Houston: The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) participated in the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), held in Houston, Texas, from January 25th to 29th, 2026. The event gathered scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange knowledge and discuss recent developments in atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAEREP delegation conducted stakeholder meetings and visited universities in Texas, including the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A and M University. These activities aimed to strengthen academic and research cooperation and explore future collaboration in weather modification and climate science. Awardees from the third, fourth, and fifth cycles of UAEREP, such as Dr. Lulin Xue, Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld, Prof. Will Cantrell, and their research teams, contributed significantly to the scientific programme of AMS 2026. Their presentations highlighted UAEREP-supported work in cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions, and precipitation enhancement.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), stated that participation in major international scientific forums like the AMS Annual Meeting enhances UAEREP's collaboration with leading research institutions and scientific experts. This involvement facilitates the exchange of knowledge and informed scientific dialogue and showcases the UAE's progress in rain enhancement research.
Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP and Director of the Research and Weather Enhancement Department at the NCM, emphasized that the meeting provided an opportunity to present project outcomes and engage with the global scientific community on future initiatives, including the seventh cycle of the programme and the eighth International Rain Enhancement Forum.
On the sidelines of the conference, the UAEREP delegation met with Dr. Ehsan Erfani, Research Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the Desert Research Institute, to discuss progress in cloud microphysics and aerosol-cloud interactions. They also explored potential collaboration to improve severe weather forecasting and climate modelling for arid and semi-arid regions.
Additionally, the delegation engaged with Dr. Greg McFarquhar, Director of the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High Impact Weather Research and Operations at the University of Oklahoma. They discussed collaboration on cloud microphysical processes and aerosol impacts on cloud water and energy budgets, focusing on advanced instrumentation and modelling approaches relevant to precipitation enhancement in arid environments.
Furthermore, UAEREP held discussions with Prof. Youtong Zheng, Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. They exchanged views on recent advances in cloud physics modelling and their role in climate prediction and adaptation.
