United Arab Emirates (UAE) - 1982 onwards - Weather Modification
#12 - A summary of the UAE's activity from 1982 onwards
United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Weather Modification summary
Before we start, you should know that this summary is not as long as it looks. The source links part is extensive and adds length to this article. There are a few dead links provided as confirmation the articles did exist, once upon a time. A link is provided where you can view screenshots of the now deleted web-pages.
1980's & the 1990's
The UAE has been modifying its weather since 1982. Their starting era is by no means one of the older programmes on Earth, but over 40 years worth of the activities does place it in a 'very active' position, with a now, year round programme. In the very modern era, unlike European counterparts, the UAE should be considered as being totally open with UAE residents about the weather modification activities. Regular media reports give many details to people about what is happening, when and what should be expected. There are some contradictions in media reports but mostly they get it right!
One example of this is the starting date of operations. The 'Gulf News' in 2015 get's things twisted by stating operations began in 2001 on a scientific basis, whilst then claiming operations started in the 1990's, which were not then, based on science? In 2023, 'MENAFN / Khaleej Times' reported that operations started in 1982. The 2023 article states, "The UAE, on an average, conducts over 900 hours of cloud-seeding missions every year with the government making substantial investments in research and technology." The article then answers the question on when did operations begin, "The initial cloud-seeding attempt took place in 1982 as a trial lasting for two months. Following that, cloud-seeding operations have been carried out annually, but without a strong scientific foundation. By the end of 1990, the government established advanced facilities to address water security challenges in collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, USA, Witwatersrand University in South Africa, and NASA, the US space agency."
By 1982 there were about 40 to 50 countries with active weather modification programmes, mostly done by silver iodide cloud seeding either flared off from aircraft or dispersed via ground based generators. The previously mentioned UAE news report’s states between 1982 and 2001, 19 years worth of weather modification was done unscientifically. You can imagine how other scientists feel who work in other disciplines and are given a couple of years worth of grants to prove their concepts and show some results clarifying their findings or not clarifying their results. In other words, the science of silver iodide cloud seeding which has been used, for example, in the 1930's in Germany is then, 60 to 70 years later in the UAE, considered as unproven or unscientific. So global scientists were really given 70 years to show if, 1 method of weather modification, silver iodide cloud seeding, was scientific or not? We're now, as per 2024, into more than 100 years worth of cloud seeding which is being applied, according to the WMO, across 50 to 100 countries. But ‘science’ does not know if it works yet or not.
Individual Nations can claim what they want but it doesn't hold any water when viewed as part of a collective of Nation's carrying out the same activity. So, the conclusion is, the scientifically proven weather modification technology known as silver iodide cloud seeding has been deployed in the UAE since 1982, which is currently 42 years worth.
The 21st Century
2014
In February 2014 the 'National News' outlet reported about the Abu Dhabi Air Expo / Air-show. The headline stated "Cloud-seeding plane steals the show at Abu Dhabi Air Expo - One of the most intriguing aircraft on display at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo is a cloud-seeding turboprop plane. Its pilot, Captain Brendon Allen, flies directly into thunder clouds." Captain Allen is a former South African air force pilot.
2015
It's important to note the statement in the next piece of information regarding the UAE saving the world's arid and semi arid regions by enhancing rain in those regions.
'The Hindu' news outlet reported in September 2015 with a headline, "Target the cloud, seed it, and capture the rain." The opening statement of the article says, "The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science aims to position the United Arab Emirates at the forefront of rain enhancement science by stimulating investment in research for the benefit of the UAE and other arid and semi-arid regions around the world. Launched early this year, the programme will award up to five projects with a total grant of US $5 million over a three-year period. In its first phase, the programme has received research pre-proposals from various countries. Of the 78 pre-proposals, eight are from India."
In October 2015, the previously mentioned 'science' based information, appeared in the 'Gulf News' where meteorologists stated "Use cloud seeding to replenish water table, Met says." As mentioned earlier, according to the article, the "Rain-deficient UAE has been using cloud seeding, the infusion of salt crystals into clouds to induce or enhance rain, since 2001. Although the country started using cloud seeding in the 1990s, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) only began doing it scientifically in 2001." 'Salts' means particulates, in this case, meaning silver iodide. We also know it was from 1982, allegedly unscientifically and not the 1990's 'unscientifically' as stated. The article states further "In 2009, for example, the country experienced heavy rain for three days during which cloud seeding operations were intensified. The amount of water collection in dams was equal to nine years water output of one UAE desalination plant."
2016
In February 2016, the contradictions still apply. The 'Emirates 24/7 News' outlet published an article titled, "Waterlogging in Dubai, Sharjah as rains and hailstorm hit UAE." At the very end of the article it is stated that "The NCMS has also stated its planes will remain on standby on Tuesday and Wednesday to facilitate the rainfall further with cloud seeding."
Also in February, a 'CNN' article is published via the '7 WDAM' news outlet that "At a remote airstrip outside Abu Dhabi, New Zealander pilot Mike Anstis is setting off to do something most would consider impossible in a desert. He's hoping to make it rain. Anstis is cloud seeding. He does it by firing salt compounds into the air to increase rainfall. 'On the wings of the aircraft, we've got flares, which... When we fire the flares, it burns, and it emits a smoke,' Anstis said. That smoke then attracts water vapor, creating bigger droplets." It is also stated, which is mis-leading that "They started cloud seeding 15 years ago to help sustain a growing population in the UAE, one of the world's top consumers of water." Suggesting the activity started in 2001, which you know already is not true. It is also stated "Last year, they flew more than 150 flights. Each costs around $5,000, but they say it's cheaper and greener than operating desalination plants." This is, as well, mis-leading. It is cheaper than desalination, which is a money based argument and not environmental based. It might be greener than desalination plants if you use oil to fuel desalination plants instead of solar or wind, but there is nothing green about the un-natural manipulation of the natural weather systems. Adding particulates to the atmosphere that should not be there is not 'green'. And you should be asking yourselves now, how does it cost millions of tax-payers dollars to do a few months weather modification in 1 state in the USA when the UAE is doing it for 750,000 dollars?
A now deleted article by the 'National' in their 'Arts & Life' section from December 2016 stated "In March, heavy rains lashed the UAE. Later, the NCMS confirmed that 77 cloud seeding operations took place between January 2016 and the end of March 2016, more than 3 times the amount on the same period in 2015." The 'Arts & Life' section also published an article in April 2016 titled "Heads in the clouds: how the UAE hopes to make rain for the good of the world. - Given the recent downpours, one could be forgiven for thinking we don’t need more rain - but the UAE’s rain enhancement programme is not just looking out for us, but thinking about the needs of all humanity." So, creating flooding and property damage in the UAE, a desert climate nation, is saving the world then?
Now it's time to get a bit sublime. In July 2016 the 'Gulf News' outlet reported that "For residents who suggest cloud seeding in Dubai to produce more rain, forecasters said it’s impossible. Cloud seeding involves dispersing or “seeding” salt particles into clouds to attract more water vapour. You need clouds to seed in order to produce rain. If there are no clouds, what will you seed? In the UAE, viable clouds exist during winter until February, in some cases starting as early as November." The cloud seeding season runs to the end of March and not 'until' (up to) February. By 2024 the UAE’s programme extends all year through, so how is it impossible in 2016 but possible in 2024? Atmospheric Aerosol Injection has been used globally since the early 1990's to create clouds that can then be modified with traditional methods. Another method is Propane Injection. You do not need clouds to modify when using propane as that super cools the atmosphere and creates the clouds that fall as snow. The 'you need clouds to modify, to modify the weather' claim is about 45 to 75 years out of date. Ionospheric Heaters and other electric charge methods create an ionized plasma / condensation layer in the atmosphere, creating a cloud base. Zero clouds are needed for the electric charge method to create clouds, that can then be modified.
Strangely, the 'Non-Profit Quarterly' which is a news report classed as innovative thinking for the non-profit sector states that the UAE carries out cloud seeding. Your guess is as good as mine as to how cloud seeding gets labelled as a non-profit interest. So the pilots fly for free, the materials dispersed and the manufacturing of them are provided for free, the 'green' oil based aircraft fuels for the aircraft are free? The damage caused by flooding is repaired for free? People's damaged property and vehicles are repaired for free? Super-Soft and cuddly non-profit hugs to everyone!
The UAE pays out millions of dollars each year to researchers working on rain enhancement projects. In August 2016 the 'National' reported that the deadline for the Rain Enhancement grant applications is by the end of August. The grant is valued at US $ 5 million. By August 2016 the programme had "received 91 proposals from 398 researchers and scientists from 45 countries."
In September 2016, (remember what we noted earlier), delegates from the UAE Rain Enhancement Programme visited Italy, Germany and Belgium to discuss innovation regarding rain enhancement techniques. As you know, Italy, Belgium and Germany are well known 'arid or semi-arid' countries, requiring the UAE to save their humanity.
In October 2016 the 'Gulf News' Society section published an article titled "16th Asia session of meteorologists to be held in Abu Dhabi." The WMO secretary-general, Dr Petrie Talas, "lauded the UAE’s research programme for rain enhancement especially since it aims to boost the global water security." Global water security means what? What is the UAE saving the planet from exactly, when it is involved in re-distributing atmospheric moisture which has been criticised by other countries such as Iran, in the specific case of the UAE's activity?
Also in October the 'Step Feed' website focuses on cloud seeding in Dubai, hold on though, October is not in the cloud seeding season and you can't cloud seed Dubai between February and November, right? I am so confused right now!
Many of the 'National' news published articles are now deleted. Another deleted article from November 2016 states that "students will learn about the UAE's cloud seeding programme as part of their weather lessons." What did you learn about weather modification at school, if you consider it was a known and applied activity during your school years? You are excused from answering that if you are 125 years old or older. In another deleted article from the 'National' in November it is stated that "the first US $ 5 million grant has been awarded to researchers." It is now also claimed that rainfall is a national security issue.
2017
The 'Khaleej Times' stated in January 2017 that "Contrary to what many believe, cloud seeding is not a creation of rains but man-made interference to enhance rainfall." You cannot oxy-moron that statement any further than what has already been applied by the author of the article. Another article from January by the 'Khaleej Times' introduces the concept of nano-cloud-seeding, a new development in weather modification techniques that make cloud seeding 100 times more productive. The article states "UAE rain enhancement program hosts first-ever international workshop. Topics discussed during the two-day workshop included using nanotechnology to develop novel cloud seeding materials for rain enhancement; advanced approaches towards scientific rain enhancement research in arid and semi-arid regions." You'll learn more about the nano-tech side as we progress and don't forget how it will save arid countries such as Germany and Belgium from an ELE national security issue. The 'Thomson Reuters Zawya' news outlet published an article in January titled, "The UAE's bid to boost rainfall in the desert." The desert is mentioned again which means as an arid environment, Germany is also a desert region? Luckily, changing a desert climate to a wet climate is environmentally friendly, especially if you use oil based fuels to fuel a lot of aeroplane flights to disperse un-natural materials into the natural environment. Isn't it? Is confusion the same as brain-washing? or is it green-washing? The 'Thomson Reuters Zawya' outlet, also in January, published an article announcing "UAE's Masdar Institute files patent for innovative cloud seeding material. The research team has developed an innovative cloud seeding material using nanotechnology." Which was announced by the 'WAM' (Emirates News Agency). The article states further that "The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, has announced that its research team, one of the inaugural recipients of the US$5 million grant from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science last year, has filed a provisional patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO. The research team has developed an innovative cloud seeding material using nanotechnology. By filing a patent, they are bringing that material into the pathway for commercialisation and supporting Masdar Institutes goal of bolstering the UAE's local intellectual property." The 'Gulf News' reported the same information and stated "A new nano-sized coating of titanium dioxide on salt crystals can boost cloud seeding by 100-fold and has led researchers at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology to file a provisional patent." 'The National' reported it in February but that article has since been deleted.
February saw a report by the 'Gulf News' outlet stating "The NCMS is also doing cloud seeding to enhance rainfall but it’s still too early to measure its results for now."
The 'Arabian Business' news outlet reported in February on the US Patent Office filing for the nano-tech cloud seeding.
Pakistan's 'The News' outlet reported in February that "A major cloud-seeding operation that was initiated by the UAE authorities two months ago is threatening to upset the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League. According to reports, more than 50 cloud-seeding operations in less than two months are the reason behind the extraordinary rainfall that has hit Dubai and adjoining areas." It's worth taking a look at the flooded stadium images in this article to get an idea of what the UAE government is doing to people.
In March, the 'Dubai Eye' reported that Met officials stated "the rainy conditions the UAE is currently experiencing is a combination of natural weather and cloud seeding." The mistake in this statement is claiming there is natural weather in the UAE. Once you start modifying your weather, there is no such thing as natural weather, whether in season or out of season, your weather is now modified, natural weather systems have been disrupted. Another, now deleted article, from the 'National' stated after cloud seeding operations that "residents in many areas mopped up water that entered their homes and 41% of flights were delayed at Dubai International Airport."
The electric charge method, 'cloud ionisation' technology was being utilised by Professor Yuri Tkatchenko from 'Magnetic Technologies' in March. You might recognise the tech from 'Rainwater Tech' that claimed to of used it for 10 years (2014 onwards) in the Middle East and Australia, although the professor states it is 'his' technology, as reported by the 'Gulf News' outlet.
The 'Nile-Gate' news site reported on the 27th of March that the last cloud seeding missions of 2017 would take place in the coming days. The 'Gulf News' reported that there were "100 cloud seeding missions carried out by 6 aircraft." The 'Dubai Eye' reported that "rain enhancement is not damaging to human health or the environment." Although I'm pretty sure the man who crashed his car, in 2023, during flooding after cloud seeding, that killed his son, in the accident, might disagree with that 2017 statement.
The 'National' reported that UAE researchers received UK grants (UK tax-payers money), with "Professor Zou having recently been funded for work on cloud seeding."
The US $ 5 million UAEREP grant programme for 2017/18 received applications from 710 researchers affiliated to 316 institutions across 68 countries, according to the 'Gulf News' on the 5th of April. The 'Arabian Business' news site reported in April 2017 that "Cloud seeding operations are set to increase in the run up to the Dubai Expo 2020."
2018
In April 2018, 'The National' reported there were "Nine cloud-seeding missions since Friday as rain falls over UAE. Flights covered all parts of the country and coincide with a bout of unsettled weather." Which as you will have learnt is clearly within the November to February cloud seeding season where clouds are available for seeding. Which is confirmed by the 24th of July article in the 'Gulf News' which stated that "to enhance the chances of rain and amount of rainfall, the weather bureau conducted cloud seeding operations on Tuesday (24 July)."
2019
The Australian ' 9 News' outlet published an article on November 2019 stating that "Cloud seeding may have triggered heavy UAE rainfall, which caused flooding in Dubai's largest luxury shopping mall." The article states further "Cloud seeding has been carried out in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland since the late 1940s but scientists are unconvinced over its effectiveness and suitability in Australia." So 80 years later, they are still doing it in Australia but they don't know if it works or not. Could you imagine these people working on your car for 80 years and not being able to decide if it works or not based on what we know till now about the internal combustion engine?
September and the 'National' reported that "UAE tests nano-tech cloud seeding in bid to boost rainfall. Missions are being flown from Al Ain Airport to release 'nanomaterials' over the Northern Emirates." Look out Texas, you're next !
2020
January 2020 and the 'Latestly' news outlet reports that the "UAE lashed by heavy rains and hail due to cloud seeding." April and the 'National' asks "Can cloud seeding save Earth?" Just curious if anyone knows anymore about this extinction level event (ELE) and when its going to drop? And just in case anyone wants to know, the answer to that 'can we justify interfering with natural weather systems as we make money out of it but we'll scare you into believing you are all going to die unless we do it' question is, No!
The 25th of May, well within the November to February season, and it was reported by the 'National' that the weather centre had confirmed it was running cloud seeding missions. During the storms it was reported that "Wood and debris could be seen flying through the air on a construction site near to Damac Hills." The 'DubaiLad' site stated in May that "Cloud seeding led to storm damage across Dubai."
In July the 'National' reported that "219 cloud seeding operations had been carried out in the first 6 months of the year. A total of 4841 aircraft dispersed flares and 419 ground based generator flares were used." The same information was reported by the ' Gulf Business' and the 'Gulf Today' news outlets. 'DubaiLad' reported that cloud seeding missions would continue.
Texas, USA. In September the 'Utilities' site reported that the "UAEREP Tests Efficiency of New Cloud Seeding Nanomaterials in USA. Campaign aims to investigate cloud seeding effectiveness of novel nanomaterials developed by Program’s 1st cycle awardee following its successful test in UAE. The UAE Rain Enhancement Program (UAEREP), overseen by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), has launched a flight campaign in Texas, USA to investigate the effect of novel cloud seeding nanomaterials on the droplet size distribution, and ultimately, the rainfall generation process." This was also reported by the 'Gulf News' outlet.
2021
It was announced in 2021 that the UAEREP was "Transitioning from Research to Operations in Rain Enhancement." So it's all brand new then. What was a little tinkering for 39 years, is now 'operational'.
In March, 'Wired' reported that "The UAE wants more rain—so it’s sending up drones to electrify the clouds. The National Centre of Meteorology has teamed up with a UK university to trial another way to spur rainfall in the desert." It's just another electric charge method and the UK tests were kept under the radar from the UK public view. Which is a good time to mention "Patent application title: APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS FOR WEATHER MODIFICATION BY ELECTRICAL PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE. Inventors: Helmut Fluhrer (Zug, CH) Elena Davydova (Egmating, DE) Yuri Saveliev (Shailer Park, AU) Assignees: METEO SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AG. IPC8 Class: AA01G1500FI USPC Class: 239 21. Class name: Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing processes of weather control or modification Publication date: 2011-07-21 Patent application number: 20110174892.
The 'National' reports that "Cloud seeding in the UAE: does rain-enhancement technique make the air more or less polluted? As academics debate the effect in a series of conflicting papers, the National Centre of Meteorology says there is no effect on people at ground level." Unless you happen to be one of the people removing flood water out of your home etc etc. Nothing to see here, move along please.
(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 20th Mar, 2021) "At the first virtual International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), researchers from Khalifa University shared their innovative methodologies and new insights to enhancing rainfall across the UAE."
The UAEREP research grant for 2021 received 81 proposals from 378 researchers affiliated with 159 research and academic institutions across 37 countries, as reported by the 'Utilities' news site. In June, 9 proposals had been shortlisted.
In May, the 'Khaleej Times' reported "UAE weather: Expect more pre-summer rain, says expert. Cloud seeding operations are in progress to further enhance rainfall." The 'Abu Dhabi World' reported the same information, as did the 'Gulf News' site.
August 2021 and the 'National' reports "Heavy rain falls over Sharjah after cloud seeding." Which shows the 'programme' is all year.
2022, 2023 & 2024
It’s the same as previously mentioned, ad infinitum. Links are posted below. That might seem like a cop out from writing more, but honestly, there is no point. The weather is modified all year round, there are regular extreme weather events, there is property damage and all the usual rhetoric is given. The only new news out of 2023/2024 is that the UAE gifted Pakistan with ‘free’ weather modification which turned out to not be ‘free’ after all.
Source
1982
https://menafn.com/1107281078/Rains-In-UAE-How-Cloud-Seeding-Evolved-In-Emirates-Since-1982
2014
2015
https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/use-cloud-seeding-to-replenish-water-table-met-says-1.1584927
2016
https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2016/07/20/arab-world-water-scarcity-crisis-looms-quietly/
2017
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/cloud-seeding-prayers-uaes-fix-for-water-woes
https://www.zawya.com/en/business/the-uaes-bid-to-boost-rainfall-in-the-desert-poq2cha3
https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/masdar-team-to-patent-rain-boosting-material-1.1970935
https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/scattered-showers-in-the-uae-for-the-next-four-days-1.1978481
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/189008-Rain-threatening-to-hit-PSL-playoffs
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/revealed-how-uae-is-making-it-rain-so-much-in-february
https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/this-man-says-he-can-bring-rain-1.1994346
https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/rain-programme-draws-big-interest-1.2006241
2018
https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/watch-rain-hits-eastern-region-of-uae-1.2256235
2019
https://whatson.ae/2019/09/uae-launches-nano-technology-to-make-cloud-seeding-more-effective/
2020
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/beyond-the-headlines-can-cloud-seeding-save-earth-1.1010735
https://gulfbusiness.com/uae-conducted-219-cloud-seeding-operations-in-h1-2020/
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2020/07/30/sunny-weather-during-eid-holidays-ncm
https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2020/08/29/new-technology-to-transform-uae-food-and-water-security
https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/for-food-and-security-in-the-uae-think-local-1.74351528
https://emirateswoman.com/uae-launches-new-multi-million-dirham-grant-scientists-make-rain/
https://www.esquireme.com/news/48585-what-is-the-uaes-rain-enhancement-project
https://www.esquireme.com/news/48626-temperatures-are-dropping-across-the-uae
https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/08/09/heavy-rain-falls-over-sharjah-after-cloud-seeding/
2021
https://wired.me/science/environment/uae-drones-electricity-cloud-seeding/
https://dronedj.com/2021/05/07/rainmaking-drones-water-poor-uae-test-cloud-zapping-uavs/
https://www.patentsencyclopedia.com/app/20110174892
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/27/middleeast/clouds-electricity-rain-spc-intl/index.html
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/advancing-the-science-of-rain-enhancement/106710/
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/middle-east/khalifa-university-researchers-share-knowledg-1199887.html
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/weather/uae-weather-expect-more-pre-summer-rain-says-expert
https://adwonline.ae/more-unsettled-weather-predicted/ (not a secure site)
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/weather/uae-weather-rain-dust-storm-alert-issued-for-today
https://www.zawya.com/en/life/cloud-seeding-in-uae-heavy-rains-hail-in-some-areas-lpentgho
https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/08/09/heavy-rain-falls-over-sharjah-after-cloud-seeding/
2022
2023
https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/03/19/uae-weather-cooler-spell-ahead-with-a-chance-of-rain/
https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/04/05/uae-to-acquire-advanced-cloud-seeding-aircraft/
https://wam.ae/en/details/1395303180714
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/weather/will-more-rains-hit-uae-in-the-coming-days
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/videos/unlocking-the-mystery-how-it-rains-in-the-deserts-of-uae
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-where-did-it-rain-the-most-over-the-weekend
https://www.ciel.org/news/ciel-expert-availability-during-cop28-in-dubai/
Deleted / Dead Link - screenshots / All info contained in this summary
https://antiweathermodification.weebly.com/uae.html
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