United Arab Emirates: A new experiment to tackle the country’s drought

Using drones to make it rain 

The aim of Emirati scientists during this period of high temperatures is clear: to find the right solution to help the inhabitants cope with the heat. 

حميم منطقة الظفرة #أبوظبي ⁧#المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد⁩ ⁧#أمطار_الخير⁩ ⁧#أصدقاء_المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد⁩ ⁧#حالة_الطقس⁩ ⁧#حالة_جوية⁩ ⁧#هواة_الطقس⁩ #راشد_القايدي #عواصف_الشمال ⁩ pic.twitter.com/isAgBMqcqV

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMS_media) July 15, 2021

These last few days mark a new stage in their thinking, as a further step in the research is underway. The new technique, also known as “cloud incensing“, has been in use since 13 July and uses drones to send electric discharges into the clouds to increase the possibility of precipitation. These devices gather the fine drops in the clouds, making them dense enough to fall and hydrate the country. 

And this technique works! For a few days now, several drone flights lasting a few hours have already been carried out in Dubai and in other regions of the country. 

A technique still in its infancy 

Unfortunately, this technique still has its flaws. While it does indeed cause rain, it does not control the amount of water delivered, nor its intensity. Because of the rare rainy days, Dubai’s infrastructure was not built to withstand heavy downpours. 

الامارات : الان هطول أمطار الخير على طريق سويحان وطريق أبوظبي غرب مدينة العين #منخفض_العرب #مركز_العاصفة
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— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) July 14, 2021

As the rains became heavier, the authorities had to declare a state of alert in certain regions of the Emirates to encourage motorists to be cautious. 

An innovative technique that still needs to be perfected!