NCM To Host Sixth IREF In Abu Dhabi

Forum to be held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, at the National Centre of Meteorology

According to the report, the forum will gather leading global and national experts, researchers, scientists, and stakeholders to discuss the latest scientific and technological advances in rain enhancement research.

As a leading event tackling urgent water and sustainability issues worldwide, IREF provides a platform for discussion of the latest developments and efforts to find innovative solutions to water security issues through advancing scientific understanding and sharing knowledge in rain enhancement, while highlighting the UAE's position as a global hub in rain enhancement.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director of NCM and President of the Regional Association II (Asia) of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stated, "We are proud to host the 6th International Rain Enhancement Forum as a means of strengthening international cooperation in this important field."  He added that the event serves as an excellent opportunity to bring together the scientific community to discuss the latest developments and technologies in the rain enhancement domain.

According to Al Mandous, through IREF, NCM demonstrates its continued commitment to supporting the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) in its efforts to boost water security for the benefit of communities at high risk of drought and water stress around the world.

"The Forum will cover new approaches and innovations for rainfall enhancement, as well as regional and global developments in rainfall enhancement, by hosting representatives from countries with operational rain enhancement programmes and projects, as well as discussing significant lessons and success stories from around the world," according to the report.

According to the report, as part of the agenda, university students will be offered the opportunity to present their innovative research projects to a group of world-renowned scientists in the fields of weather modification and rain enhancement.

The event will also see the announcement of the launch of the 5th cycle of the UAEREP award and an in-depth discussion about the next cycle's categories and priorities.

Commenting on the forum, Alya Mazroui, director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, said, "The latest edition of our forum will allow participants to discuss new science and technologies as we work to drive novel research in the field."

Therefore, he urged all interested scientists and technologists with the required expertise to join their quest to tackle global water security by maximising the potential of this growing research area.

"Our agenda provides for three days of discussions that will give us an excellent opportunity to review the progress of our eleven awardee projects while also assessing the potential of research results from the new areas that focus on enhanced cloud formation."

The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science is a research project run by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). It was started by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

As the report concludes, the programme has forged strong ties with more than 1,800 researchers from over 800 institutions in 70 countries across four continents through its activities.

With regard to new research, UAEREP has supported the publication of 84 scientific articles, the grant of 5 patents, and contributions to more than 100 conference proceedings.

 By Sumita Pawar