Reno: The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) participated in the Weather Modification Association (WMA) Annual Meeting 2026, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in Reno, Nevada, United States. The event gathered leading scientists, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and advance research and operational practices related to weather modification.
According to Emirates News Agency, UAEREP took part in the meeting through the active engagement of its four awardees, who delivered scientific presentations across key technical sessions. UAEREP supported the event as a sponsor, enhancing its visibility throughout the meeting and strengthening its presence among prominent scientific forums dedicated to advancing weather modification research.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), remarked that the WMA Annual Meeting serves as a valuable platform for facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening cooperation among researchers, and promoting the responsible application of weather modification science. Such forums are crucial for advancing scientific research and supporting sustainable weather modification practices.
Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, stated that UAEREP's participation in the 2026 WMA Annual Meeting underscores the program's support for a wide range of research, including laboratory studies, numerical modeling, satellite-based analysis, radar technologies, and artificial intelligence. These efforts highlight UAEREP's role in advancing research that strengthens rain enhancement science and supports sustainable water management globally.
As part of the meeting agenda, Dr. Michael Dixon, a Sixth Cycle UAEREP awardee and Principal Scientist at Echo Science Works in the United States, along with Professor Roelof Burger from North-West University, led a workshop on advanced radar-based tools and their applications in weather modification research. Dr. Dixon also delivered a presentation on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, focusing on his UAEREP-supported project titled 'Advancing Cloud Seeding Science with Dual-Polarization Radar Signatures and AI'.
Professor Daniel Rosenfeld, a Fifth Cycle UAEREP awardee and expert in weather modification at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, presented on leveraging satellite observations to improve operations. His presentation was based on findings from his UAEREP-supported project, 'Identification of Clouds' Microphysical Seedability in an Actionable Manner'.
Dr. Linda Zou, a First and Sixth Cycle UAEREP awardee and Professor at Victoria University in Australia, presented research on novel cloud seeding materials and efficient use of water vapor for precipitation enhancement. Her work is supported through her UAEREP project focused on the 'AI-assisted Development and Optimization of Glaciogenic Cloud Seeding Materials'.
Professor Will Cantrell, a Fifth Cycle UAEREP awardee and Associate Provost at Michigan Technological University, presented laboratory research findings on hygroscopic seeding. His presentation highlighted insights into hygroscopic seeding with powders and contributed to understanding cloud susceptibility to seeding.
Through its active participation in international scientific forums such as the WMA Annual Meeting, UAEREP continues to strengthen global research partnerships and support scientific innovation in rain enhancement research and long-term water resilience.