Latest news with #IREF
Mid East Info
17-04-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
National Center of Meteorology Announces Conclusion of UAEREP's 6th Cycle Submission Period - Middle East Business News and Information
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has announced the conclusion of the submission period for the Sixth Cycle of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). This cycle has attracted 140 innovative research proposals, marking a 47% increase from the Fifth Cycle. Pre-proposal submissions opened on 28 January 2025, coinciding with the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), and closed on 20 March 2025, spanning 52 days. The Sixth Cycle drew proposals from 96 research teams and 44 individual researchers from 48 countries across five continents. Key participants included the UAE with 29 submissions, the United States with 23, India with 22, Nigeria with 9, South Africa and Pakistan with 6, Australia, Egypt, Russia, Kenya and Rwanda with 5, China and Jordan with 4. The submitted research proposals covered the Sixth Cycle's five core research areas, with 49 proposals focusing on optimized seeding materials, 71 on novel cloud formation and rain enhancement systems, 42 on autonomous unmanned aircraft systems, 63 on limited-area climate interventions, and 75 on advanced models, software, and data. UAEREP will evaluate these pre-proposals based on their alignment with the program's core research thrust areas, scientific excellence, potential impact, the expertise of the proposers, and the extent of multidisciplinary collaboration. Successful applicants will be notified of their initial pre-proposal evaluation results and invited to submit full proposals by 20 May 2025, with final submissions due by 28 August 2025. Following a rigorous two-stage merit review process, the winners of the research grants will be announced in January 2026. His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said: 'UAEREP continues to play a pioneering role in advancing the science and technology of rain enhancement, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in this vital field. With global water security at the forefront of international climate action and sustainability agendas, the strong response to the program's Sixth Cycle underscores the growing recognition of the UAE's commitment to exploring innovative approaches for addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. By leading a collaborative research approach, we aim to develop impactful solutions that support sustainable water resource management worldwide.' Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said: 'As we conclude the 6th Cycle submission period, we extend our sincere appreciation to all participants who have contributed their innovative ideas and pioneering research proposals. Moving forward, we will identify projects that align with UAEREP's vision and roadmap – projects that introduce ground-breaking ideas, build on past progress and achievements, and move us closer to achieving tangible operational impact in the field of rain enhancement. Our aim is to support research that accelerates technology readiness, fosters new scientific insights, and enhances the effectiveness of rain enhancement strategies to address global water security challenges.' As part of its 6th Cycle, UAEREP offers a grant of up US$1.5 million (AED5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. The grant will be distributed among up to three innovative research projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550,000. The program's Sixth Cycle attracted participation from several leading universities and research centers within the UAE and worldwide. Key academic institutions submitting proposals included Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the American University of Sharjah, Emirates Aviation University, Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics), the University of California (Irvine and Los Angeles), Columbia University, Princeton University, Victoria University, ETH Zurich, Stockholm University, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, Politecnico of Milan, and York University. The program also drew proposals from renowned government entities including the National Center of Atmospheric Research Center (NCAR), Weather Modification Centre China Meteorological Administration, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences – South Korea, Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Egyptian Meteorological Authority, Pakistan Meteorological Department, and Kenya Meteorological Department. UAEREP's Sixth Cycle was officially launched during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), held from January 28 to 30, 2025. This cycle builds upon the program's newly defined vision that aims to establish UAEREP as the global hub for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of rain enhancement technologies and operations that contribute to global water security.
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAEREP's 6th Cycle submission period programme receives 140 research proposals
17 Apr 2025 15:55 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has announced the conclusion of the submission period for the Sixth Cycle of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP).This cycle has attracted 140 innovative research proposals, marking a 47 percent increase from the Fifth submissions opened on January 28, 2025, coinciding with the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), and closed on March 20, 2025, spanning 52 Sixth Cycle drew proposals from 96 research teams and 44 individual researchers from 48 countries across five continents. Key participants included the UAE with 29 submissions, the United States with 23, India with 22, Nigeria with nine, South Africa and Pakistan with six, Australia, Egypt, Russia, Kenya and Rwanda with five, China and Jordan with submitted research proposals covered the Sixth Cycle's five core research areas, with 49 proposals focusing on optimised seeding materials, 71 on novel cloud formation and rain enhancement systems, 42 on autonomous unmanned aircraft systems, 63 on limited-area climate interventions, and 75 on advanced models, software, and will evaluate these pre-proposals based on their alignment with the programme's core research thrust areas, scientific excellence, potential impact, the expertise of the proposers, and the extent of multidisciplinary applicants will be notified of their initial pre-proposal evaluation results and invited to submit full proposals by May 20, 2025, with final submissions due by August 28, 2025. Following a rigorous two-stage merit review process, the winners of the research grants will be announced in January Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), said, 'With global water security at the forefront of international climate action and sustainability agendas, the strong response to the programme's Sixth Cycle underscores the growing recognition of the UAE's commitment to exploring innovative approaches for addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. By leading a collaborative research approach, we aim to develop impactful solutions that support sustainable water resource management worldwide.'Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said, 'Moving forward, we will identify projects that align with UAEREP's vision and roadmap – projects that introduce ground-breaking ideas, build on past progress and achievements, and move us closer to achieving tangible operational impact in the field of rain enhancement. Our aim is to support research that accelerates technology readiness, fosters new scientific insights, and enhances the effectiveness of rain enhancement strategies to address global water security challenges.'As part of its 6th Cycle, UAEREP offers a grant of up $1.5 million (Dh5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. The grant will be distributed among up to three innovative research projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550, programme's Sixth Cycle attracted participation from several leading universities and research centres within the UAE and worldwide. Key academic institutions submitting proposals included Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the American University of Sharjah, Emirates Aviation University, Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics), the University of California (Irvine and Los Angeles), Columbia University, Princeton University, Victoria University, ETH Zurich, Stockholm University, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, Politecnico of Milan, and York programme also drew proposals from renowned government entities, including the National Centre of Atmospheric Research Centre (NCAR), Weather Modification Centre China Meteorological Administration, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences – South Korea, Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Egyptian Meteorological Authority, Pakistan Meteorological Department, and Kenya Meteorological Department. UAEREP's Sixth Cycle was officially launched during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), held from January 28 to 30, This cycle builds upon the programme's newly defined vision to establish UAEREP as the global hub for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of rain enhancement technologies and operations that contribute to global water security.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
National Center of Meteorology announces conclusion of UAEREP's 6th Cycle submission period
Abu Dhabi-UAE – The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has announced the conclusion of the submission period for the Sixth Cycle of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). This cycle has attracted 140 innovative research proposals, marking a 47% increase from the Fifth Cycle. Pre-proposal submissions opened on 28 January 2025, coinciding with the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), and closed on 20 March 2025, spanning 52 days. The Sixth Cycle drew proposals from 96 research teams and 44 individual researchers from 48 countries across five continents. Key participants included the UAE with 29 submissions, the United States with 23, India with 22, Nigeria with 9, South Africa and Pakistan with 6, Australia, Egypt, Russia, Kenya and Rwanda with 5, China and Jordan with 4. The submitted research proposals covered the Sixth Cycle's five core research areas, with 49 proposals focusing on optimized seeding materials, 71 on novel cloud formation and rain enhancement systems, 42 on autonomous unmanned aircraft systems, 63 on limited-area climate interventions, and 75 on advanced models, software, and data. UAEREP will evaluate these pre-proposals based on their alignment with the program's core research thrust areas, scientific excellence, potential impact, the expertise of the proposers, and the extent of multidisciplinary collaboration. Successful applicants will be notified of their initial pre-proposal evaluation results and invited to submit full proposals by 20 May 2025, with final submissions due by 28 August 2025. Following a rigorous two-stage merit review process, the winners of the research grants will be announced in January 2026. His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said: 'UAEREP continues to play a pioneering role in advancing the science and technology of rain enhancement, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in this vital field. With global water security at the forefront of international climate action and sustainability agendas, the strong response to the program's Sixth Cycle underscores the growing recognition of the UAE's commitment to exploring innovative approaches for addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. By leading a collaborative research approach, we aim to develop impactful solutions that support sustainable water resource management worldwide.' Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said: 'As we conclude the 6th Cycle submission period, we extend our sincere appreciation to all participants who have contributed their innovative ideas and pioneering research proposals. Moving forward, we will identify projects that align with UAEREP's vision and roadmap – projects that introduce ground-breaking ideas, build on past progress and achievements, and move us closer to achieving tangible operational impact in the field of rain enhancement. Our aim is to support research that accelerates technology readiness, fosters new scientific insights, and enhances the effectiveness of rain enhancement strategies to address global water security challenges.' As part of its 6th Cycle, UAEREP offers a grant of up US$1.5 million (AED5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. The grant will be distributed among up to three innovative research projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550,000. The program's Sixth Cycle attracted participation from several leading universities and research centers within the UAE and worldwide. Key academic institutions submitting proposals included Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the American University of Sharjah, Emirates Aviation University, Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics), the University of California (Irvine and Los Angeles), Columbia University, Princeton University, Victoria University, ETH Zurich, Stockholm University, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, Politecnico of Milan, and York University. The program also drew proposals from renowned government entities including the National Center of Atmospheric Research Center (NCAR), Weather Modification Centre China Meteorological Administration, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences – South Korea, Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Egyptian Meteorological Authority, Pakistan Meteorological Department, and Kenya Meteorological Department. UAEREP's Sixth Cycle was officially launched during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), held from January 28 to 30, 2025. This cycle builds upon the program's newly defined vision that aims to establish UAEREP as the global hub for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of rain enhancement technologies and operations that contribute to global water security.
What's On
12-03-2025
- What's On
14 ways drones are used in Dubai to run the city - What's On
We're living in the future… Everyone knows that Dubai is an advanced place when it comes to technology, whether it's self driving cars or flying taxis, but drones are used in Dubai for many instances in day-to-day running of the city. We've gathered a list of all the ways that Dubai uses drones, take a look… Cloud seeding…? The UAE has been actively pursuing cloud seeding as part of its efforts to enhance water resources and address water scarcity in the region. The 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) took place at the Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers between January 28 and 30, 2025 and invited the world's leading experts, researchers, policymakers and weather scientists to discuss a range of topics related to cloud seeding and rain enhancement programme The conference, featured more than 65 headline speakers, and included such topics as the use of Artificial Intelligence, the deployment of drones, the potential efficacy of new cloud-seeding materials, limited-area climate interventions, hybrid AI-physics models, and completely novel approaches. Could the UAE soon be using drones to cloud seed? Dubai Metro cleaning Dubai recently announced that they are trialing an initiative to use drones to clean the outside of the Dubai Metro stations. The drones are able to spray water and are controlled by the team on the ground. تواصل #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات توظيف أحدث التقنيات لتعزيز كفاءة عملياتها، حيث بدأت الهيئة مرحلة تجريبية لاستخدام الطائرات بدون طيار 'الدرون' لتنظيف الواجهات الخارجية لمحطات المترو بدقة، مما يساهم في تقليل الوقت والجهد، مع الحفاظ على أعلى معايير الجودة. — RTA (@rta_dubai) March 11, 2025 Entertainment Everyone has heard of the famous and super impressive Dubai drone shows that take place during Dubai Shopping festival every night of December and January, and if you haven't, have you been living under a rock? They're some of the most impressive displays and it lit a up the skies at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR every day with not one, but two displays. Sight the moon This year, UAE announced that they planned on deploying artificial intelligence (AI) drones to sight the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Ramadan 2025. The innovative approach to moon sighting aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the centuries-old tradition that determines the start of the Islamic Holy Month. Firefighting Drones are revolutionizing emergency services in Dubai and Dubai Civil Defence are utilising drones to aid in firefighting missions. The drones are able to fly over the scene of a fire or traffic accident, and provide live video back to the control room of Dubai Civil Defence. Deliveries In December last year, with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) launched a new drone delivery system, the very first of its kind in the Middle East. The operators behind the new delivery system are Keeta Drone, a Chinese firm, who were awarded the license by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). Sheikh Hamdan actually placed the first drone order from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT-Dubai) platform in Dubai Silicon Oasis – a designated landing pad of the drone delivery network. And whilst the initial operation is boutique in its capacity, it's expected to cover 33 per cent of the total land area of Dubai by 2030. That's an impressive expansion plan. Waste management It was announced in 2016 that drones would be used for waste management department and will'carry out inspections across deserts and beaches'. 'We initially purchased the drone to monitor the landfill sites at Al Ghusais, Jebel Ali and Al Warsan, because as per regulations, they are allowed to reach up to 30 metres high,' Abdul Majeed Al Saifaie, director of the Waste Management Department, told Gulf News. Dubai Municipality is particularly keen on these drone patrols because they are cost effective – at first they're likely to monitor campsites and people having barbecues at beaches (as those are two of the times that litter is often left behind). The mini flying machines will also be used to monitor trucks that dump their waste illegally Monitoring traffic The futuristic Dubai Police force have been using high-tech drones to monitor traffic since 2017, when it was first announced. The police use them to keep an eye on traffic anywhere in the city and drones are to capture live recordings of the roads, which will be broadcast back to a command room using 4G technology. Lieutenant Mohammed Omar Al Muhairi, director of the drone project, said the aerial devices were equipped with long-life batteries so they would be able to stay in the sky as long as possible. Drones for Good competition In 2026, Dubai held a drones for Good competition, where tech and drone enthusiasts descended upon Dubai Internet City to compete for an international prize pool of Dhs4.6 million, and a smaller prize pool of Dhs1 million for national entrants. Impressive stuff. Some entries included search and rescue assistance, underwater investigation such as surveying and oil spill tracking and helping in emergency situations. World Drone Prix The World Drone Prix was held in Dubai in March 2016 and it was essential a race for drones. Teams flew in from all around the world to compete for an incredible prize of Dhs 3.7 million. It was also the first time a complete drone racing track has ever been custom-built for a drone racing event. A drone race through a mall In 2020, pro-drone pilots, Ryan Copeland and Vladimir Ivanov, were given exclusive access to Nakheel Mall for a race and one-off video, which shows off everything that the outlet has to offer. The mall opened in 2019. Watch below… Personal use The UAE had a ban on personal drones since January 2022 however since January of this yeat the UAE ban on the personal use of drones has been lifted, subject to strict conditions. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority announced in November 2024 that the ban on flying drones in the UAE – which has been in place since January 2022 – would be gradually lifted. The UAE outlines phases for the conditional lifting of restrictions on drone operations.#UAE #Drones #DroneRegulations #Technology #Innovation — وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) November 23, 2024 Police social distancing during Covid Dubai, and the neighbouring emirate, Sharjah, has also been known to use drones in a productive way during Covid 19. Sharjah's emergency crisis and disaster team joined forces with the Air Wing Department of the General Directorate of Security Support at the Ministry of Interior, and the Sharjah Police force, to launch a Covid-19 awareness campaign, using drones to enforce social distancing and deliver public safety messages. The neighbouring emirates use drones effectively too… Seed planting The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was announced in February 2021 (in the company of the UK's Prince William), has now reached the incredible milestone of planting more than one million seeds with the help of (and may we take this opportunity to say beautiful, really, that chrome bodywork *chef's kiss*) drones. The drones are getting wiser too. Their part in the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative has benefitted from a continual feedback loop of human experiential, and machine, learning. That has been channeled into more effective seed dispersal mechanism, more detailed 3D mapping, greater flight time efficiency and as a result, more seedlings making the grade.
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
7th International Rain Enhancement Forum wraps up successful seventh edition
Event draws participation of over 600 scientists, researchers, and specialists in weather modification and rain enhancement science 50 high-profile speakers from across the globe explore cutting-edge topics including Artificial Intelligence for weather modification, innovations in Autonomous Aerial Systems, advancements in Cloud Seeding Materials, and fostering youth engagement Abu Dhabi-UAE – The International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), which ran under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, wrapped up a highly successful seventh edition today at Conrad Abu Dhabi at Etihad Towers. Organized by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), through the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), the event featured insightful panel discussions and interactive presentations across five key strategic pillars: Collaboration, Innovation, Capacity Building, Artificial Intelligence, and Applied Research. Over its three-day run, the Forum drew the participation of more than 600 scientists, researchers, and specialists in weather modification and rain enhancement science. The event also featured over 50 high-profile speakers from across the globe, including leading experts, policymakers, and researchers, discussing cutting-edge topics including Artificial Intelligence for weather modification, innovations in Autonomous Aerial Systems, and advancements in Cloud Seeding Materials, along with fostering youth engagement. A major highlight of the event, which marked UAEREP's 10th anniversary, was the launch of the program's 6th cycle for submissions of innovative research proposals, offering a grant of up USD 1.5 million (AED 5.511 million) for each winning project proposal. The grant will be distributed among up to three innovative research projects over three years, with a maximum annual amount of $550K. During the Forum, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, honored a number of distinguished local and international figures and institutions that have contributed to the program's establishment and leadership over the past decade. His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said: 'We are proud of our wise leadership's continued support for the water security agenda as well as the growing role of IREF as a key platform for international experts and researchers to advance discussions on water security and weather modification. The UAE's efforts in this domain significantly contribute to uniting the scientific community's efforts toward finding new solutions for securing global water resources, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. This aligns with the UAE's commitment to pioneering cutting-edge technologies for water security and sustainable resource management.' Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said: 'The 7th IREF and its expert-led sessions reaffirm UAEREP's dedication to advancing scientific research and enriching global dialogue on water security and climate resilience. The diverse discussions, ideas, and studies presented during the Forum will significantly contribute to the progress of rain enhancement science, and we are eager to build on these outcomes to drive further advancements in the field. While we look forward to receiving proposals for the Sixth Cycle of UAEREP, we remain committed to ensuring the seamless transition of research outcomes into practical solutions that support communities facing water scarcity challenges worldwide.' Key Highlights from the Final Day The final day of the forum featured in-depth sessions on specialized topics, highlighting the latest advancements in rainfall enhancement science. The first session, titled "Limited-Area Climate Interventions as a Catalyst for Rainfall Enhancement," explored the growing interest in targeted climate interventions and their potential implications for rainfall enhancement. Moderated by Deon Terblanche, Member of UAEREP's Strategic Direction Committee (SDC), the session opened with a speech by Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of Silver Lining. This was followed by technical presentations, including Jean-Francois Lamarque, Chief Climate Scientist at Silver Lining, who spoke on 'Recent Developments in Modeling and Deployment of Regional Climate Interventions.' Oliver Branch, Senior Scientist at the University of Hohenheim, presented his research on 'Artificial Heat Islands – An Intelligent Solution for Rainfall Enhancement in the UAE.' Christopher Lennard, Environmental Scientist at the University of Cape Town, discussed 'Impacts of Solar Geoengineering on Rainfall Enhancement Programs.' The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring Jean-Francois Lamarque, Oliver Branch, and Christopher Lennard, who provided further insights into the applications and challenges of climate intervention techniques. The discussion explored various research areas, including Solar Radiation Management (SRM), Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB), and landform modification related to rainfall enhancement research. The second session, titled "New Approaches and Innovations for Cloud Formation and/or Rainfall Enhancement," showcased non-conventional and innovative research applications aimed at improving rain-bearing cloud formation and rainfall enhancement. Moderated by Raha Hakimdavar, Senior Advisor to the Deans of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) and Earth Commons, the session began with an opening speech by Abbass Karim, General Manager of Fluid Codes. The session then featured a series of technical presentations. Kala Golden, Cloud Seeding Program Manager at the Idaho Department of Water Resources, presented on 'Glaciogenic Cloud Seeding in the Northwestern United States: The Idaho Approach.' Ali Abshaev, a UAEREP 3rd Cycle Awardee from the High Mountain Geophysical Institute of Russian Hydrometeorological Service, discussed 'Experience of Using Jet-Aerosol Technology in the Formation of Updrafts and Clouds: Challenges and New Perspectives.' Zhanyu YAO from the CMA Weather Modification Center delivered a presentation on 'Chinese Acoustic Rain Enhancement Experiments and Effect Analysis.' The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring Kala Golden, Ali Abshaev, Zhanyu YAO, and Guillaume Matras, UAEREP 5th Cycle Awardee and Senior Director of High Power Lasers and Applications at the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Discussions focused on both ground-based and airborne systems, exploring novel approaches beyond traditional cloud seeding techniques.
