Saudi Arabia has embarked on the first phase of its artificial rainmaking operations in the regions above the capital Riyadh, Al-Qassim, and Hail on April 26.
Riyadh is one of the three cities selected for cloud seeding. Photo: iStock
The weather modification technique is part of an effort to increase Saudi Arabia’s annual rainfall (which is only about 100 mm per year) by 10-20%. Cloud seeding involves introducing chemicals into clouds, such as small silver iodide particles, to enhance precipitation from the cloud. This method causes water droplets to cluster around the silver iodide particles, leading to larger droplets that increase the likelihood of rain.
As one of the driest countries in the world, Saudi Arabia’s project aims to mitigate desertification by increasing rainfall. This is one of the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative, aimed at enhancing vegetation and adapting to climate change.
Ayman Ghulam, the director of the National Meteorology Center and manager of the cloud seeding program, stated that the program’s operations room opened on February 25 at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh, with the first flight set to take off near the capital. Ghulam emphasized that they have met the objectives regarding the outcomes and timeline of the cloud seeding activities. The program will monitor cloud formation nationwide to identify optimal cloud seeding locations. Authorities will also use environmentally friendly materials to increase rainfall in targeted areas.
According to Ghulam, cloud seeding is one of the promising methods for safely preserving water balance, being easily adjustable and cost-effective. Similar technology is being utilized in many countries. China has invested billions of dollars in weather modification ahead of major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics. By 2025, the country will have an artificial rainmaking weather modification system covering 5.5 million km² and will limit hail over 580,000 km².
