Dubai's Futuristic Radar Captures Insects and More

How Do They View Storms from Inside? Dubai's New Radar Shows Not Only Rain, but Hail, Snow, and Even Insects

In the United Arab Emirates, rain is not just a natural phenomenon but a strategically important resource. In a country where the annual rainfall is low, every single drop counts. It's no wonder that in recent years the UAE has invested intensely in cloud seeding technologies. But the story goes much deeper: researchers now want to know not only if rain can be generated but if it was actually successful.

Not Just Cloud Seeding – But Understanding

Cloud seeding, or artificial rain generation, is a long-practiced method in different parts of the world. Its essence is to sprinkle stormy or moisture-laden clouds with substances like silver iodide, which help water droplets condense, thereby inducing rain.

The UAE, however, isn't satisfied with operating on a "let's hope it works" basis. The goal is to know precisely when, where, what type of particles are in the clouds—and whether the intervention truly led to results. Therefore, they've introduced a particularly advanced tool: the dual-polarization radar.

What Is Inside a Storm Cloud?

Traditional radars only show the size of the storm and the return signal strength produced by water or ice particles in the cloud. The dual-polarization radar, on the other hand, can distinguish not only the size but also the shape and composition. This makes it possible to differentiate between raindrops, ice chunks, snowflakes, and even insects.

The technology is thus radically transforming how we interpret storms. A storm is no longer just a green-orange-red spot on the screen but a dynamically changing, data-rich map that provides an accurate depiction of the current state of the atmosphere.

AI Behind the Clouds

The involvement of artificial intelligence has opened a new dimension in observation and evaluation. One of the greatest challenges of cloud seeding is to prove that the procedure indeed caused the rain and not natural processes alone. Previously, this was studied through randomized experiments: some storms were treated, others were not, and then the results were compared. Nowadays, cloud seeding is a routine in the country, leaving no option to "not treat" a storm.

That's why artificial intelligence is needed. AI can analyze vast sets of data—radar data, meteorological forecasts, flight routes, and precipitation amounts—and search for statistical patterns. For instance: did the precipitation amount increase after the intervention? Did the storm last longer? Was there more hail?

AI helps in three main areas:

Correcting forecast inaccuracies,

Determining when storms are most "susceptible" to seeding,

And analyzing whether the intervention actually brought about precipitation.

Reinterpreting the LROSE/TITAN System

As part of the project, the UAE has further developed the internationally known LROSE/TITAN storm tracking system, optimizing it for local conditions. It's a kind of "modern dashboard" where aircraft data, radar measurements, cloud movements, and meteorological predictions can be tracked in real-time. All this is concentrated on a single digital interface, allowing specialists to decide in seconds when, where, and how to deploy aircraft.

This system is not merely a foreign technology transfer but also enhances the UAE's own meteorological expertise. The project includes training a new generation of specialists who will be able to operate the system long-term.

The Goal: Every Drop Counts

Water security is a key strategic issue for the UAE. Inducing artificial rain is a significant technical achievement, but it only becomes a true success story if we can measure its operational effectiveness. Therefore, the combination of radar and AI is crucial, as it can objectively determine what impact the intervention had on precipitation formation.

The country has built not only one of the world's most advanced cloud seeding infrastructures but also a new mentality: a science-based, data-driven approach to managing natural resources.

Hail, Snow – or Insects?

Remarkably, the system is so detailed that it can identify not only precipitation types but also insect clouds that sometimes disrupt the radar signal. Filtering these is crucial since false data could mislead entire flight operations.

Modern meteorology isn't just about forecasting but about real-time decision-making, precision intervention, and efficiency measurement. The UAE is leading in this field, building a system that not only brings rain but can also prove that the rain is indeed due to the intervention.

Future storm clouds will not only bring thunderstorms but data as well. In this data-driven future, every drop counts—literally.

(Based on the UAE Rain Enhancement Programme's statement.)