UAEREP Opens Call for Submissions for Sixth Cycle Grant to Enhance Rainfall Research
The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has announced the opening of submissions for its sixth cycle, offering grants of up to US$1.5 million (AED 5.511 million) for innovative research proposals. The funding will be distributed among up to three winning projects over a three-year period. This announcement was made during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) in Abu Dhabi.
The program invites research proposals focused on five core areas: Optimized Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation and/or Rain Enhancement Systems, Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and Data.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emphasized the importance of UAEREP’s sixth cycle in addressing global water security challenges. He stated, "This effort aligns with the UAE’s continued commitment to accelerating climate action and building resilience against the impacts of climate change."
Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, explained that this cycle aligns with NCM’s strategic vision to establish the program as a global leader in rain enhancement research. "Through this cycle, we aim to build on the achievements of previous cycles, which have helped optimize strategies, refine operations, and improve precipitation outcomes for numerous rain enhancement initiatives."
The deadline for proposal registration is 13 March 2025, with pre-proposals due by 20 March 2025. Invited parties will be notified by 20 May 2025 and must submit full proposals by 28 August 2025. The winning projects will be selected through a rigorous two-stage merit review process, with awardees announced in January 2026.
UAEREP has already allocated AED 82.6 million to 11 successful research projects, resulting in eight patents, with three more pending registration. Currently, three new research projects are underway as part of the program’s ongoing commitment to advancing rain enhancement technologies.
