The UAE has taken a major step toward solving global water scarcity, as scientists test a world-first laser system designed to trigger rainfall in arid climates.
The breakthrough project, conducted under the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), marks a milestone in the nation’s efforts to harness advanced technology for climate resilience and long-term water security.
The programme’s Strategic Directions Committee recently concluded a midterm review at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), where researchers are leading the Cycle 5 project, “Laser-Based Rain Triggering Demonstrator with Remote Sensing Technology.”
Laser-induced rainfall
Led by Dr. Guillaume Matras, Senior Director of the Directed Energy Research Centre (DERC) at TII, the project explores how high-power lasers can trigger condensation and influence cloud microphysics.
Laboratory experiments have already demonstrated laser-induced condensation and filament formation, confirming the concept’s feasibility.
The next phase involves field testing through a Mobile High-Power Pulsed Laser Demonstrator (MHPPLD), equipped with AI-powered remote sensing to observe atmospheric reactions in real time.
The mobile platform can be deployed across multiple locations in the UAE to test varying meteorological conditions.
UAE scientists
The UAE’s research team is working with leading global institutions to advance the project’s modelling capabilities:
- University of Hyogo (Japan) – super-droplet cloud simulations (SCALE-SDM)
- Southern University of Science and Technology (China) – laser–microphysics coupling
- Empa (Switzerland) – AI-driven LiDAR data analysis
These models simulate UAE-specific cloud conditions, from convective development over the Hajar Mountains to summer boundary-layer clouds across the western region, ensuring the technology is locally validated and globally scalable.
Weather technology
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), said: “At NCM, we prioritise the adoption of advanced technologies that deliver a real impact in addressing water scarcity challenges.
“Laser-based rain enhancement is such a promising innovation that supports our efforts to improve rainfall in arid and semi-arid regions.”
He added that the initiative strengthens national research capacity and advances the UAE’s vision for sustainable water resource management.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, said: “This pioneering research project positions the UAE at the forefront of innovation in laser-based rainfall enhancement.
“By integrating experimental physics, advanced atmospheric modelling, and AI-powered diagnostics, it explores novel approaches to weather modification.”
Patent milestone
During the review, scientists presented the finalised design of a multi-laser system, which replaces the earlier single-source laser with a hybrid femtosecond–nanosecond configuration.
This upgrade increases peak power and plasma density while reducing operational risk and lead time.
A new remote sensing suite integrates spectroscopy with multi-wavelength LiDAR to monitor droplet formation in real time.
The innovation led to the first joint patent filing between TII and NCM with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on 14 October 2025.
Future talent
The project also invests in developing local expertise. Reem Al Ameri, a Mechanical Engineer at TII, has begun her PhD research in partnership with Empa and the University of Bern, further strengthening the UAE’s academic and research ecosystem in atmospheric science.
Through these initiatives, the UAE continues to shape global innovation in rain enhancement science, combining AI, laser physics, and international collaboration to pioneer new frontiers in sustainable water technology.
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