A programme aimed at stimulating rainfall to increase water security in the UAE was launched by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs on Tuesday.

Managed by the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), the Dh18.3 million programme will recruit scientists and researchers over the next three years to contribute research and innovation in the field of rain enhancement.

“Water is an extremely important element for us due to the water scarcity in the UAE,” said Ahmed Al Zaabi, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs. “The UAE always seeks to find new techniques to save water and increase efficiency including through cloud seeding, desalination, use of solar energy and all other available sources of energy.”

Weather and climate change has led to an increase in the prices of Emiratis favourite fishes in Dubai, with some up by as much as 40 per cent.

According to Al Ittihad, the Arabic sister paper of The National, this led consumers to file complaints and ask authorities to curb increases and minimise it over the coming period, knowing that the wintry weather is still causing instabilities and high waves.

ABU DHABI // Weather forecasters warned of poor visibility on Monday due to blowing dust.

There is also a high chance of rain across the country - especially in the northern emirates.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said Monday morning will be partly cloudy with a chance of rain. Coupled with blowing dust in many parts of the country, visibility on the roads may be reduced.

The route for the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge was changed on Sunday.

Organisers said the move was made to challenge the competitors, who will embark on the three-day race next week.

The qualifying stage will begin on January 15, with the actual race taking place the following three days.