UAE Cloud-Seeding Efforts with AI to Boost Rainfall and Combat Water Scarcity

In 2024, there is an increase in UAE cloud seeding missions across the country, using advanced technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this regard, the nation is trying to overcome water shortage and improve rainfall through advanced technology. Recently, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Abu Dhabi, highlighted how AI is now being utilized for optimizing cloud seeding operations in order to enhance accuracy and efficiency in efforts related to rainfall enhancement.

Over time, the UAE has made massive investments in cloud seeding technologies and is now reaping at least a minimum rise of 15% every year in rainfall. Now, AI is assisting meteorologists to take minute-by-minute decisions and provides valuable insight into how these clouds work and what could be the best times or where seeding is to be applied. As per NCM’s Deputy Director General Omar Al Yazeedi, it is possible to use Artificial Intelligence for weather forecasters to determine the precise locations within clouds where seeds would thrive best and hence enjoy much higher success rates for their operations.

Also part of the strategy are AI-enhanced drones and aircraft equipped with sensors, which can deliver seeding materials into clouds with precision. These innovations allow for more targeted interventions, maximizing the impact of each mission. “AI helps identify which are the best locations to perform cloud-seeding operations,” Al Yazeedi explained.

The UAE’s cloud seeding program has added much value to the country’s supply of water. The water produced annually through this is between 84 to 419 million cubic meters. The country has had a wider strategy in its quest for solving water scarcity, whereby the cloud-seeding operations cost around Dh29,000 ($8,000) per flight hour.

These developments in weather modification, such as AI, drones, and nanotechnology, are also attracting the attention of other countries with similar water problems. Officials are also now considering pilotless cloud-seeding missions, although experts say that more research is needed to be able to mimic the decision-making of human pilots, and the program is about to enter its tenth year.

The country continues towards greater water security and sustainability by using AI, positioning the UAE as a leader in innovative solutions for climate and environmental challenges.