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About the Program

UAEREP is at the forefront of advancing rainfall enhancement research and driving innovations that strengthen global water security. With a focus on pioneering new technologies and fostering international partnerships, UAEREP promotes the translation of science into deployable solutions for rain enhancement, in line with the UAE’s global leadership in water security.

Strategy overview

The overall vision the UAEREP is to become the globally recognized model for rainfall enhancement research, development, demonstration and deployment of technologies and operations in the UAE and globally.

To achieve this vision, the UAEREP strives to:

  • Establish scientifically validated technology platforms and verification techniques that contribute to enhancing rainfall in the UAE and globally.
  • Position the UAE as the global leader in the science, technology, and implementation of rain enhancement.

The program is built on the following pillars:

  • Managed Grant Assistance: Technical oversight and evaluation
  • International Collaboration: Industry-government-academia
  • Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
  • Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation

The program focuses on five Strategic Elements / Thrust Areas:

  1. Optimized Seeding Materials
  2. Novel Cloud Formation and/or Rain Enhancement Systems
  3. Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  4. Limited-Area Climate Interventions
  5. Advanced Models, Software, and Data

The strategic plan of the UAEREP aims to enhance rainfall by developing innovative solutions that contribute to global water security. Aligned with the UAE's vision to lead international efforts in this field, the program bridges the gap between science and societal needs by creating new methods that enhance water security and advance international efforts to address environmental challenges.

The research priorities of UAEREP focus on adopting the best methods in scientific research and innovation to develop applicable technologies. Through building strategic partnerships and implementing advanced techniques, the program seeks to find effective solutions to enhance rainfall, positively impacting how we address urgent water and environmental challenges.

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science selects the most distinguished research proposals in the field of rain enhancement from around the world biennially. The awarded proposals are selected by a rigorous two-stage merit review process. Each awarded proposal is valued at $1.5 Million (US Dollars), distributed over three years with a maximum annual amount of $550K.

The awards are likely to be for projects that are technically and/or managerially complex. Therefore, funds will be awarded through a cooperative agreement, which gives the Program Secretariat a significant oversight engagement with the awardees. The project principal investigator (PI) directs the project with the assistance of any Co-PIs. The PI and the PI’s sponsoring organization have fiscal responsibility for the award and primary management responsibility for the conduct of the proposed activities. The cooperative agreement, however, will state the nature and extent of expected Program Secretariat involvement, such as receipt of periodic reports and undertaking of regular progress evaluations. A detailed agreement ensures that the responsibilities of each party are fully understood.

Support for each year of the Cooperative Agreement for the award will be contingent upon satisfactory outcomes as documented in progress reports submitted annually for review by the Program Secretariat. In addition, site visits will be held to evaluate progress and future plans, with an emphasis on the quality of the research and expected ability to meet the project goals and objectives.