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.
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
MATCH INFO
Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern: Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)
Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Low turnout
Two months before the first round on April 10, the appetite of voters for the election is low.
Mathieu Gallard, account manager with Ipsos, which conducted the most recent poll, said current forecasts suggested only two-thirds were "very likely" to vote in the first round, compared with a 78 per cent turnout in the 2017 presidential elections.
"It depends on how interesting the campaign is on their main concerns," he told The National. "Just now, it's hard to say who, between Macron and the candidates of the right, would be most affected by a low turnout."
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MATCH INFO
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 1', Kane 8' & 16') West Ham United 3 (Balbuena 82', Sanchez og 85', Lanzini 90' 4)
Man of the match Harry Kane
DUNGEONS%20%26%20DRAGONS%3A%20HONOR%20AMONG%20THIEVES
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World Sevens Series standing after Dubai
1. South Africa
2. New Zealand
3. England
4. Fiji
5. Australia
6. Samoa
7. Kenya
8. Scotland
9. France
10. Spain
11. Argentina
12. Canada
13. Wales
14. Uganda
15. United States
16. Russia
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
UAE%20v%20West%20Indies
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The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Bawaal%20
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.
The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
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Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More on Quran memorisation:
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
