UAE Scientists Test High-Power Laser System to Trigger Rainfall

Scientists in the UAE are testing a high-power laser system designed to trigger rainfall in arid conditions—a world first for rain enhancement science. Developed under the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the project aims to advance sustainable water resource management through cutting-edge weather modification.

Led by Dr Guillaume Matras, Senior Director of TII’s Directed Energy Research Centre, the research explores how high-power lasers can stimulate condensation and influence cloud microphysics. Laboratory trials have already demonstrated laser-induced condensation, with the next phase deploying a mobile laser demonstrator equipped with AI-powered remote sensing to monitor atmospheric reactions in real time.

The project, titled 'Laser-Based Rain Triggering Demonstrator with Remote Sensing Technology,' involves collaborations with the University of Hyogo (Japan), Southern University of Science and Technology (China), and Empa (Switzerland).