When Nature Needs a Nudge: How the UAE Gets AI to Make It Rain

In its bid to tackle extreme desert climate and ensure a reliable water supply, the UAE has turned to advanced cloud-seeding technology powered by AI.

This year alone, the nation has conducted hundreds of cloud-seeding missions, aiming to increase rainfall by at least 15% and address water scarcity more effectively. Here’s a closer look at how this system works.

Predicting the Perfect Storm

Using AI algorithms, meteorologists can analyse vast amounts of weather data in real time, helping them identify the best times and precise locations for seeding. Since clouds have a brief lifespan, AI enables forecasters to pinpoint optimal seeding conditions by monitoring cloud parameters, guiding operators to maximize efficiency and impact. Traditionally manual, this process is becoming increasingly precise with AI’s assistance.

Drones Join the Mission

To add precision, drones equipped with AI sensors release seeding materials directly into the clouds, offering more accuracy than traditional methods. These drones can target areas with pinpoint precision, maximizing the potential for rain.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The UAE’s cloud-seeding operations contribute between 84 and 419 million cubic meters to the country’s annual water supply, which receives about 6.7 billion cubic meters of rainfall. Each mission costs roughly Dh29,000 ($8,000) per flight hour, with the nation conducting over 900 flight hours on average each year—all in the name of a sustainable water future.