As climate change dominates global discussions, some alarming events may have slipped under the radar.
The Arabian Gulf endured extreme heat and humidity in mid-July, with heat indexes soaring to 60-65°C in some areas. In Abu Dhabi, temperatures surged to 61°C, while Oman's Khasab Air Base recorded a blistering 58°C.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, sea surface temperatures were as warm as 35°C during the same time. Researchers have pointed out that this region could experience dangerous heat levels regularly over the next 30 to 50 years.
Meanwhile, severe droughts are becoming more widespread, as evidenced by the Brazilian port of Manaus reaching record-low water levels last October and Nepal experiencing below-average winter rainfall for six out of the past 10 years.
While not a silver bullet, rain enhancement provides a proactive measure that can help mitigate water shortages
The increasingly dry weather and escalating water crisis directly threaten food security, public health and livelihoods. Countries such as Spain and South Africa are experiencing devastating agricultural losses due to prolonged dry spells, with cities such as Cape Town having had to implement water restrictions to manage shrinking resources.
These issues are not isolated. They're symptomatic of a warming planet, where rising temperatures speed up the water cycle, intensifying rainfall in some areas and worsening droughts in others.
The UN predicts that by 2050, drought could affect 75 per cent of the global population. Even more alarming, by 2100, rising temperatures could render groundwater undrinkable for up to 75 million people worldwide, according to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany.
In this context, the case for rainfall enhancement as a potential solution becomes more compelling. The UAE, with its naturally arid climate, has long sought innovative approaches to diversify its water-food-energy nexus. Significant strides have been made towards energy-efficient solutions. However, two-thirds of our domestic water needs are still met by groundwater, and with rising temperatures, water scarcity remains a pressing concern.
This has led us to explore forward-thinking solutions, including the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), in its 10th year, which contributes to advancing rain enhancement science through innovative solutions.
Rainfall enhancement applications have been employed worldwide for decades. This solution is more relevant today due to recent scientific advancements that have clearly demonstrated its effectiveness by distinguishing between natural and induced precipitation. This has prompted several countries, including India, to invest millions in rainmaking technology. The technology is also being explored as a tool to address air pollution in Pakistan, mitigate forest fires in Indonesia and sustain water levels that are safe for maritime navigation through the Panama Canal.
The UAE's rain-enhancement programme stands out for its novel approach, emphasising global collaboration, innovative technology, and multidisciplinary research. This is all to address the water security challenges faced by arid and semi-arid regions across the globe. By working at the intersection of water, energy, food and the environment, UAEREP is establishing rainfall enhancement as a key component of sustainability and climate change adaptation strategies.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, we intend to accelerate research and development, offering grants of up to $1.5 million for each of the three winning research proposals. The programme has funded 14 groundbreaking projects to date, cementing the UAE’s leadership in scientific innovation and rain enhancement technology. The sixth cycle of the programme will begin soon, continuing to explore new areas for development.
In parallel, we are expanding our unique international platform, the International Rain Enhancement Forum, created by the government for the global rain enhancement scientific community. This forum provides a space to discuss the latest advancements and offers new researchers opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists worldwide.
Since 2016, UAEREP has invested more than $22.5 million in research grants to 14 principal investigators, supported by 208 researchers from 45 institutions worldwide. Our vision is to pool knowledge, resources and technologies to develop more effective methods of increasing rainfall where it is most needed.
Complementarily, Abu Dhabi’s G42 has teamed up with Nvidia to develop AI-driven solutions that improve global weather forecasting using Nvidia’s Earth-2 platform.
This partnership includes a climate tech lab in Abu Dhabi, which will create tailored climate solutions. In line with the UAEREP mission, this initiative supports the UAE’s broader vision of leading from the front by connecting climate science with societal benefits.
Critics may point to uncertainties about the long-term effects and scientifically flawed conspiracy theories of manipulating weather systems, but the urgency of the water crisis demands the exploration of all viable solutions. While not a silver bullet, rain enhancement provides a proactive measure that can help mitigate water shortages and offer relief to regions struggling with drought and increasingly unbearable heat.
The method also fits into larger water management strategies to build resilience against climate change. While reducing emissions and adopting sustainable practices remain critical, this domain offers a complementary remedy for regions in crisis. It represents a step towards adaptive solutions that buy time while long-term climate mitigation efforts continue. Ultimately, the future of water security depends on our capacity to innovate, collaborate and take decisive action.
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Tathoor, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
Winner: Aiz Alawda, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
Winner: ES Nahawand, Fernando Jara, Mohammed Daggash
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Winked, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
Winner: Somoud, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Al Jazi, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
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MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Race card
4pm Al Bastakiya Listed US$300,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
4.35pm Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,200m
5.10pm Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 $350,000 (Turf) 1,200m
5.45pm Burj Nahaar Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
6.20pm Jebel Hatta Group 1 $400,000 (T) 1,800m
6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $600,000 (D) 2,000m
7.30pm Dubai City Of Gold Group 2 $350,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections:
4pm Zabardast
4.35pm Ibn Malik
5.10pm Space Blues
5.45pm Kimbear
6.20pm Barney Roy
6.55pm Matterhorn
7.30pm Defoe
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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more from Janine di Giovanni
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Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica
Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
Best Club : Liverpool
Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP
Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart
Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)
Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)
Best Women's Player: Lucy Bronze
Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi
Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)
Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
