The UAEREP has finalized its 6th Cycle Solicitation Document.

The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) recently organized a gathering of leading scientists, experts, and stakeholders to discuss key research areas and create plans for its 6th Cycle. This cycle will award grants to up to three winning research proposals, with each recipient receiving US$1.5 million distributed over three years. Submissions for the next cycle will open to researchers globally at the beginning of next year.

During the workshop, the Programme's strategic priorities were discussed, including opportunities for partnerships with local universities and research institutions in the UAE, as well as engagement with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other international entities. The workshop also highlighted criteria for technology readiness level (TRL) progression, involvement of the UAE research community, and priority areas for future proposals.

Alya Al Mazroui, UAEREP Director, emphasized the Programme's commitment to international cooperation within the rain enhancement research community and strengthening ties with the scientific community specializing in weather modification and rain enhancement. The workshop focused on five key areas: optimized seeding materials, rain enhancement systems, autonomous unmanned systems (UAS), limited-area climate intervention, and advanced models, software, and data.

The discussions covered critical areas of interest for rainfall enhancement applications, including UAS communication systems and protocols, high reward/high-risk technologies and systems, cloud seeding materials, cloud chamber simulation software, and Big Data analytics for weather forecasting. The workshop concluded with a successful foundation for the 6th grant cycle solicitation.

Participants, including experts from World Meteorological Organization (WMO), US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, North-West University, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), focused on developing a roadmap for future research calls to enhance water security in the region.