Heavy Rainfall in the UAE: Unveiling the Secrets of Cloud-Seeding"

Over the weekend, the UAE mountains experienced a deluge of rain, prompting severe weather warnings. Ever wondered how rain actually occurs in the Emirates?

Our team at KT embarked on a journey to demystify the world of weather modification and cloud-seeding techniques. I had eagerly anticipated this experience for months, and the excitement hung in the air like dense fog.

I found myself on a special flight, knowing well the typical jitters that come with boarding an aircraft. However, my destination wasn't another continent or country.

Arriving at Al Ain Airport around noon on Thursday after a drive of over an hour from Dubai, it felt like I was getting closer to a mission that had been a long time in the making. As I neared Al Ain, a sense of serenity washed over me. The city's hustle and bustle became a distant memory as I stepped into the peaceful haven of this rustic airport.

Surveying my surroundings, I observed ground teams armed with advanced weather monitoring equipment, meteorological instruments, and communication technology for real-time data collection and seamless coordination with cloud-seeding operations. The cloud-seeding aircraft, in themselves, were a marvel of engineering, reminiscent of my seven-year-old son's video games. Walking through the hangar, I counted four of these unique aircraft, each proudly representing the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Approaching one of the planes, I was captivated by the 24 salt flares mounted on both sides of its wings – the magical payloads responsible for rain enhancement.

While I'm not a science student, my inherent curiosity as a journalist has always driven me to seek the "why" in every subject.

I learned that the King AC90 aircraft's wings were equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring an array of sensors designed to detect and analyze the clouds it encountered.
Stepping onto the plane, I sensed a growing excitement and anticipation in the air, despite the warning of a potentially turbulent flight. Glimpsing into the utility aircraft's cockpit, I saw communication systems, navigation equipment, the firing box, and other controls essential for piloting the aircraft.

Strapped into my seat, I observed the meticulous pre-flight checks and discussions between the two pilots. The atmosphere inside the aircraft was a blend of nervous energy and determination as the pilots outlined their mission techniques.

As the aircraft took off, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation coursed through me. Peering out of the plane, I marveled at the city of Al Ain, the desert landscape, and the Jebel Hafeet mountain, resembling toy blocks from the sky.

The flight ascended through the layers of the atmosphere, climbing higher and higher until it reached 6,000 feet, just beneath the cloud base. Despite turbulence inside, my colleague and I remained focused on the mission.

Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the cloud-seeding operation began. The aircraft positioned itself directly beneath the cloud formation, ready to release the seeding material.

The pilots informed us of their intention to release hygroscopic seeding agents into the clouds to stimulate raindrop formation. Anticipation surged within me as I eagerly awaited the climax of the experience. Finally, I witnessed the flares igniting on both sides of the wings, each lasting for two to three minutes.
The scientific precision displayed during the process left me in awe; I had never witnessed anything quite like it before.
After 45 minutes of intense work, the aircraft reemerged into clear skies, preparing to descend.
As I disembarked, I reflected on the extraordinary journey that had elevated me into the clouds and showcased the remarkable capabilities of modern science and engineering.
The UAE's cloud-seeding mission is undoubtedly a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to innovate, addressing vital issues like water security, which will forever remain crucial for our survival.