UAEREP Showcases Rain Research at AMS 2026 in 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 25 to 29.

The global event brought together scientists, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in atmospheric, oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

During the meeting, the UAEREP delegation held stakeholder discussions and visited leading academic institutions in Texas, including the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University. These visits aimed to strengthen research cooperation and explore future collaboration in weather modification and climate science.

Researchers supported by UAEREP from its third, fourth and fifth funding cycles played a key role in the scientific programme. Dr. Lulin Xue, Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld, Prof. Will Cantrell and their research teams delivered multiple presentations on cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and precipitation enhancement.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation and Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology, said participation in international scientific platforms like AMS helps strengthen global collaboration and highlights the UAE’s progress in rain enhancement research.

Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP and Director of the Research and Weather Enhancement Department at NCM, said the meeting allowed UAEREP to present research outcomes and engage with the global scientific community on future initiatives, including the programme’s seventh cycle and the eighth International Rain Enhancement Forum.

On the sidelines of the conference, the UAEREP team met Dr. Ehsan Erfani of the Desert Research Institute to discuss advances in cloud microphysics and aerosol-cloud interactions, along with potential cooperation to improve severe weather forecasting and climate modelling for arid regions.

The delegation also held talks with Dr. Greg McFarquhar from the University of Oklahoma to explore collaboration on cloud processes, aerosol impacts and the use of advanced instruments and modelling methods for precipitation enhancement.

In addition, discussions were held with Prof. Youtong Zheng of the University of Houston on recent progress in cloud physics modelling and its role in climate prediction and adaptation.