The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) participates in the 26thUN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26)as part of the UAE’s official delegation to the international conference hosted by the city of Glasgow, Scotland, from 31 October to 12 November 2021.
As part of its participation in the event, the Center is set to highlight its achievements in the field of meteorology and studies of extreme weather conditions and linking them to climatic changes, as well as cloud seeding operations and the latest technologies used in this vital field that contribute to reducing the high rate of evaporation.
The center also will give updates from the cutting-edge research projects carried out by the awardees of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). The participation will also help the center in establishing stronger relationships with key stakeholders in the rain enhancement field in line with some of the UAE’s 10 principles for the next 50 years, which includes consolidating the reputation of the Emirates globally, recruiting talents, retaining specialists and continuously building skills.
The center’s participation is also part of the efforts in support of the UAE’s endeavor to host the Conference of States Parties (COP28) in 2023 in Abu Dhabi, which will be voted on and the winning country will be announced on the last day of the Glasgow Conference.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of NCM and President of the Regional Association II (Asia) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said: “COP26 offers a unique opportunity for NCMto showcase the UAE’s achievements in promoting rain enhancement research and ensuring global water security. The conference’s objectives are well-aligned with NCM’sefforts to advance rain enhancement research. In bringing together leading researchers, scientists and partners from across the globe, the event provides an excellent platform to highlight the UAE’s pioneering rain enhancement program and explore avenues of building new global partnerships.”
The NCM delegation comprises representatives of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science who will hold several important meetings with officials and experts from different international organizations. Furthermore, the program is set to host a panel session on rain enhancement and its crucial role as an enabler of the global water security. NCM officials will also participate in several expert-led sessions hosted by other government and private organizations participating in the event as part of the country’s official delegation.
For her part, Alya Al Mazroui, Director of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), said: “Through its continued support for innovative research projects in rain enhancement research, the program seeks to deliver a positive impact on global water security, due to its strategic importance for the UAE as well as many other countries participating in the event. The conference serves as an ideal platform to explore the latest technologies and research initiatives in rain enhancement research, broaden our international partnership network, and highlight the critical role of rain enhancement inmitigating climate change and water scarcity. Furthermore, the event allows us to enhance the country’s status as a leading global hub in this vital domain.”
Since its inception in 2015 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has attracted 1,811 researchers from over 806 global institutions in 70 countries.
The fourth cycle of the UAE’s pioneering rain enhancement program is currently underway and offers a US$1.5 million grant for each winning research proposal, distributed over three years. The grant will enable these projects to move from theory to practice, provided that the winning projects shall start implementation within two months after the announcement of fourth cycle awardees at a virtual event set to run in January 2022.
The success of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science articulates the UAE’s prominent position in this growing scientific field. The program has become a focal point for facilitating global research collaboration and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable water resources for countries at risk of water scarcity.
