Home
© 2025 National Center of Meteorology

About the Program

UAEREP is at the forefront of advancing rainfall enhancement research and driving innovations that strengthen global water security. With a focus on pioneering new technologies and fostering international partnerships, UAEREP promotes the translation of science into deployable solutions for rain enhancement, in line with the UAE’s global leadership in water security.

Leadership

Dr Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandoos

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandous currently serves as the President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a position he was elected to in June 2023. In this prestigious role, Dr. Al Mandous has played a pivotal part in guiding the WMO's global efforts, chairing numerous sessions, and representing the organization’s views to the WMO Congress and Executive Council. His leadership focuses on addressing the key challenges and priorities in the implementation of meteorological activities, particularly concerning climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.

Dr. Al Mandous is also the Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and has been the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the WMO since 2008. Under his visionary leadership, NCM has undergone significant modernization, particularly in enhancing the UAE's national meteorological and seismological networks. Notable achievements include the development of the Arabian Peninsula Integrated Radar Observing System and the establishment of The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), which has positioned the UAE at the forefront of global efforts to address water security challenges.

A key figure in the development of the National Integrated Observing System and the Seismic Data & Information Network Center in the UAE, Dr. Al Mandous has driven advancements in meteorological and seismological monitoring at both national and regional levels. His leadership has also been instrumental in the establishment of the Integrated Radar Observing System across the sub-region, contributing significantly to disaster management, water security, and the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Global Air Navigation Plan (2013-2028). Moreover, Dr. Al Mandous has played a crucial role in unifying seismic engineering services and facilitating regional and international data exchange concerning seismic activities.

In July 2021, under Dr. Al Mandous's direct supervision, NCM launched the Science Dome, a state-of-the-art 4D visualization facility designed to simulate and display real-time weather data. This facility has been instrumental in enhancing public understanding of meteorology, geophysics, and cloud seeding operations in an engaging and innovative manner.

Prior to his current roles, Dr. Al Mandous held several leadership positions spanning nearly two decades, contributing to atmospheric and seismographic monitoring as well as water resource management in the UAE. His career includes roles at the Atmospheric Studies Center, the Water Resources Studies Department, the National Project of UNDP for Water Sources Studies, and the Precipitation Enhancement Program, where he played an integral part in the UAE's national efforts to manage critical environmental resources.

Dr. Al Mandous holds a Ph.D. in Meteorological Sciences from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, a master’s degree in meteorology from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, and a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the University of Saint Louis, USA.

 

Alya Al Mazroui

Mrs. Alya Al Mazrouei is the Director of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, an international research initiative managed by the UAE National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and designed to advance the science and technology of rain enhancement. Mrs. Al Mazrouei also holds the position of Acting Director of Research and Weather Enhancement Department at NCM.

In her role as the program’s Director since 2014, Mrs. Al Mazrouei leads multiple international initiatives that aim to advance and flourish the UAE’s engagement and capacity-building in the field of weather modification. These initiatives include the UAEREP International Research Award for Rain Enhancement Sciences and Technologies and the International Rain Enhancement Forum.

Prior to her role as the Director of the UAEREP, Mrs. Al Mazrouei served as Head of the Training Section at the R&D Department from 2011 to 2013 and managed various Meteorological Courses certified by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) through a cooperative agreement with the United Kingdom Meteorological Office.

Mrs. Al Mazrouei joined the NCM’s Climatology section in 2003. Her journey at NCM has included several notable successes, such as leading a project to launch a new academic program specializing in meteorology (Bachelor of Meteorology Sciences) in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. Mrs. Al Mazrouei has also been involved in utilizing and implementing a new e-learning methodology at the NCM for both behavioral and specialized technical skills. She was also a key member of the of the UAE Weather Modification Excellence Prize team formed in 2005.

Mrs. Al Mazrouei has received several awards and recognitions for her outstanding achievements and contributions at NCM. She graduated with honors from Zayed University with a degree in Business Science in 2002.