In a significant stride towards addressing global water security challenges, the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) is set to unveil the awardees of its fifth cycle, with grants of up to $1.5 million each.
The announcement is scheduled for January 23 at the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of cutting-edge solutions to enhance water sustainability.
Launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, UAEREP has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the field of rain enhancement science.
The program’s commitment to water security is underscored by its provision of substantial grants over three years to winning research proposals.
The grants fuel theoretical research and play a crucial role in facilitating the practical implementation of projects.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which oversees UAEREP, winning projects are expected to commence implementation within two months after the official announcement of awardees.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) emphasized the collaborative nature of UAEREP, stating that it “provides an additional opportunity for local, regional, and international experts and research institutions to collaborate and contribute to the pursuit of water sustainability through cutting-edge scientific research and advanced technologies.”
For the fifth cycle, a total of eight proposals were shortlisted from a pool of 64 researchers, scientists, and experts affiliated with 35 institutions across 10 countries, including the UAE.
The selection process involved rigorous evaluation by experts specializing in weather modification applications, hydro-meteorology, weather and climate modelling, cloud physics, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, highlighted the crucial role of innovation in developing highly effective technologies and practical solutions essential for ensuring water security in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.
She expressed confidence that the newly selected projects would build upon the program’s legacy, introducing novel innovations to advance the field of rain enhancement science research.
Water stress and scarcity remain pressing global concerns, affecting around 2.4 billion people in water-stressed countries, with 733 million residing in critically water-stressed nations, according to the United Nations.
Conflicts and the impacts of climate change further exacerbate these challenges. UAEREP’s commitment to supporting diverse, innovative technologies reflects its dedication to tackling these challenges head-on.
By fostering collaboration and providing funding for groundbreaking research, the program aims to contribute significantly to developing solutions beyond traditional approaches.
The upcoming announcement of the fifth cycle awardees is not just a celebration of scientific achievement; it signifies a continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of rain enhancement science.
The chosen projects are expected to offer practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions, contributing to the broader global effort to secure water resources in the face of a changing climate.
As the world grapples with the intricate interplay of climate, water resources, and technological innovation, the UAEREP grants stand as a testament to the UAE’s leadership in fostering impactful solutions and collaborations that transcend borders.
The journey towards water security is a collective endeavour, and UAEREP, with its visionary approach, is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members