Abu Dhabi: The sixth edition of the International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, has kicked off at the Conrad Abu Dhabi at Etihad Towers. The forum is a first-of-its-kind event to deal with pressing water and sustainability issues worldwide.
The event is organised by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) through the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) and takes place from January 24–26, 2023. It is structured around five strategic pillars, which are collaborations, innovation, capacity building, artificial intelligence, and applied research.
The UAE continues to deliver on its commitment to adopting innovation as a core component of its government’s scientific and economic agenda in support of global environmental goals, particularly those related to climate change and water security. As our country prepares to host COP28, we have recently launched several ambitious initiativesthat will reinforce the UAE’s status as one of the most committed countries to the principles of environmental sustainability.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed remarked.
“Through this unique international forum dedicated to rain enhancement sciences, we reiterate our full support for the efforts of the scientific community to advance this promising field and provide a sustainable alternative to replenish the groundwater reserves in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide,” Sheikh Mansour added.
According to Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM, the forum serves as an important platform offered by the UAE to the world to achieve the security and sustainability of water supplies and to tackle the challenges of climate change.
“As the preparation for COP28 is in full swing, we are keen to be part of this momentum by exploring innovative rain enhancement solutions and finding ways to accelerate the transition from research to real applications. The ‘Emirates Weather Enhancement Factory’ is a perfect example of such applications,” Dr. Al Mandous remarked.
With strong participation from leading international and national experts, researchers, and scientists in water security, water sustainability, and weather modification, IREF aims to solidify its status as a global platform for exploring key topics related to water sustainability and rain enhancement research.
Furthermore, the event has drawn the participation of 46 speakers and panellists from 18 countries worldwide, including Prof. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), who delivered the opening speech, and Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, who addressed the event through her video-recorded remarks.