UAE's Rain Boosting Cloud Seeding in July

UAE Cloud Seeding Program: 39 Missions Increased Rainfall in July

The United Arab Emirates has conducted 185 cloud seeding operations so far in 2025, with 39 carried out in July, according to data from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The goal is to increase rainfall by 10-25% through the application of advanced technologies such as hygroscopic flares, nanoparticles, and electrical charge emitters.

Weather Impacts and Observations

In recent weeks, moderate to heavy rainfall has affected several regions of the country, accompanied by sandstorms, dust clouds, and significant temperature decreases around Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Experts state that the formation of convective clouds determines when interventions occur, while rainfall is deemed unlikely in the coming days.

Annual Capacity and Costs

The country conducts more than 900 hours of cloud seeding flights annually, with costs amounting to approximately 29,000 dirhams per flight hour. The program's infrastructure includes 12 specially trained pilots, four dedicated aircraft, a network of weather radars, and automated monitoring stations.

Technological Developments

Artificial intelligence-driven forecasting, machine learning-based pattern recognition, and real-time monitoring have significantly improved the targeting accuracy and timing of operations. These advancements enhance the effectiveness of interventions, reducing unnecessary flight hours.

Mission Operations

A typical mission can take up to three hours, during which pilots fly to designated clouds within the country's borders. Circling near the base of cumulus clouds, salt-based particles are released into the atmosphere from flares, promoting the clouds' electrical conductivity and precipitation formation.

Impact on Water Resources

Research suggests cloud seeding could yield an additional 168–838 million cubic meters of rainfall annually, with 84–419 million cubic meters usable as a water resource. This constitutes a significant portion of the country's total yearly rainfall. Long-term, cloud seeding might increase precipitation by 15–25% under suitable weather conditions, which is crucial for water security in arid climates.

International Significance

The cloud seeding program is one of the world's most advanced initiatives, gaining global attention for its applicability in countries facing water scarcity. Ongoing research, development, and innovation strengthen the nation's water management strategy.

(The article source is National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) statement.)