The UAE’s efforts to improve global water security through cloud-seeding technology have been highlighted at the Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow.
Experts from the National Centre of Meteorology took part in a discussion session titled, Rain Enhancement: Innovative Solutions to Attain Water Security.
There is an urgent need for action to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on countries and governments
Dr Abdulla Al Mandous,
NCM
NCM director Dr Abdulla Al Mandous and Alya Al Mazroui, director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science outlined the country’s rain enhancement technology and research programme.
They said the UAE’s cloud-seeding operations have increased understanding of this growing scientific field.
The country has developed more than 100 meteorological stations, a network of countrywide radars, custom-designed aircraft and a factory to produce high-quality hygroscopic salt flares for seeding.
Furthermore, the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science has awarded around $10 million in grants to scientists.
Dr Al Mandous said the UAE is committed to finding innovative and viable solutions to address global water shortages.
“There is an urgent need for action to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on countries and governments,” he said.
Ms Al Mazroui called for further research into cloud seeding.
“We aim to deepen our collective resolve to find reliable, feasible and cost-effective solutions such as cloud seeding to address water scarcity and achieve water security,” said Ms Al Mazroui.
She said the results of the programme’s fourth research cycle will be announced in January.
The UAE delegation has had a busy week at the Cop26 climate talks, meeting with government officials, campaigners and business people.
The country hopes to host Cop28 in Abu Dhabi in 2023, and has received wide endorsement from the GCC, Asean and this week, the UN's Asia-Pacific Group.
How cloud seeding works
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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