Three pioneering researchers have won a $5 million grant for their work in rain enhancement.
The awards were announced as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at Adnec on Wednesday and coincided with the three - day forum on rain enhancement science.
Professor Eric Frew, Dr Ali Abshaev and Dr Lulin Xue were awarded the prize by the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science.
Prof Frew is researching the use of drones to seed clouds.
Dr Xue is trying to improve the scientific understanding of the rain enhancement process, while Dr Abshaev is looking at the creation of artificial updrafts in clouds.
The programme was launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, to tackle the issue of water security.
He said the award "demonstrates our leadership in tackling the challenge of global water stress and devising the innovative solutions needed to aid people at risk around the world".
"As rapidly expanding populations place increasing pressure on limited water sources, the UAE is playing a dynamic and imaginative role in advancing the science and technology needed to ensure water for all in need, " he said.
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