MASAFI, United Arab Emirates (Dispatches) — The UAE recently experienced a rare and heavy rainfall event, drawing attention to the country’s ongoing water scarcity challenges and its efforts to increase rainfall through cloud seeding technology. 
This record rainfall comes amid severe drought conditions in neighboring countries, sparking concerns and suspicions about the impact of the UAE’s weather modification practices on the wider region.
Dubai recorded its heaviest rainfall since 1949, with 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rain falling in just 24 hours—exceeding the city’s average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters. 
The intense rain caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, prompting Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum to announce an $8 billion plan to expand the city’s drainage system by 700 percent to better prepare for future climate events.
Water scarcity remains a major issue in the UAE, a desert nation reliant on about 70 desalination plants to supply its population of nearly 10 million. Despite these efforts, Dubai’s water consumption remains among the highest globally, with residents using approximately 550 liters (145 gallons) per day. To supplement limited rainfall, the UAE has invested heavily in cloud seeding—flying aircraft to disperse chemicals into clouds to induce precipitation.
However, some regional observers and neighboring countries have expressed concerns that the UAE’s aggressive cloud seeding could be “milking the clouds,” effectively drawing moisture away from surrounding nations already struggling with drought. Countries such as Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia continue to face prolonged dry spells, water shortages, and food security challenges linked to scarce rainfall.
While the UAE defends cloud seeding as a necessary tool to enhance water security in a harsh climate, the accusations underscore tensions over shared natural resources in the region. A recent study found that much of Dubai’s population and infrastructure remain vulnerable to climate change effects, emphasizing the need for sustainable and cooperative water management strategies.
The weekend’s rare rain also attracted local weather enthusiasts, including Muhammad Sajjad Kalliyadan Poil, the “UAE Weatherman,” who relishes the infrequent showers as a nostalgic reminder of monsoon rains from his homeland in India.
As the UAE navigates rapid urban growth and environmental pressures, the balance between technological innovation and regional cooperation will be crucial to address water scarcity and climate resilience challenges in the Arabian Peninsula.