UAE’s rain enhancement programme's road show visits research organizations in Thailand

A delegation from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science visited leading research organizations in Thailand on October 19-23 as part of a roadshow to facilitate deeper and stronger engagement with international organizations working on the science and technology of rainfall.

During the visit, the UAE delegation met with Thailand's Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA), which conducts advanced research and operations in rainmaking under the patronage of His Highness King Bhumibol of Thailand. The meeting was chaired by Phonchai Tongyingsakul, Deputy-Director General of DRRAA.

Discussions were also held with weather modification scientists from the country’s Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) and Kasetsart University - institutions that are committed to training the next generation of Thai engineers.

Commenting on the visit, Omar Al Yazeedi, Director of Research and Development and Training at NCMS, said: "Thailand has been identified as a potentially key strategic partner for the UAE’s efforts to promote rain enhancement for the benefit of arid and semi-arid areas around the world. Our visit gave us an excellent opportunity to share knowledge with leading Thai organizations and explain the UAE’s strong commitment to advancing rain enhancement research. This roadshow marks the start of a mutually beneficial partnership that could boost the efforts of both countries to ensure water sustainability through scientific and technological research."

For his part, Phonchai Tongyingsakul said: "May I assure you of our willingness to cooperate on this highly important project, which will ultimately help increase knowledge and improve the quality of life of the population."

As part of the visit, the UAE delegation also toured the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) where they exchanged views on rainmaking science with Dr Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh, Professor of Environmental Engineering and Management at the School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT. The institution is renowned for its focus on technological change and sustainable development through education, research and outreach.

Dr Kim Oanh said: "Given the limited resources available to scientists in weather modification and related fields, we are greatly encouraged by the UAE's strong interest in this field. At AIT, we are keen to build synergy with the UAE and proactively support its Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science."

The UAE delegation also held productive talks with Dr Savitri Garivait, an associate professor at Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). JGSEE-KMUTT is leading research institution in the fields of fossil fuels, renewable energy and energy management, and environmental aspects of energy policy.

"Atmospheric science, weather modelling and rainmaking are critical areas of research that are needed to address the global challenge of climate change, agriculture and water security," remarked Dr Savitri, who is also Chairperson of the Environment Division and Partnership Relations and Outreach of JGSEE-KMUTT.

She added: "The generous grant offered by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science is a great opportunity for research communities around the globe working in atmospheric and climate sciences to advance theories and practical knowledge in this field. JGSEE-KMUTT and other research institutions in Thailand welcome this initiative and look forward to participating in future cycles."

The UAE roadshow also visited the Meteorological Development Bureau of Thailand, which plays an important role in providing meteorological information for the benefit of the Thai government and society at large.

Summarizing the outcome of the UAE delegation’s visit to Thailand, Omar Al Yazeedi said: "Our visit to Thailand marks the start of a mutually beneficial partnership that could boost the efforts of both countries’ efforts to ensure water sustainability through scientific and technological research."

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science was launched in early 2015 as part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Innovation’. The program is designed to encourage arid and semi-arid countries to overcome water scarcity through the innovative use of technology to stimulate rainfall.

In its first cycle, the program will select up to five projects as winners of a total grant of US$5 million to be awarded over a three-year period. An initiative of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the program is designed to encourage the development of existing science and technology used to enhance rainfall in arid and semi-arid regions. The winning researchers will be honored at a ceremony in January 2016 in the presence of leading government figures, scientific institutions, and the international and local media.