly awarded research projects from the Second Cycle of the Program, showcased updates on the First Cycle awardees’ research projects, and provided a forum for discussion of the innovative technologies needed to tackle water security challenges globally.

The Workshop started with opening remarks from Dr. Abdullah Al Mandoos, Director of the National Center for Meteorology and Seismology, delivered by Omar Al Yazeedi, Director of Research, Development and Training. Alya Al Mazroui, Program Manager of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science also offered a keynote speech. 

During the opening remarks, Omar Al Yazeedi said: “The National Center of Meteorology and Seismology is proud to host this first of its kind workshop, a debut for the global rain enhancement community. As global water supplies become a crisis point of the future, it is imperative that we accelerate our efforts to explore the possibility of boosting fresh water supplies through Rain Enhancement science. With this in mind, the UAE government is seeking to encourage scientific cooperation to push the frontiers of research, development and innovation in order to ensure water security for arid regions around the world.”

Topics discussed during the two-day Workshop included: using nanotechnology to develop novel cloud seeding materials for rain enhancement; advanced approaches towards scientific rain enhancement research in arid and semi-arid regions; and convection initiation as a missing link to a better understanding of clouds and precipitation in desert regions. The Workshop also held a series of panel discussions around the prospects for the First Cycle awardees’ projects, along with insights into the UAE Research Program’s Second Cycle awardees and their new projects.

Commenting on the Workshop, Alya Al Mazroui said: “Our Workshop, which we intend to run as a recurring annual event, is structured to aid productive discussions between our awardees and the many leading scientists in attendance today. Through this workshop, the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science is seeking to both advance knowledge in the field and serve the wider aims of the UAE’s Innovation Strategy, which seeks to position the country as an internationally recognized hub of scientific and technological excellence in rain enhancement.”

Dr. Deon Terblanche, Director of Atmospheric Research and Environment at World Meteorological Organization added: “I am honored to be participating and leading discussions in this international workshop dedicated to rain enhancement science. The research projects by the First and Second Cycle Awardees are exceptionally promising and I am confident the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science will continue to select awardees with breakthrough solutions.” 

The Workshop was held a day after the exclusive UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science Second Cycle Awards Ceremony that honored research groups from USA, Finland and UK who were awarded the US$5 million grant for their innovative research proposals on rain enhancement.  The three scientists leading the research teams that will share this cycle’s grant of US$5 million are, Giles Harrison, Professor of Atmospheric Physics, University of Reading, Hannele Korhonen, Head of Research, Finnish Meteorological Institute and Dr Paul Lawson, SPEC Inc. (USA). 

Registrations are currently open for the 2017 cycle at http://www.uaerep.ae. Potential applicants are invited to participate in the grant program by submitting a letter of intent no later than February 16, 2017. Pre-proposals must be submitted by March 16, and full proposals on or before August 17, 2017.