Dubai Rainmakers: Unveiling the Secrets of Cloud Seeding

Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not get a lot of rainfall naturally because of the hot, dry desert climate. To get more water, the UAE uses a technology called cloud seeding.

What is cloud seeding?
Cloud seeding means putting certain substances like salt or silver iodide into clouds. This helps water droplets form inside the clouds so they produce more rain.

Does Dubai do cloud seeding?
Yes, cloud seeding operations happen regularly in Dubai and across the UAE. The UAE was one of the first countries in the Persian Gulf region to start using cloud seeding technology back in the late 1990s.

How much cloud seeding does it cost?
Exact costs are not public, but estimates say each 4-hour cloud seeding flight mission in the UAE costs around $5,000. In 2015, the UAE spent approximately $558,000 on cloud seeding operations. This is much less expensive than desalination, which can cost up to $1 million to produce 1,000 cubic meters of water.

Which countries use cloud seeding?
Over 37 countries worldwide use cloud seeding, including the United States, China, India, and several Middle Eastern nations. The UAE was a pioneer in bringing this technology to the region.

Is cloud seeding harmful to the environment?
Cloud seeding is generally considered environmentally friendly. However, some people worry the substances used, like silver iodide, could increase particle pollution in the air affecting air quality and people’s health. But the UAE monitors this carefully to reduce any negative impacts.

How often does Dubai cloud seed?
The UAE does over 900 hours of cloud seeding missions per year, with Dubai and other emirates involved. How frequently they do it depends on the weather conditions and if there are good clouds to seed.

Does it cause flooding in Dubai?
While cloud seeding makes it rain more, it is not the only cause of flooding in Dubai. Poor drainage systems, rapid urban growth, and extreme weather also contribute to floods. The UAE is improving infrastructure to better handle the extra rainfall from cloud seeding.

In summary, cloud seeding is an important way for Dubai to increase water supply in the desert region. Although there are some environmental concerns, the UAE closely monitors it to make sure it is done safely and sustainably.