By Alya Al Mazroui www.thenational.ae
With 2015 designated as the Year of Innovation, there is a renewed determination to position the UAE as a global hub for world-class scientific and technological advancement.
The Emirates science, technology and innovation higher policy announced recently by the UAE Government is a vitally important landmark in the quest to secure the country’s future in a post-oil world.
As the global race to innovate gathers pace, the UAE is allocating significant resources to boost a national culture of scientific inquiry and knowledge acquisition. This focus has to be fostered through all areas of activity and national life. In keeping with the aims of the leadership’s vision, a significant number of initiatives have been launched that highlight the immense promise of the country’s intellectual and scientific capabilities.
One of the most promising of these is the programme for rain enhancement science. Launched by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs this year, it is an ambitious project designed to aid the fight against water scarcity by using technology to stimulate rainfall. With $5 million (Dh18.36m) available, the programme has attracted interest from researchers around the world.
With this international impetus, the rain enhancement science programme is building on a successful first year to help develop the local capability required to drive innovative solutions to ensure water security. More info
