The United Arab Emirates is exploring innovative methods to address its long-standing issue of drought by leveraging artificial intelligence technology to enhance rainfall. The use of AI technology to enhance rainfall was a major topic at the recent International Rain Enhancement Forum held in Abu Dhabi, where experts discussed potential advancements in rainmaking techniques, particularly focusing on improving cloud seeding, a method used to stimulate rainfall.

This comes after decades of efforts and substantial financial investments aimed at alleviating the effects of the arid climate in the UAE. Despite these attempts, the country continues to experience extremely low levels of rainfall, averaging only about 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) annually. With a population close to 10 million, primarily composed of expatriates, the UAE relies heavily on desalinated water, which accounts for approximately 14 percent of the world’s total production.

According to MSN, Luca Delle Monache, deputy director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, noted that their AI system for cloud seeding is nearly complete. He explained that this system uses various data sources to improve the timing and effectiveness of cloud seeding operations. Delle Monache stated, “It’s pretty much finished. We are currently completing the final touches. However, Delle Monache cautioned that AI is not a panacea and that cloud seeding necessitates specific conditions for its effectiveness.

The three-year project, which has received $1.5 million in funding from the UAE’s rain enhancement program, aims to refine the existing methods of directing cloud-seeding flights. Currently, these flights are based on expert analysis of satellite imagery. By predicting where suitable clouds may form within the next six hours, the AI system could significantly enhance the accuracy of rainmaking efforts.

Students often rush to windows to catch a glimpse of the rare instances of rain, a testament to the UAE’s efforts to boost rainfall. Last April, the country experienced unprecedented rainfall that caused major disruptions, including the closure of Dubai’s international airport for several days.

Since its inception in 2017, the International Rain Enhancement Forum has convened seven times and has distributed $22.5 million in grants for research and development in rain enhancement technologies. While the forum highlights the UAE’s leadership in this niche field of atmospheric science, challenges remain. Experts like Marouane Temimi from the Stevens Institute of Technology emphasized the limitations of AI, suggesting that a lack of comprehensive data on cloud composition can hinder the effectiveness of these models.

Loic Fauchon, president of the World Water Council, also urged caution, recommending a balance between AI and human expertise in managing water resources.