UAEREP Leads Global Charge for Weather-Control Technology in Japan

UAE Leads the Global Dialogue on Weather Control Innovation

Abu Dhabi-UAE – The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) participated in the Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium held in Tokyo, Japan, from 30 to 31 October 2025. The international event gathered leading experts in meteorology, engineering, mathematical sciences, and social sciences to explore the development of weather-control technologies designed to reduce the impact of increasingly severe typhoons and heavy rainfall.

The symposium, initiated by Japan’s Cabinet Office, aimed to support global research that helps create a safe and secure society by 2050 through scientific innovations in weather modification. UAEREP’s participation reflected the UAE’s leadership and commitment to global sustainability efforts, highlighting its dedication to developing solutions for climate resilience and water security.

Alya Al Mazrouei Highlights UAE’s Vision for Water Security

Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, delivered a keynote address on the second day of the symposium. Her presentation offered an in-depth look at UAEREP’s mission, research strategies, and global collaborations. She also outlined the UAE’s journey in rain enhancement, which began as experimental work and evolved into a globally recognized program driving innovation in weather science.

During her speech, Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of scientific partnerships in addressing global water challenges. She discussed how the UAE has developed advanced radar systems, cloud monitoring tools, and seeding technologies to improve rainfall processes. The session highlighted UAEREP’s research milestones, award-winning projects, and innovative experiments that contribute to sustainable water management in arid and semi-arid regions.

She also shared how UAEREP’s international collaborations and funding initiatives have enabled researchers from around the world to test new materials, algorithms, and models to optimize cloud seeding operations. These advancements are not only helping the UAE but are also contributing to the global scientific understanding of weather modification and climate adaptation.

Global Recognition for UAE’s Scientific Contributions

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), praised the UAE’s active engagement in global platforms such as the Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium.

He noted that the UAE’s participation reflects its dedication to advancing scientific innovation and contributing to international efforts that address the growing risks associated with climate change. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the UAE aims to develop sustainable solutions that support water security and climate resilience across the world.

Dr. Al Mandous emphasized that water scarcity is one of the world’s most pressing challenges, and the UAE’s proactive approach demonstrates how investment in science can bring meaningful change. The country’s leadership in weather modification research continues to inspire nations seeking new solutions for water sustainability and disaster mitigation.

UAEREP’s Collaborative Efforts Inspire Global Scientists

The Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium served as an important platform for global dialogue on weather-control innovation. UAEREP’s participation attracted strong interest from international scientists and policymakers working on similar initiatives.

Alya Al Mazrouei said that the symposium’s focus on advanced weather-control technologies aligns closely with UAEREP’s mission to develop innovative, nature-based methods that enhance rainfall and support water sustainability. She explained that sharing UAEREP’s research processes and results with the global scientific community helped strengthen partnerships and encouraged new collaborations in climate technology development.

The exchange of knowledge during the symposium allowed participants to learn from UAEREP’s real-world experience in cloud seeding operations. It also provided opportunities for collaborative projects focusing on improving weather prediction models, developing environmentally safe seeding materials, and enhancing the efficiency of rainfall stimulation techniques.

Moonshot Goal 8: A Shared Vision for the Future

Japan’s Moonshot Goal 8 initiative represents a forward-looking vision of building a society resilient to extreme weather events by 2050. The program promotes research into innovative weather-control technologies that can help reduce the damage caused by typhoons and heavy rainfall.

By fostering collaboration among experts from diverse fields, the initiative seeks to combine engineering, atmospheric science, and social research to develop practical solutions for weather challenges. The participation of UAEREP in this symposium reinforces the UAE’s role as a global contributor to these goals.

Both Japan and the UAE share a strong commitment to sustainability and technological advancement. Their cooperation highlights how scientific partnerships across nations can accelerate innovation and create effective responses to environmental challenges.

UAE’s Global Commitment to Climate Resilience

The UAE’s involvement in international initiatives such as the Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium is part of its long-term strategy to strengthen climate resilience. Programs like UAEREP are central to this vision, as they focus on improving rainfall in dry regions and promoting sustainable water management practices.

Rain enhancement, or cloud seeding, is an essential part of the UAE’s efforts to secure freshwater resources. UAEREP’s scientists work on understanding the physics of cloud formation, testing new materials for seeding, and developing advanced algorithms that identify the best conditions for cloud modification.

These innovations support not only the UAE but also regions facing similar challenges due to drought or limited water resources. The program’s achievements demonstrate how technology, when combined with scientific expertise, can provide practical solutions for climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.

Advancing Science Through International Collaboration

UAEREP’s success lies in its global collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Since its establishment, the program has funded and partnered with research institutions from around the world, including those in the United States, Europe, and Asia. These partnerships have led to breakthroughs in understanding cloud microphysics, aerosol interactions, and precipitation enhancement methods.

Through participation in events like the Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium, UAEREP continues to expand its international network of scientists and innovators. The program emphasizes the importance of open data, shared expertise, and joint experimentation to advance weather modification science for the benefit of all.

The UAE’s approach demonstrates that addressing water scarcity and climate risks requires global cooperation. By exchanging information and integrating diverse research perspectives, nations can work together to build a more sustainable and secure future.

UAEREP’s Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, UAEREP aims to continue its mission of developing advanced technologies that make rain enhancement more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. The program plans to expand its partnerships, conduct more large-scale experiments, and integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into weather prediction and seeding operations.

Another major focus for UAEREP is education and capacity-building. The program is committed to training young scientists and engineers in atmospheric research, ensuring that the next generation of experts continues to drive innovation in weather science. This investment in human capital is key to maintaining progress and ensuring long-term sustainability.

UAEREP’s work also supports the UAE’s broader climate strategy, which emphasizes renewable energy, environmental conservation, and technological innovation as pillars of national development. The program embodies the UAE’s vision of leading through science and contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

The Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium showcased how international cooperation and scientific discovery can create real progress toward a more resilient world. UAEREP’s participation not only demonstrated the UAE’s leadership in rain enhancement technology but also highlighted the country’s dedication to global environmental well-being.

By contributing its expertise and sharing its achievements, UAEREP helped advance the international conversation on sustainable water management and weather control. The program’s success reflects the UAE’s belief that innovation and collaboration are the keys to building a safer, more sustainable planet.

The discussions in Tokyo reinforced a shared optimism among scientists and policymakers that technology can help address global environmental challenges. Through continued research, investment, and cooperation, the world can move closer to achieving long-term water security and climate resilience.

Conclusion

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science’s participation in the Moonshot Goal 8 Symposium in Japan marked another milestone in the nation’s pursuit of scientific excellence. By presenting its pioneering initiatives and sharing its vision for sustainable weather-control technologies, UAEREP strengthened its role as a global leader in climate innovation.

The program’s efforts in research, collaboration, and technology development continue to contribute significantly to the international understanding of weather modification and water sustainability. Through its ongoing commitment to science and environmental stewardship, the UAE is helping pave the way toward a future where innovation ensures a balanced and resilient ecosystem for generations to come.

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