ABU DHABI: In recent years, the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has been using a special cloud seeding material (CNST). This material, made mostly of common salt and a bit of titanium dioxide, was first developed by UAEREP in 2017. The UAE is the only country in the world currently using this advanced material for safe cloud seeding.

Cloud seeding is a method used to increase rainfall by adding particles to clouds, which helps them form more raindrops. This technique is vital for improving water supplies in dry regions and addressing climate change. The CNST material is particularly effective because it attracts moisture and speeds up the process that leads to rain. The addition of titanium dioxide makes it even more reactive in different humidity conditions, enhancing its effectiveness.

Safety is a top priority in cloud seeding. Extensive research, including studies by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), has shown that the materials used, including CNST, do not harm the environment. The small amounts of CNST used in cloud seeding are diluted by the large amounts of rainwater produced, making it completely safe.

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Professor Linda Zou, a key researcher in this field and a UAEREP grant recipient, has made significant advancements in using nanotechnology for cloud seeding. Her research has demonstrated that CNST materials can increase the number of large water droplets by 300 percent, leading to more rainfall. Her work has been patented worldwide, showcasing the UAE’s leadership in safe and innovative weather modification techniques.